THE low fells on the south west side of Coniston water offer a great opportunity to hop from one hilltop to another, each with its own splendid view and character, using only a moderate amount of exertion, writes John Edmondson. These fells are unfrequented by walkers and the grassy paths surrounded by bracken are comfortable under foot. This is the best area to observe the size and shape of the high southern fells and the full length of Coniston Water.

Start from Water Yeat (map reference SD 288 890, postcode LA12 8DJ), which is on the A5084 at the south end of the lake.

Information:

Distance: 7 miles, ascent: 1,500 feet

Time: 4.5 hours

Terrain: grassy fell paths, wet in parts

Map: OS Explorer OL6

Route

1 Turn left at the blue village hall and walk along the tarmacked lane, across a cattle grid and at the double bend near two ash trees (before reaching buildings) turn right up a grassy track through bracken and up a gently rising valley. Veer left and a view of Coniston Old Man and Coniston Lake appear ahead. Walk under two sets of triple power lines and follow the general direction of the second set. Where the path passes directly below the power line at the top of a slope, take the path branching off to the left. Bear right to continue in a northerly direction over boggy and undulating hills (now higher than the power lines). Continue ascending into a rocky valley with a walled enclosure (Nutty Sheep Fold) at its entrance. Admire the views behind. The path meets two wider grassy paths: bear right at the second path and proceed to the summit of Beacon Fell, which is topped by a cairn. Walna Scar, Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man and the full length of Coniston are all visible. Peel Island (Wild Cat Island in Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons) is easily identified.

2 Go back to Nutty Sheep Fold then bear right to descend towards Beacon Tarn. Before reaching the tarn bear left uphill then descend to near the southern end of the tarn. Go around the end of the tarn and up to the left. Close to the head of the valley turn left and ascend to the top of Wool Knott. Go back down to rejoin the footpath, turn left and descend around the left side of a valley that dips to the right towards the Duddon Valley. In the valley col, cross a wider path and walk back up the other side of the valley to the right of a wood. Keep left at the top of the slope and ascend the fell to the left: this is Tottlebank Heights. Go back down the same way, then carry on straight ahead, passing a small tarn, and follow the track up to the summit of Blawith Knott with its two cairns. From here you can enjoy views to the west, including Stickle Pike, as well as to the south and north.

3 Descend to the left of the second cairn down a steep slope and bend to the right down to the road ahead. Turn left and after 25 yards, left onto the bridleway signed Tottlebank. Walk past the farm and after 50 yards of tarmacked lane turn left at a fingerpost onto a grassy track which ascends then bends to the left (north). Go straight ahead at a junction through a gate signed Cumbria Way and along a walled lane, beside a wood, through a gate, downhill, across a beck and through another gate. Bear right and walk along the left of a conifer wood then past juniper trees and across a beck to meet a stony track. Turn right and follow the track by a wall to Grassholme Farm and walk ahead up the tarmacked lane leading back to Water Yeat.

NB: restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.