Coniston: 

Coppermines  Valley, Levers Water, Rough Tor, Brim Fell & The Old Man, returning via Goats Water. 10Miles 2900ft

Leaving Coniston village walking up the Coppermines valley on a beautiful but bitter cold morning

The valley is now a Unesco heritage site having much evidence of previous mining activity

Copper ore trucks

The water wheels made of use the plentiful water supply in the valley to power copper ore crushers

Zig Zag pathways up the fell side to the various quarring levels

Many of the fell paths used by walkers today were built by the miners

After gaining height on Tongue Brow I had a commanding view of the valley down to the village and lake....

....and the quarries

Higher up the valley is Levers water reservoir built to provide a continuous supply of water power

Leaving Levers water below I climbed towards Levers hause before turning south to Rough Tor... 

....from where I had a dramatic view down to Levers water to the north....

....and the popular route to Coniston Old Man passing Low Water on the south side

Further climbing and I arrived at Brim fell summit cairn (2611ft) on the Coniston fells ridge. The temperature in the wind at this point was now -15c

However well prepared in suitable attire, the views were worth spending a little time admiring, Coniston Old Man summit was just a short walk away along the summit ridge

Looking north from the "Old Man's" trig point.....

.....and again....

Zooming in on Scafell to the north west.....

.....before descending to Goats water to find some shelter

Looking across the valley to Dow Crag with Great Gully and the South Rake above the screes

Stopping for a break on the sheltered side of Goats water....

.....before finally arriving back in the village after an  easy descent along the old Walna Scar Road 

A memorable day's walking with lots of  interest and a highly recommended route to the summit of Coniston Old Man