Two routes for the price of one with a double whammy scrambling combo alternative to the normal zig-zag approach to the Old Man of Coniston.
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Low Water Beck and
Brim Fell, Coniston (Lake District)
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Grade: 3 and 2
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Overview: A delightful combination of
routes that gives an alternative to the traditional zig zag
route up The Old Man, the former is a hyll scramble, the
latter a rocky meander.
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Equipment: Rope, slings and nuts/hexes
optional, but should be used with novices
throughout.
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On line
map link
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Views: 3* - Good views from Brim Fell
over Coniston
Technicality: 2 - one steep section.
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR*
*out of
five.
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A great scrambling double whammy combo that gives an alternative to the
traditional zig-zag route up The Old Man. Low Water Beck is a
traditional lakeland ghyll scramble that takes you from the end of
the Coppermines Valley to Low Water, followed by a meandering
scramble up the south east ridge of Brim Fell. It also makes a
superb approach to a climbing day on the classic Dow Crag opposite
the Old Man.
Approach: From Coniston take the
Coppermines Valley
route to the Pudding Stone then turn left to join the stream coming
down from Low Water
Route: Low Water Beck (3)
From the narrow ravine where the water emerges, start right of the
obvious bulge on the right of the stream.
Climb a short steep wall to a good stance above the bulge then
move diagonally right over heather to a large grass ledge. Either
continue diagonally right to a large terrace or move left at this
point to add more mixed rock/vegetation.
From the terrace pick a route to suit over mixed ground, aiming
for the top of the waterfall. As you approach the right bank of the
stream you have a final wide stretch left that signals the end of the
steep section.
Now folow the rock on the right hand side of the stream to where
the stream splits around a small buttress. Take the slippery ramp on
the right then move left to an obvious groove and the final move onto
a large slab above the stream. From here walk up the slope to Low
Water.
Brim Fell (2)
This route starts from the opposite side of Low Water, and is best
reached my going anti-clockwise around the tarn to a slabby face just
to the right of a small stream.
Start close to the stream where a series of small holds take you
diagonally left onto slabs. Move upwards, over a mixture of grass and
rock, choosing as many or few short clambers over isolated outcrops
as you wish.
After a short wall move diagonally to a small scree slope and a
series of slabs. Take the first rib on the right then ascend the
slabs above, followed by an easy scramble up the buttress ahead to a
steep wall and gully. Take the left hand wall up the gulley for a
short while before crossing to the opposite wall. Exit the gully at
the top to emerge close to the summit of Brim Fell.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and, particularly
at the higher grades, requires technical skills and equipment to
minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional instruction
or climb with an experienced partner.
