Tuesday 16 December 2014

The Old Man

The Old Man of Coniston is hill (or small mountain, depending on its mood and the weather) in the southern Lake District.  It was once the highest point in Lancashire, before the boundaries were changed and it became part of Cumbria.  I have only even known it as a Cumbrian.

It was probably the first hill in the Lakes I ever climbed - many years ago, long before I headed south.

But this was not the reason I choose it to climb when we were back in the UK - I choose it because it's a great walk, well within the ability of my kids - and it pretty much shows you all of what the Lake Distinct is like.

Long views.  Steep crags of climbable rocks.  Small tarns hidden in the folds of the Earth, that surprise by their presence.  But also the hand of farming and industry - sheep cropped grass lands and old mines and quarries.  Well worn footpaths and at the end of the day, tea, ice-cream or beer depending the time of day or your age.

About 20 of us went up the hill, and due to the quality of the company 20 of us came down.  Such arithmetic is always pleasing!

We took morning tea at Goats Water and watched people climb the dark buttresses of Dow Crag; memories of climbing the same rocks came flooding back. We took lunch on the top - eccles cakes and sandwiches and talked about old time, and smiled at the number of kids we had with us now.

The best part of 20 years had passed since I had seen some of my companions:  it was a good day.

H at Goats Water with Dow Crag in the background 
P at Goats Water
Looking back at Goats water with Dow Crag on the RHS.
Low Water and Coniston Water from the summit
Low Water, Coniston Water and Windermere from the summit.
All in all a splendid day.

You can find more shots from around the world at Our World Tuesday.  SM

27 comments:

  1. Looks like a wonderful hike. I would have made it 21 if I were there.

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  2. What a great place. And so fun to see old friends again.

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  3. What a beautiful place! I'd love to take a hike here.

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  4. Hi Stewart,
    What an amazing landscape.
    Best regards, Irma

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  5. beautiful! nice place to share with your family!

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  6. Same number coming back is always the best way to end a hike! Amazing scenery and love that your kids enjoy nature and outdoor activities. That is sadly so much rarer these days.

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  7. Tea in these environs would be something special. :-)

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  8. Such a beautiful place, Stewart, and what fun, wonderful time with your family!! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!1

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  9. Stunning scenery and it looks like you had a fun time with your friends.

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  10. Wat een geweldig mooie plek om te zijn wat een geweldige natuur.

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  11. Beautiful scenery! And I know the kids had great fun climbing out onto the rocks in the middle of the water.
    Have a wonderful week!
    Lea

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  12. Magnificent vista and lovely photography and cute children!

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  13. Your photos just sum up the Lake District -beauty wherever you look.

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  14. Beautiful scenery and lovely shots, Stewart.. I would like to take a walk there too. Have a happy week!

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  15. Magnificent views Stewart. Thanks for sharing and so glad it was a happy trip up memory lane for you.

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  16. Shades of the grand old duke of York . . .
    Beautiful scenery and perfect for the kid lets to be adventurous in and grownups to reminisce.

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  17. Wonderful scenery from our green and pleasant land.

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  18. What gorgeous photos. These photos gave me a bit of the travel bug this morning.

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  19. That sounds like a wonderful hike, and I love your arithmetic. The views are gorgeous! Maybe your kids will return one day with similar memories.

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  20. Oh wow! That looks like a stunningly beautiful place! (And glad to hear that 20 came back *grin*)

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  21. How wonderful it must have been to go back! How beautiful! Just amazingly beautiful! How I would love to go!

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  22. Beautiful landscape and even better when sharing it with family and friends!

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  23. What a great place. Amazing landscape!

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  24. Gorgeous landscapes and great company. What more can you ask for.

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  25. What stunning landscapes and scenery Stewart! I hope if I ever get back to the UK, that I can visit this area, among others. I know my husband, Michael would love to see it again. I think he was around 12 when he visited there.

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