Wetherlam

Wetherlam

Wetherlam is a 763-metre Wainwright in the Southern Fells of the Lake District. Summit record.

Summit and landscape

A cairn marks the summit at NY 28820 01112.

The surrounding Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks formed during the Ordovician. They include ignimbrites, andesitic tuff and lapilli-tuff, rather than one uniform rock type. BGS geology.

In clear weather, look towards Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and the Scafells. Summit views.

Three mountain circuits

These outlines need to be used with a map. Allow for your own pace, conditions and daylight rather than relying on the published minimum times.

Coniston circuit

From Coniston’s Tourist Information Centre, climb through Hole Rake and along Lad Stones, beyond Lower Howes, to Wetherlam. Return over Red Dell Head and Black Sails, descending its southern ridge to Levers Water. Cross the dam for Paddy End, Boulder Valley and the Pudding Stone; follow the Old Man path to Miners Bridge and Coniston.

12.2 km; 786 m ascent; WalkLakes minimum 3h45m. Route guide.

If the dam overflows, take the rough Coppermines-track return instead; these metrics exclude that alternative.

Tilberthwaite edges

From Tilberthwaite Gill, ford Crook Beck and climb Steel Edge to Lad Stones and Wetherlam. Descend Wetherlam Edge via Birk Fell Hawse and Birk Fell’s summit area, returning by the gully, pitched path, Dry Cove Bottom and Tilberthwaite Gill to the car park.

7.5 km; 653 m ascent; WalkLakes minimum 2h35m. Route guide.

This circuit involves scrambling both uphill and downhill. Photographed circuit.

Wetherlam and Coniston Old Man

Start at Tilberthwaite Gill. Cross Crook Beck and climb Steel Edge to Wetherlam. Traverse north of Black Sails to Swirl Hawse, climb Prison Band to Swirl How, then cross Levers Hawse and Brim Fell to Coniston Old Man. Descend via Low Water and Crowberry Haws, returning through Miners Bridge, Hole Rake and Tilberthwaite Gill to the car park.

15.3 km; 1,230 m ascent; 5½–6½ hours. Full circuit.

Parking and facilities

For Coniston, use Ruskin Avenue car park: pay and display by card or RingGo 37318, with public toilets. Tilberthwaite parking uses RingGo 37331. Check current signs and charges; use Coniston’s facilities before heading to Tilberthwaite. Parking information.

Preparation and safety

Expect rough ground, loose descents and difficult route-finding in mist. Assess Crook Beck before crossing; turn back if it is unsafe.

Stay outside old mine workings and away from shafts and quarry edges.

Carry a map and compass, warm layers, waterproofs, food, water and a headtorch. Check the mountain forecast, plan for daylight and turn back when conditions exceed your ability. Allow extra care on wet or icy rock. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain safety.

Name and mining history

The name’s origin remains uncertain because early recorded forms are scarce. Place-name account.

Greenburn mine lies north of Wetherlam. Its remains reflect several phases of mining from the late 17th to the mid-20th century, including 19th-century expansion and later restart attempts. Mine history.