Wetherlam

Wetherlam lies in the Southern Fells of the Lake District, and is the most northerly of the Coniston Fells. Its north east slopes descend to Little Langdale, of which it has excellent views. Its parent peak is Coniston Old Man and it stands at an elevation of 763 m (2,502 ft). Its prominence is around 145 m and it is classified as a Wainwright, Hewitt and Nuttall.

Wetherlam has been mined heavily in the past and its sides are scarred with disused slate quarries and copper mines from all angles. Its summit, though, is gently domed and a cairn marks the highest point. From here, most of the Southern, Central and Eastern Fells can be viewed at a distance.

Climbing Wetherlam

A direct ascent of Wetherlam can be undertaken from Coniston to the south past a number of the disused mines, either taking the south ridge named Lad Stones or through the Red Dell valley to the west of the ridge. Routes also run from the valleys of Tilberthwaite to the east or Little Langdale to the north east.

Wetherlam is often, however, ascended as part of the Coniston Round, a circuit that also takes in Swirl How, Brim Fell, the Old Man of Coniston and sometimes Dow Crag. The starting point is Coniston village and the walk can extend for around 15 km (9.5 mi), presenting an arduous day’s walking with some scrambling required on the way.