Grey Friar and Dow Crag

Distance: 15 miles
Ascent: 1450m
Weather: sunshine and showers, strong wind
Wainwrights ticked off today: 2
Wainwrights climbed: ALL 214!
Things Seen: fighting kestrels, comedy bunnies, the Milky Way, the sea.

It was with heavy hearts bags that we started today's walk, to our last two unclimbed Wainwrights.

We followed the old railway line into Coniston and then the lane up towards the old Coppermines. Turning right, we headed up the path to Wetherlam, possibly too soon, as we ended up meeting the main path a little further up - but we do like a bit off off-path. Looking back there were clear views over Coniston and a flock of geese honking away as they headed south.

The wind was noticeably stronger the higher we went, and by the time we'd been over Wetherlam, Black Sails and up the Prison Band (delightfully rocky) to Swirl How, it was incredibly windy indeed, complemented by cold, hard, driving rain. We dropped down to a lower path (still wet and windy) passed the site of the 1940s plane crash and out towards Hell Gill Pike, where the rain briefly eased, and then contoured around to Grey Friar.

We returned the way we'd come, to meet a path that led underneath the Brim Fell (unfortunately still on the windy side, which made for some wobbly walking on the narrow path) and up to Dow Crag. At Goat's Hawse (sadly lacking in goats) we passed at least three people wearing shorts, which gives me a chill even thinking about it, as I was in thick Paramo trousers, waterproofs, fleece hat and Buffalo Mitts. The girl in green, wearing shorts, fleece and wooly scarf, made it about a third of the way up Dow Crags before turning back, her friend in wellies didn't even attempt it.

The wind was very strong, but then eased slightly at the top, where Rob visited the summit three times (I just went the once) and then we had celebratory Jaffa Cakes and Prosecco in the shelter. There were a few drops of rain, but the wind soon blew the clouds away and it was spectacular blue sky and clouds as we crossed Buck Pike and Brown Pike to meet the Walna Scar Road (with quick trip up to Walna Scar top) before following the road back down to Coniston (complete with rainbows.)

Our few pints and slap up dinner at The Sun Inn was excellent.

 

Dow Crag

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