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Natural Monuments

North West England

Swirl How

Natural Monuments

North West England

Swirl How

Highlight • Viewpoint

Swirl How

Hiking

5.0

(282)

Running

5.0

(2)

Mountaineering

5.0

(1)

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.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Tips

June 11, 2021

Hiking

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.

August 17, 2024

Hiking

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 …

September 7, 2023

Running

Swirl How stands at 2,631 feet (802 m) at the corner between Swirl Band and the Prison Band, both of which are enjoyable run/scrambles in their own right. This summit is usually included as part of the Coniston and Wetherlam loop.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Swirl How

4.5

(52)

265

hikers

#1.

Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How & Wetherlam loop from Walna Scar — Lake District National Park

13.5km

04:56

830m

830m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

4.7

(137)

970

hikers

#2.

View of Low Water Tarn – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Coniston

11.6km

04:45

730m

730m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

5.0

(34)

473

hikers

#3.

Swirl How – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Coniston

20.7km

07:38

1,150m

1,150m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 790 m

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

no

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

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Tuesday 3 November

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4°C

11 %

Additional weather tips

Expect light wind and shifting conditions.

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See nearby routes

Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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