Swirl How – Lake District Walks
May 1, 2021
We had spotted Swirl How from several walks, including to Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Wetherlam and Greenburn valley….it was time to make a more personal acquaintance with the fell itself.
Know before you go
Per Mr. Wainwright’s words: “Swirl How, although not the highest of the Coniston fells, is the geographical centre of the group”. Â This fell is so easy to tag onto Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Wetherlam or Old Man Coniston itself, but we thought we’d do it on its own….why rush these things? Â Also we feel each fell has its own personality, we want to remember each one as an individual, not just a tick on a list.
The ascent from Coniston to Swirl How
Having missed Levers Water on a previous walk in the area, we were keen to include it in our walk up Swirl How. Â So we decided on a route from Coniston, ascending Swirl How by ‘Prison Band’. Â This took us first to Swirl Hause (remember hause means a pass between two mountains), where the view opens up to the north and the Langdales and Greenburn beck valley. Â
The Summit
Once again on top of the world and with a great view. Â It never gets tiring looking at the mountains from different perspectives. Â The top of Swirl How gave us excellent views all the way out to The Isle of Man (half way between the UK and Northern Ireland), The Coniston range and a hop, skip and a jump over to Wetherlam.
Don't miss on a Swirl How walk
- A wonder around Coppermine Valley – there are caves, ruined buildings and evidence everywhere of the valley’s mining past.
- A stop at Levers water
- Spotting the Isle of Man from the top of Swirl How. Â It’s directly above Grey Friar.
- Â A visit to the pudding stone – a recommendation from the owner of The Honey Pot in Hawkshead, I mean who wouldn’t want to see that. Â However, only climb if either a) confidant, or b) have guidance from a climbing instructor who you happen to have met on the walk (p.s. thank you Simon – I will be visiting at some point for a proper lesson in the Peaks ).
