The Magnificent Seven
Imagine, seven gunfighters keeping a watchful eye over the good folk of Coniston should some marauding bandits roll into the village. It would be a sight to behold. However, the magnificent seven we refer to are the seven Wainwright summits of the Coniston Fell range. In alphabetical order, the summits are Brim Fell, Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Swirl How & Wetherlam.
The ‘avid’ walker can take on this feat of endurance in one day, however, you’ll need an early start as the route will take almost 11 hours to complete, is 13 miles in length, and offers 4440ft of ascent! You can find route details here.
Should the above route send chills down your spine, you can tick off the seven summits one by one. Allowing you to spend much more time drinking in those views at the summit.
Coniston Old Man 2630ft
Coniston Old Man dominates the skyline over the village of Coniston. Offering 803m of ascent, the walk is popular with walkers of all ages. Offering views towards the northern fell ranges and the coast to the west, the reward is worth the climb. The route up the face remains one of the most popular, you can find details here.
Brim Fell 2610ft
Brim Fell is the next summit along from The Old Man, walking in a Northward direction along the well-trodden path, you’ll reach the cairn in around 10 minutes. Find details on a route here.
Dow Crag 2550ft
Dow Crag is famed for its rock architecture and the face of the crag is most popular with experienced climbers. Wainwright stated that Dow Crag offered “the most rewarding and impressive walk from Coniston”!
Whilst there are several routes available, the route from Torver remains one of the most popular. Find details here.
Great Carrs 2580ft & Grey Friar 2540ft
Great Carrs overlooks Wrynose Pass and the Little Langdale Valley. Associated with a wartime air crash, today, a memorial cairn and remains of a Halifax Bomber can be found on the top of the ridge.
Grey Friar summit can be easily reached from Great Carrs. Here the Scafell range can be admired from the North West ridge. Find route details here.
Swirl How 2630ft & Wetherlam 2500ft
Swirl How is at the geographical centre of the magnificent seven, and walkers delight in the views offered from the summit in all directions.
Wetherlam summit is a short distance away and offers views back towards the Coniston fell range. Route details here.
In conclusion, Coniston offers some pretty magnificent fell walking, and the chance to bag a few wainwrights in the process.
Our collection of Coniston village cottages allow you to start your walk straight from the door and will provide somewhere comfortable to rest your aching legs at the end of the day, once you’ve left the beer garden of course.
