Well we eventually did it ... set off from Barrow, Saturday lunch time, hour and a half later we rolled into Coniston. Thought we'd get some bait before the slog to the top, well we truly got robbed at the café by the lake, but found a couple of bottles of real ale aptly named Old Man Ale so chucked them in the bags for later.

SDC11845 by dj dan 4, on Flickr
We headed up the road to the carpark, then along the track to one of the quarries and out the other side onto the fell just below the summit.

SDC11847 by dj dan 4, on Flickr

SDC11850 by dj dan 4, on Flickr
Daylight was just starting to fade as we made our camp in a sheltered area, the beers, Fireball whiskey and Southern Comfort all made it the merrier. Temps hovered just above freezing to start with but warmed up through the night. The stars were vaguely exciting, dead clear at times between banks of cloud that rolled past.

SDC11850 by dj dan 4, on Flickr

SDC11853 by dj dan 4, on Flickr
Both of us were well warm so happy with the gear. In the morning we found a faint path and followed this to the top, we dragged and carried the bikes most of the way, bloody hard work too ! Anyway we got there, brill views even if it was a little misty.

SDC11861 by dj dan 4, on Flickr

SDC11858 by dj dan 4, on Flickr

SDC11865 by dj dan 4, on Flickr

SDC11868 by dj dan 4, on Flickr
Came down off the top via Goats Water, then down across the Scar Road and into Torver and back to Barrow. On hindsight we should of picked a more rideable route but it was still good craic.

That looks ace - and I'm loving the beers in the snow.

I'd be really appreciative of a gpx of your route - I've always wanted to do some riding up there but I have no idea of the routes.

Cheers.

Olly

Hiya Olly, sorry fella we've no gpx of the route ... I wouldn't really recommend our route anyway ... not unless you particularly enjoy carrying, dragging or kicking your bike up the side of a mountain ! It was a very direct route to the top. I think you'd be better taking the route up from Coniston towards Levers Water via the old mine workings and Youth Hostel, then across to the summit of the Old Man. Either way still don't expect a cushy ride, we did it for the views and ... well cos it was there, as its our nearest decent high ground. Having said that the run down off the top and the Scar road were entertaining We were thinking of scoping out Black Combe or maybe a bit of beach ride ... jury is still out on those ...