Wetherlam
Wetherlam at 763 metres is the most characterful of the Coniston fells — shaped by copper mining on its flanks more than any other Lake District fell. The Tilberthwaite valley approach takes you past some of the most significant copper mining remains in the national park, a Victorian industrial landscape superimposed on ancient fell slopes. The summit itself is a rocky platform with views across Coniston Old Man and the full sweep of the southern Lakes. The summit ridge runs broadly north-south. North, the wild country around Wrynose Bottom and the Duddon valley. South-east, Coniston Water and Windermere. West, Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag. The industrial heritage on the lower flanks — slate quarries, copper mine adits, spoil heaps — is not incidental to this landscape; it is part of it. Levers Water, below the northern face of Coniston Old Man and visible from the descent path, is one of the larger tarns in the southern fells. The walk around the tarn adds a worthwhile detour.
Walking
The Tilberthwaite approach (LA22 0HP, small NT car park) climbs via the gill and past the copper mine workings to gain the ridge at around 600 metres. The upper fell is rocky and interesting. Around 6 miles return with 750 metres of ascent. Allow 4 to 5 hours. A better day combines Wetherlam with Swirl How and Coniston Old Man in a circuit that takes in the full range of the Coniston Fells. Starting from Coniston village (LA21 8EH), the route climbs to Levers Water, then up to Swirl How, across to Wetherlam, and returns via Tilberthwaite. Around 9 miles with 1,000 metres of ascent. Allow 6 to 7 hours. The Coniston circuit can also be started and finished at Tilberthwaite, making the copper mine workings both the outward and return interest. This removes the road section but adds distance.
Routes
Tilberthwaite via copper mine workings
Tilberthwaite NT car park
Tips
The copper mine workings at Tilberthwaite are genuinely interesting — this was an industrial area of national significance and the remains are extensive. The Black Bull in Coniston (LA21 8DU) is the natural end to a Coniston Fells day. Combining Wetherlam, Swirl How, and Coniston Old Man is a full fell day and one of the best in the southern Lakes.