Brantwood was another place which I had passed by hundreds of times but never ventured inside. Brantwood was the home of John Ruskin, he was the leading English art critic of the Victorian era, as well as an art patron, draughtsman, watercolourist, a prominent social thinker and philanthropis. Brantwood looks down to Coniston water and over towards the Coniston fells. Continue reading Brantwood
It seems to be a recurrent theme, doing walks to take in summits missed on previous walks. This was the case today. When we first decided to complete out first round of Wainwrights, we didn’t set off in a very scientific manner. Accidentally missing summits because we were just out for a walk. Continue reading Great Carrs and Greyfriar
After the big 10 in 10 walk the day before, woke up feeling not too bad. Sacking off camping in favour of my comfy bed probably helped!
So I said to Dave should we go for a walk as was such a gorgeous day. So with a check on Wainwrights to do list decided to do Dow crag. Another one that was missed as was not in full bagger mode, when we climbed the Old Man of Coniston.
Having a day off during the week is twice as nice. The last holiday day of this financial year was booked in. We had decided to do Holme fell and then go to one of our favourite places “The Drunken Duck” for lunch. Continue reading Size isn’t everything…..
So when I tweeted about wanting to drive a steam boat, Coniston gondolas tweeted me saying “there’s only one boat to do it on and in one of the best locations in the UK”. So I contacted them,they were so friendly and helpful. They said to give them a buzz when I was wanting to go and they would sort it for me. Continue reading Completing number 20 off my 40 at 40 list – Drive a steamer boat
Another gorgeous day in the lakes, part of my New Years resolution was to get out on the hills more and so far so good!
It was decided that The Old Man of Coniston was this weeks destination. I had not done this walk for 10 plus years. Where has the time gone?? Parked in Coniston at the sports ground and was a bargain for parking at £3 for the whole day. Maybe the rest of the lakes should take note.
It was a lovley day but at 9.30am was on;y 3.5 degrees so was glad I had remembered to put my hat and gloves in my rucksack. Walked up past the Sun Hotel and up the very steep hill on the Walna Scar road. I don’t mind a steep ascent as you gain height quickly, the road then levelled out and were soon in the fells. Soon we were at Goats water and here was a pit stop to take in the view and have a coffee and chocolate break. Instant coffee in a flask tastes really good when you’re out on a walk especially with chocolate biscuits!!
Before long we were nearly at the summit, it was such a clear day and could see for miles. As it hadn’t taken as long as we thought, decided to extend the walk to take in Brim Fell Rake, Levers Hawse, Little Bow, Great How Crag onto Swirl How then down past Levers Water to the Coppermines. I love the Coppermines as it mixes the fells with the industrialness of the mines.
As with any good walk, you need a good pub at the end of it. On the way back to the car passed The Black Bull and would have been rude not to call in for one. Coniston’s Oliver pale ale was my walkers reward!
