“A fine mountain of considerable bulk”
A Wainwright
The ever popular Coniston Fells are a heaven for fellwalkers but almost all climb from the more popular Coniston side of the range, to the west lies the more secluded Duddon Valley, here from the village of Seathwaite a wonderful circuit can be made taking in the lesser frequented summits of the range as well as the major tops of Swirl How and the Old Man of Coniston.
“Second only to Scafell Crag in the magnificence of its rock architecture is the imposing precipice towering above the stony hollow of Goat's Water”
A Wainwright
From Birks Bridge we will climb by Pike How onto the open fellside below Seathwaite Tarn, following the ridge over Troutal Fell to reach the summit of Grey Friar.
From Grey Friar we will climb east to the summit of Great Cars and follow the ridge south to Swirl How. From Swirl How the wonderful ridge south leads us over Levers Hause to the summits of Brim Fell and then Coniston Old Man before we drop down to Goats Hause, climbing again to the summit of Dow Crag.
The gentle ridge south leads over the summits of Buck Pike and Brown Pike to meet the Walna Scar Road and descend west into the Duddon Valley and back to Birks Bridge.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Birks Bridge
Postcode: LA20 6EF (approximate)
Grid Reference: SD 239 995
Directions
The Duddon Valley is one of the more remote areas of the Lake District so please allow plenty of time, from Ambleside the most direct route is over the Hardknott Pass, after crossing the pass turn left at Cockley Beck and follow the road 2 miles until the car park is seen to the right.
Alternitavely from the south turn off the A595 at Bank End, by the Duddon Bridge, and follow this road through Ulpha and Seathwaite, after crossing the Cattle Grid the car park will be seen to the left after just under 1 mile.
Bus Services
There are no bus services along the Duddon Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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