Dow Crag Scramble & WildCamp.

Dow Crag via the south Rake is commonly known as the "Cowards Way" to the summit. Passing walls and gullies that can only be described as unassailable, steep, real steep with loose rock on both sides, so for the average fell walker who likes to dip there toe into the world of scrambling the options are limited, sure you can scramble all over the impressive walls around Great Gully and the so called easy Gully but there really isn't that many options to scramble all the way unless you choose the South Rake.
My park up was at the back of Coniston on the Coppermine Rd, over the river and on to the Walna Scar Rd all the way round to Dow Crag, huge giant walls with intimidating Gullies appear before you even reach Goats Water. It was there that I met a chap who had big ideas of doing a live stream while he climbed the Great Gully, I wished him well and headed up the scree to the start of my chosen route. Half way up, a fell runner came passed me, I'd like to call it a jog but it looked painful, hands on knees and proper blowing. I was doing the usual ten steps and breath type walk so he passed by without a word and soon left me behind. I was kinda shocked to watch him hit a wall and scramble up and out of sight, yes I had my camera on him but three minutes later the camera switched off telling me I didn't press record but did manage to get him again near the top but by now it was on full zoom. It takes all sorts for sure and here we had three men having a go with very different skill levels, I had no shame in continuing up the "Cowards Way" I've spent many days on these cliffs exploring and working out what I'm capable of over the years and for me the South Rake has it all, even talked my Son into it back in the day, he was still a teenager then and never done anything like it before, but those are the days that stick in the memory and in truth this walk was about remembering and finally getting it on film.
After the summit of the Old Man it was over to Brim Fell for a pitch and just in time as the weather was closing in and only an hour or so daylight left.
Day two was Beautiful with full sun and low winds so over Swirl How and Wetherlam then back to my car. A fantastic spontaneous trip, I was due to travel back south but after weeks of rain it was ironic that the sun came out the day I was due to leave. One more camp before that long motorway drive. So my goodbyes to the kids in the Eastern fells and round to the Coniston fells for the best camp of the summer.
Music: www.purple-planet.com

[@Mark.James.]

Holy smokes guys - Jim’s on a roll!

[@johnburns6342]

Cracking end to a Cracking day sitting down to watch my favourite KZbin,er(again)

[@dancleasby151]

Thought you were going to be clagged in at first on the second day, but what a transformation. Praise the sun! Those drone shots.... amazing.

[@davidsanderson1891]

Hi jim .fantastic video. Always a pleasure to watch. I appreciate the effort you put in to make the videos. .from this old pensioner Thank you sir. Take care mate. Old dave (Sunderland)

[@stevecedwards5393]

Good morning Jim great video once again.. watched it last night…looks like you had a great time up take care and look forward to the next one as always 👍 cheers

[@catherinewalks1207]

Ah, it's so beautiful! So glad you had 2 good days for it.

[@NotMyChannel1962]

Evening Jim wow the views up there are amazing as usual another epic adventure.

[@GreyGhost.]

Another gem from the maestro .... cheers Jim lad.

[@karlharris7585]

Saw this yesterday .JH loving the Lakes again , he spends a lot of time up their these days and another quality video, Well done JH .I take it you are getting ready for the South Downs Way challenge, a good 10 miler nearer home next year lol. All the best K.

[@WyeExplorer]

Finally got around to watching this one Jim. And what a treat it was to some Jim Holden mountain adventure and affirmative philosophy. I so enjoy listening to a good reflection or an idea pertaining to the value of an area or things. Great you could go back to an old fave Jim and hey even get there by way of a steep gnarly ascent. Ah, I felt how good that was. I thought that maybe you could have left your mug out in the rain - you could gave captured some. But hey ho it is what it is and you later satisfied that waterling urge. The best water too. Well, loved that circular views and all. Until next time all the very best as always. Mark

[@Philippines-Anthony-Sandra]

Watching from the Philippines, looking forward to coming home and trying some of these places

[@margaretborriello]

Hi Jim glad to see you back , hope you’re well x

[@walkandcamp]

Beautiful video Jim. You really captured the atmosphere of the place. I can't wait to get back up there myself - it's been too long! ATB

[@davidburgess9058]

My God, those early morning views you had after the wild camp were absolutely outstanding. What a fantastic video. It had everything. Love your recollections of days long gone by. Comforting and warm. What a fabulous couple of days.

[@Dorset_Phil]

Another great video Jim.

[@alanguthrie8415]

Great stuff Jim 🏕️👍

[@asaandthemarchharepart2903]

Brilliant video Jim. Absolutely stunning up there. Only just had chance to watch videos, been in the Highlands for the last 4 months exploring. Hope you're well. Keep Loving the Adventure Mate

[@antonyholden5439]

Nice one Jim ❤

[@therossendalerambler-mikei7294]

Been a while Jim but worth the wait great video really enjoyed the trip.

[@andycoombes161]

Great to see you back Jim. Your obvious love for the outdoors is infectious. Was up on Glaramara, Esk Pike and Allen Crags earlier in the year for some great walking, wildcamping and wild swimming. Your videos put me right back there even though I live down South. Hope life is treating you and yours well

[@jonm4989]

Good to see you in the fells Jim. I’ve bizarrely only walked the Coniston Fells a couple of times, but watching this video has tempted me to do that full circuit like you. You’re an inspiration Jim, keep going mate!

[@jackngedb2725]

U make great videos jim,I love how you talk about past memories with your family

[@Martycycleman]

What's the motorbike? Bottom right. Great video, cracking view's 😊 and so much enthusiasm.

[@StansOutdoorAdventures]

Great video Jim 👌 Bet it was full of memories from last time. The new forest will seem like a Sunday stroll after all these mountains haha. Take care too yourself. Do you possess or carry one of those personal locator beacons ? I'm considering one for future. Cheers Stan..