Dow Crag by South Rake Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Tuesday, 06 December 2011

Steve & Lorraine Ascend Walna Scar The continued good fortune of being in Cumbria along with good weather, continued again on this outing, as a few OFC again gathered in Coniston.  My intentions were not to stay in Coniston, but with £100 to give to Coniston MRT it seemed logical to overnight in Coniston for two nights in order to make the best of my time.  Robbie K had already contacted me to say he would join me and Lorraine also hinted at a walk out.  However, as with all things, matters can change but I was mighty pleased when those who said they would walk did so.  Along with myself, Robbie, Lorraine and even Steven P joined me on the long ascent of the Walna Scar Road from the village.  It really was a magic morning!

Route Map - not to scale
Route Map
To be honest, the bright sunshine made it a beautiful traverse onto the Coniston Fells and very soon Lorraine and Steven headed off for the summit of the pass, whilst Robbie and I set our eyes on the ascent of the South Rake on Dow Crag via 'The Cove'.  Our intention was to meet with Steven and Lorraine on the summit of Dow Crag.  Reaching Goats' Water, Robbie and I assessed the ascent and soon we were above the stretcher box intent on the rocky defile that slants down the south aspect of the great cliff.  

Approaching Goats Water To say the rock scenery here is magnificent is an understatement, as the crag isn't only steep, but has the most glorious prospects across Goats' Water to Coniston Old Man.  In fact, Dow Crag is one of those hidden gems, only appreciated once you've turned into 'The Cove' and can see the crags at close quarters.  For most tourists in the village Dow Crag doesn't even exist!

Robbie stands inside South Rake
In South Rake
Robbie and I had an adrenaline rushed few minutes as we ascended the South Rake, taking care as I led the way, with a few rogue stones falling away beneath me.  I told Robbie to stay clear by a few yards and this also gave opportunity to take photographs with him in the rocky defile beneath me.  Having a human in the photos helped to scale the grandeur of the scene.  We soon emerged on the summit crest to be met with a viscious wind, after the pleasant shelter of the rake.  We reached the summit of Dow Crag after negotiating a pile of human ashes - I joke not - and waited for Steve and Lorraine.  

Very soon our two pairs became a fellowship and over a spot of lunch we drew the winner of the recent DVD competition.  I think Lorraine thought I was joking when I asked her to draw the winner, but I'd carried a little velvet bag to the summit, containing all the correct entries - it does make it more fun! (Just for the record: Angie Espin was selected.)

Coniston Old Man Summit After lunch, Lorraine and Steve descended to Goats Water whilst Robbie and I ascended from the col to the summit of Coniston Old Man, my second visit in as many days. The summit was clear and we decided on a more direct route to Walna Scar via the side of Little Arrow Moor.  Part on and part off the path, we made a beeline for the road and after a brief wait, we again became reunited with Steve and Lorraine.

Presenting £100 to Coniston MRT
Coniston MRT Base with Jeff Carroll
An amble in late winter sunshine, saw us soon back at the Sun Hotel where Peter made final arrangements to meet with Jeff Carroll, the treasurer of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team.  Being a weekday in November, there were only a few OFC on duty, but two of the team, including Jeff were pleased to show us around the base and with Robbie's parents in tow, we had a pleasant few minutes after the hand over of the cheque.  Jeff appreciated the monies, and although such funds might be a small contribution after seeing their newly equipped £50K Land Rover, every contribution of money, however small, is a worthy addition.  I know from past experience that such a donation can save quite a few hours of bucket rattling and does show our personal support as a club.

Anyway, that was the day's excursion.  It had certainly been a grand adventure on South Rake and having Lorraine and Steve with us on the mountain, made it an interesting outing.  Post walk drinks were taken in The Sun - for me a place of pilgrimage as the location where Donald Campbell used to stay.  I look forward to many more such days - will you join me next time?

 

The strangest sight!
Coniston Old Git!
P.S. A curious site was witnessed on the Walna Scar Road just along from Tickety Tock Tarn.  Although it was early, this elderly gentleman had just descended from the Old Man, or as it's know locally Coniston Old Git!




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