It was calm and clear through the night and I had a good view of the sunrise over Swirl How. This is my last day and I was in no particular hurry so I decided to enjoy the fine weather during the morning and set off around lunchtime. The day was clear but slightly hazy. After an early lunch I packed up and set off back the way I’d come. I headed towards Swirl How but before reaching it took the low path towards Levers Hawse. Most people heading this way take the high path towards Coniston Old Man but as I was going to Dow Crag I had no need for the high path.

Sunrise over Swirl How from Grey Friar.

Looking north to Dow Crag.

My route was very impressive along the steeply sloping ground with a wonderful view down to my right towards Seathwaite Tarn and the old Copper Mine directly below me by Tarn Head Beck. There were a few people on the path and when I reached Goat’s Hawse there were even more. I took the steep path up to Dow Crag but had to divert round the summit rocks as it’s not a place for a large rucksack. The rest of the ridge along Buck Pike and Brown Pike is very pleasant walking and has wonderful view both sides. With quite a bit of haze having built up the views were partly obscured.

As I descended from Brown Pike towards the summit of the Walna Scar track I saw a group of mountain bikers having a rest. They set off just as I got there so missed the chance to have a word. The descent is very loose stones so I had to take it carefully. It turned out that I did get the chance for a quick word as one of the cyclists had a puncture and was just pumping his tyre up as I arrived.

Cyclist repairs a puncture on Walna Scar track.

Old stone shelter on the Walna Scar track

After a few words I wandered on but they soon overtook me and vanished into the distance. I was glad to reach Torver Bridge where the worst of the descent was over and I could walk on a reasonably flat track with soft grassy verges either side. As the Walna Scar track reaches the adopted highway there is a large car park. I was amazed to see it was packed. I continued down the road into Coniston were I returned to my car and the drive home.