High Tilberthwaite - the elongated ridge of the Coniston Fells, fashioned in volcanic rock with heavily-glaciated arêtes and sombre corries, provide an extravagant drama of ice-shorn topography that cannot fail to excite the most critical palate. Never falling below 2000 feet, this splendid parade is best appreciated from the south. Coniston, a village which has somehow managed to retain its dignity under an onslaught of brash tourism, was formerly an ancient Norse king’s settlement. The scars of the once thriving copper industry are still present for all to see and only the upper fells remain free of man’s scourging hand. The 9 mile (with 3042ft ascent) black Greenburn Horizon walk from High Tilberthwaite visits the summits of Great Carrs (2575ft), Swirl How (2630ft), Black Sails(2443ft) & Wetherlam (2502ft); there is also an option to extend the route to 10.5 miles (with 3550ft of ascent) if the summit of Grey Frier is attempted). Meanwhile the alternative 8 mile (with 600ft ascent) linear red walk  from High Tilberthwaite to Coniston visits Little Langdale, spectacular disused quarries at Hodge Close and the ever beautiful Tarn Howes.