Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 248 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
Whilst the famous Old Man of Coniston basks in the admiration of those who give stature the greater significance, it is actually Swirl How, mere millimetres shorter, that is the central axis of the Coniston group. Hikes to Swirl How deliver you the beating heart of these fine fells, with huge views and plenty of options to extend an already worthwhile adventure.
There are many walking routes to Swirl How, such is its position as the central link to other fell tops in the group. To the south east is Levers Water, a beautiful high reservoir. Towering above, the Great How Crags are one of the fell’s most striking features, impressive from many angles.
Expeditions to Swirl How can begin from any number of excellent bases. The quaint village of Coniston boasts the most amenities, whilst waking up in Little Langdale’s picturesque surroundings is as good a start to a day as you could wish for, as long as it’s not raining.
When in the full grip of winter conditions, Swirl How might still be possible, but be prepared to turn back if it becomes clear mountaineering equipment is necessary and you are without.
Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom
4.3
(39)
212
04:56
13.5km
830m
5.0
(6)
92
02:59
8.14km
490m
4.9
(21)
199
05:03
12.8km
850m
My favourite approach of Swirl How is from Wetherlam, a great route with a few fun scramble sections to enjoy in dry weather. Linking up the 2,633-foot (802 m) Swirl How with it's Wainwright neighbour Great Carrs is one of the easiest connections a Wainwright bagger can hope for! Despite both fells being relatively high, you barely feel like you descend between them and you can make quick progress.
June 11, 2021
There has been much debate over which is the higher: Swirl How or Coniston Old Man? They have both been comprehensively measured and are both currently 802.4m (2633ft in old money). Both measurements are accepted by the OS but the current maps show Swirl How as 802m and the Old Man as 803m.
Why does it matter? Only one can be a Marilyn while the other must be classed as a Hump though they could be twin peaks. Currently the view is Coniston Old Man remains as the Marilyn and Swirl How is only a Hump. So the Historic County Top of the County Palatine of Lancashire, Coniston Old Man remains the higher.
Swirl How is a very fine hill with a much more interesting ridge structure than the Old Man. Approaches from all directions are rewarding and exciting and there is a good chance you can enjoy solitude by the summit cairn which doesn’t suffer the crowds the Old Man does.
Enjoy!
August 17, 2024
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Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom
4.3
(39)
212
04:56
13.5km
830m
5.0
(6)
92
02:59
8.14km
490m
4.9
(21)
199
05:03
12.8km
850m