Date: Thursday 6th March 2025
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 11.2km, Ascent: 713m
Time: 3Hrs 37Mins
On our return home from a brief stay in Lancashire, I drove to Coniston for an ascent of Wetherlam. As well as being a Wainwright and Hewitt, Wetherlam also makes the Trail100 list, a list purporting to be the best 100 hills in the UK. I therefore had high hopes that Wetherlam would be a nice hill. It did not disappoint!
There is free roadside parking for c.20 cars at the start of the road leading towards the coppermines. The upper section of road is private and restricted to authorised vehicles.
Once suited and booted we set off walking along the road leading to the coppermines. The weather was fantastic from the outset and throughout the walk. MWIS however suggested 45mph winds, so we expected it to be a tad breezy up top.
Route:
Private road leading to the Coppermines valley:
On reaching Miner's bridge, I descended a few rocky steps to get a photograph of the small waterfall and bridge.
Miner's Bridge:
Beyond Miner's bridge, we had several route options. I had no fixed plan so it was a last-minute decision to undertake an anti-clockwise circuit, ascending via Lad Stones ridge and all going well descending via the Black Sails ridge.
Onto the track which leads towards Lad Stones ridge:
The ascent was pleasant.
Ascent path:
During our ascent we could see, and hear, that quarries are still being worked in this area.
Looking across to quarries:
Lad Stones ridge is a broad, easy-angled ridge with no difficulties. If you want a simple ascent of Wetherlam, an out-and-back via this ridge would be an easy option.
Ascending Lad Stones ridge:
During the ascent I could see the Old Man of Coniston that I ascended back in November 2013. I oould also see Swirl How which I have yet to ascend, along with Great Carrs and Grey Friar. I am looking forward to returning to the Lakes to ascend these.
Swirl How and Black Sails ridge:
The ascent of Wetherlam took less time than anticipated with us approaching the summit in little over 90 minutes after leaving the car.
Wetherlam:
On reaching the summit we took several photos; it was however quite hazy so not ideal for photography. To the north, Scafell and Scafell Pike were prominent.
There was hardly a breath of wind during the ascent and at the summit. The MWIS forecast was pure fiction.
At the summit of Wetherlam:
At the summit of Wetherlam:
From the summit of Wetherlam, we made our way across to the summit of Black Sails. Black Sails is also a Hewitt but is not a Wainwright.
At the summit of Black Sails:
The descent via the Black Sails ridge was also very straight-forward with an obvious path to follow.
Descending Black Sails ridge:
During our descent we had good views down to Levers Water.
Levers Water:
Herdwicks:
On reaching the same height as Levers Water, we opted to leave the grassy hill path to pick up the track at the south end of Levers Water. Levers Water is worth a visit.
At Levers Water:
The track beyond Levers Water is however a bit rough underfoot.
On the rough vehicle track heading down from Levers Water:
After passing the youth hostel, I took a brief detour to look round the various coppermines artifacts. I had noticed a waterwheel during our ascent and wanted a closer look.
YHA Coniston Coppermines:
Coppermines:
The URL advertised above takes you to a site advertising a number of holiday lets within the coppermines area.
Miner's carts:
Heritage Waterwheel:
Old buildings:
Various artifacts:
After a good look round, we followed the track back out to Coniston.
Looking back to Coppermines and Wetherlam:
This was an enjoyable walk with the coppermines providing added interest.
Now that I am retired, I need to return to the Lakes for an extended stay to tackle my remaining 30 Wainwrights.