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Photographs
An invigorating Easter weekend was awaiting the Nomads who travelled
to Coniston in the south-western part of the Lake District. Most
arrived on Friday afternoon and either had a short walk or enjoyed
the hospitality of Coniston to relax after driving up the M6. After
consuming, the youth hostel evening meal accompanied with a varied
selection of wines the Nomads kept with tradition to support the
local community. With no regard for personal safety walk the half
mile into Coniston village to sample the selection of fine ales in
the Bulls Head, to reinforce our earlier tasting of the Coniston
brewed ales, Bluebird, Bluebird XB and the Old Man.
The weather on Saturday morning provide all the incentive required
to make the plans made in the Bulls Head a reality, Coniston Old Man
via Tilberthwaite Gill, Wetherlam and Swirl How. Although this is a
long way round to the Old Man it makes, a fine traverse of several
Lake Land tops with fine views of the major peaks in the central and
out lying areas.
The walk from the
Youth
Hostel climbs up on a good track, which is the access road
to the Copper Mines Youth Hostel. As the track levels the route
heads north climbing onto Coniston Fells before losing a little
height as the route traverses
 Coniston Moor before crossing the
wooden bridge over Tilberthwaite Gill. From Tilberthwaite Gill the
route continues north to reach Birk Fell before turning southwest
and ascending Wetherlam Edge. From the summit of Wetherlam, the
route descends and crosses Keild Gill Head to scramble up the Prison
Band to Swirl How and the walk over to the final top being the Old
Man of Coniston. The return route descends steeply through the old
state quarry workings before taking the good track back to the Youth
Hostel.
The only way to finish a good walk is to sit around enjoying tea and
biscuits whilst reliving the walk and remembering all the fun and
humour of the day. Sore feet and aching limbs will soon be a distant
memory as the culinary offerings of the Bulls Head and Coniston
Brewery motivate the tea drinkers to shower and dress for the short
walk into Coniston. Our expectations were not disappointed, a table
for twelve was provide and soon silent except for the sound of soup
being consumed, followed by the main courses, from Leg of Lamb to
Haddock in batter. I do not recall anyone having a sweet and the
meal was finished with eleven coffees and one tea, before retiring
to the bar for a last drink.
The weather on Sunday morning slightly suppressed the aspirations of
most, although the excesses of the previous day or even the walk may
have conspired split the group into two camps. Whilst the famous
five took the steam ferry to Brentwood house and returned via the
Sun Inn, the infamous seven headed for Tarn Hows and the Dirty Duck.
Sunday evening was enjoyed with everyone having the hostel evening
meal with several bottles of wine from every continent.
Although
the
weather on Monday morning provides the incentive for a hard walk,
everyone was content to enjoy a
 lower level walk from Elterwater to Amblside and a little retail relaxation. The walk followed the Great
Langdale Beck, which provided exceptional views of the Langdales
providing excellent photographic opportunities. Before crossing
Loughrig and descending into Amblside. The return walk via Rydal
Water, was enhanced by a break in the cloud and the sun showing
through, again giving the opportunity for taking photographs and
generally enjoying the day.
When all
twelve finally returned to the hostel, the customary tea and
biscuits consumed and the confusions of the day unravelled. All the
confusions soon forgotten in the haste to return the final time to
the Bulls Head for the final evening meal of the Easter Break and to
agree a good time was had been enjoyed by one and all. |
