Discover 24 outstanding Lake District summits accessible from the lively valleys of Coniston, Duddon and Eskdale. This area is famed for its spectacular scenery, diverse walking and classic Lakeland atmosphere, from the iconic heights of Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag and Wetherlam to the peaceful, lesser-known massifs of Birker and Corney Fell in the west. With Swirl How’s airy ridges included for the ambitious, you’ll find a full range of fellwalking experiences, whether you want a gentle stroll or a demanding mountain day.

Perfect for summit-baggers, seasoned hillwalkers, and newcomers alike, this trusted Cicerone guidebook offers complete fell-by-fell coverage of all 24 Coniston summits. Every ascent, descent, and ridge route is described in detail, so you can devise your own outings, combine summits, or craft ambitious ridge traverses tailored to your ambitions.

• Full coverage of 24 Coniston fells, with every possible route up and down, including ridge link-ups for longer days and greater variety.
• HARVEY mapping, hand-drawn topos, and panoramas for each summit make route-finding simple and the views even more rewarding.
• Practical advice on valley access, public transport, parking, accommodation, and services in Coniston, Duddon, and Eskdale.
• Fell-friendly route options to help minimise your environmental impact as you explore.
• Tick lists so you can log every summit, with this volume forming part of a definitive eight-book series covering all 230 Lake District fells.

Written by lifelong fellwalker Mark Richards, inspired by the legendary Alfred Wainwright, this guide combines expert knowledge with a passion for the southwestern Lake District. With step-by-step route descriptions, the latest mapping, and unique perspectives, you’ll have everything you need to make every ascent memorable and every valley visit special.

Coniston is just one adventure: the Walking the Lake District Fells series unlocks a lifetime of Lakeland exploration, guiding you from first fell to final summit across eight comprehensive volumes.

Walking the Lake District Fells – Coniston – Quick Facts

Series: Walking the Lake District Fells 
Area: Coniston, Duddon, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria, England 
Designation: Lake District National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site 
Summits covered: 24 fells 
Valley bases: Coniston, Duddon, Eskdale 
Highlighted summits: Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag, Wetherlam, Swirl How, Caw, White Maiden, Birker Fell 
Highest summit: Coniston Old Man (803m) 
Route format: Fell-by-fell description, with multiple ascent, descent and ridge route options per summit 
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with HARVEY mapping and hand-drawn topos 
Difficulty: Straightforward to challenging; navigational skills required; some routes require stamina and careful planning for longer ridge days 
Best season: Year-round, though winter walking on higher fells requires experience and proper equipment

Author Top Tip

“The Southern Fells rise from three primary valleys: Coniston Water to the east, Eskdale to the north and the Duddon in their midst, although there are also numerous quieter approaches from the western seaboard. The greatest drama is to be found in the north, where the rugged fells crescendo towards the Scafells. The Duddon harbours a succession of delightful, wooded craggy aspects – no wonder Wordsworth held such poetic passion for this valley. Eskdale too is a treasure, defended by the passes from the throngs that clog the narrow twisting roads of the Langdales.”

- Mark Richards, author of Walking the Lake District Fells - Coniston and the complete Fellranger series

Map key
Volumes in the series
Author preface
Starting points

Introduction
Valley bases
Fix the Fells
Using this guide
Safety and access
Additional online resources

Fells
1 Black Combe
2 Black Fell
3 Brim Fell
4 Buckbarrow
5 Caw
6 Coniston Old Man
7 Dow Crag
8 Great Carrs
9 Great Worm Crag
10 Green Crag
11 Grey Friar
12 Hard Knott
13 Harter Fell
14 Hesk Fell
15 Holme Fell
16 Muncaster Fell
17 Stainton Pike
18 Stickle Pike
19 Swirl How
20 Wallowbarrow Crag
21 Walna Scar
22 Wetherlam
23 Whitfell
24 Yoadcastle

Ridge routes
1 Two Hard Knotts
2 The Swirl Round
3 Coniston Triple Treat
4 Fox Haw, Caw and Pikes
More to explore

Useful contacts
A fellranger's glossary
The Lake District Fells

Seasons

Year-round walking. Winter walks, even on the lower fells, are not for the inexperienced or under-equipped.

Centres

Coniston, Broughton, Little Langdale, Torver, Ulpha, Seathwaite-in-Dunnerdale, Eskdale Green, Boot, Ravenglass, Silecroft, Bootle

Difficulty

Straightforward ascents on sometimes clear, sometimes faint paths, and occasionally pathless terrain, to be used as a basis for readers' own walks. Navigational skills are needed but no specialist equipment. Any scrambling is easy and non-scrambling alternatives are always provided.

Must See

A fresh perspective on classic summits in the Lakes including Coniston Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crag, and an inspiring introduction to lesser-known Lakeland fells such as Black Combe, Yoadcastle, Harter Fell, Caw and Black Fell

April 2021

Parking point 14

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