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Dow Crag by South Rake |
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Written by Peter Burgess
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Tuesday, 06 December 2011 |
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 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
 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!
 In South Rake
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.)
 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.
 Coniston MRT Base with Jeff Carroll
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?  Coniston Old Git! |
| HAVE YOU SEEN? |
 Inspired by the Hugh Walpole novels and the Herries Chronicles, Lindsey has written a family saga based in the Lake District. It follows the lives of the Keldas family who run a small farm in the fictionary village of Keld Head. Northern Spirit is the first of three novels in this series and covers David Keldas's story. It is available to buy on-line from most good book retailers and also an e-book version on Amozon Kindle. |
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 As a child growing up, it was always a bit of a chicken and an egg, whether it was my interest in geography that led to my love of the landscape or the other way around. Whatever it was, I always had an interest in how the landscape was formed and at school, like so many others, it was geomorphology that led to an increased understanding of the world around me. From those school years learning about the diffluence col at Blea Tarn or the Chapel Stile Rock Barrier and its importance in the formation of Elterwater, there has been a massive void in the guidebook market. Now this niche has been filled by Peter Wilson's excellent new book called 'Lake District Mountain Landforms'. |
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"If you dear readers should get a bit of grit in your boots as you are crossing Hay Stacks in the years to come, please treat it with respect. It might be me." A Wainwright 1907-1991
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