Coniston Old Man, Dow Crags, Brim Fell & Swirl How walk

There are quite a few places to park in Coniston, some are tucked away towards the coppermines on the roadside or again on the start of the Walna Scar road - but I was lucky today and managed to get a spot on the roadside as you enter Coniston from the Ambleside road.

There's also a large 'pay and display' car park in the town centre if needed.

Heading towards the Walna Scar Road as I pass The Sun Inn, stayed here a couple of times in the past.

A bit of shade from the morning sun as I head uphill towards the Walna Scar car park.

A right turn at the car park, which looked busy for a Thursday morning - I guess the forecast of a lovely hot day tempted quite a few more than usual.

Looking over in the direction of the Coppermines valley with Wetherlam in the background. The diagonal path heading towards it's summit is the route I normally take.

At this point I was considering whether to add Wetherlam into todays walk, I left it that I would see and decide when I got to Prison Band later on in the day.

On the 'Old Man' path now as I head through all the old mine workings.

Heading up the stone steps towards the Old Man.

As I climb, it's good to have a breather and look back at Low Water.

Out into the open with views of Coniston in the distance.

Another look back down to Low Water, but this time Levers Water creeps into view in the distance with Wetherlam standing proud behind.

You can easily see the meandering path that hundreds walk every day whilst heading up this popular route.

And after a couple of hours walking from Coniston, the summit is finally reached.

After taking photo's of other walkers celebrating at the top - It was a quick shot of the Trig Point and then I was off to the next fell.

What an impressive and imposing fell - Dow Crag - A fell that I haven't visited for a while, and I can't remember when I was last there in good weather. Going to be a good day to go today.

As I descend down to the col between Dow Crag and Brim Fell, Goats Water can be seen.

The rocky top of Dow Crag with it's display of sharp rocks spearing upwards - a bit like the Iron Throne (GOT) really. A simple scramble up to the top for airy views over Goats Water.

Looking over to Coniston Old Man where I was standing not too long ago.

This is the route I normally take to get here - via Walna Scar Road, Brown Pike and Buck Pike, but it's nice to mix it up a bit.

As I head over to Brim Fell following the Old Man path, I decided to veer off and cut the corner off slightly - not sure whether it was worth it really.

My friend Paul once commented that this was a bit of a poor fell when passing the summit - "Is this it ? - call this a Wainwright" he said.

But it's one of those that is best viewed from other angles, it is a whale-backed bulk of a mountain and it's eastern face is really impressive when looking up from Levers Water - a proper mountain for sure.

After Brim fell, it was easy navigating all the way to Swirl How, seen here in the distance.

A quick look over the edge to Levers Water.

And over the other side........ Seathwaite Tarn, with the shapely Harter Fell behind.

Before I knew it, I'd arrived at the top of Swirl How for the hundreth time and took this photo which shows Great Carrs behind.

Swirl How is one of those fells (like High Raise in the Langdales) that you seem to visit via all sorts of routes, its a busy little junction alright.

Heading down to Swirl Hause via the Prison Band. A simple ascent/descent, but with a little bit of hand to rock every now and then.

The large cairn at the col (Swirl Hause). I turned right here and headed towards Levers Water.

Beautiful Levers Water in the late afternoon sunshine. See what I mean about Brim Fell behind.

The Coppermines Valley.

Bet this is an interesting visit.

Wow, look at the size of these copper nuggets they dig out !

Just about the end of my days walk as I gently descend via the track/road back to Coniston - A lovely day out, hope that's not the end of the summer for this year, can we have just one more warm spell please.