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