The approach to Ennerdale |
From the moment you drive in to the lake district you are treated to some on the best views in England. The mountains are breathtaking, and you can't help but think of the conditions that created such a beautiful landscape, and its no wonder that 15 million tourists visit the lakes every year.
Day 1
As any savvy walkers would do, we checked the weather on the day and as you would expect from the lakes; rain, wind, and more rain was forecast. The plan was to park the car at Ennerdale, and go walking around the lake and neighbouring forests for the day while keeping an eye out for a good wild camping spot. As soon as we started walking the rain came in, bringing back bad memories of our last trip. The hoods went up and the rucksack covers went on and off we went.
A very bleak view of Crag Fell. |
Sam the explorer |
Stood in front of the peaks we'll be hiking the next day |
Wild Camp 1
This was to be our camp for the evening. |
Sam collecting water |
A quick brew before bed. |
Day 2
After a good breakfast, we quickly packed up and tidied our camp ready to start our walk at 9:00. We walked back down through the forest a different way to what we came to explore more of the area. As we crossed the concrete bridge we we could see Crag Fell and the neighbouring mountains we were going to be hiking up. With a rough route in mind we carved our own way up the mountains. We didn't use a single path apart from animal tracks which slowed us down considerably, but this allowed us to use walls and features to keep our bearings, instead of referring to the map all the time. We were hit by the rain quite hard at the start, but this soon faded and we found the wind had a strong drying affect. After four hours of walking we stopped for lunch at the top of the second peak revelling in the fact that we were literally in the clouds. With all surrounding views blocked out by the cloud we were glad that we had the walls to keep our bearings and keep us on track for Crag Fell. After lunch it is always hard to pick yourself up and get going again but we knew we had to plough on as we didn't want to be camping out in the mountains with the current weather conditions.
With the peak in sight the sun started to break through the clouds. This was very good timing for us as it gave us good photo opportunities at the top of Crag Fell. With the cairn (..or pile of rocks as I call it) in sight we picked up our rocks and triumphantly dropped them on the top. We sat at the top and took a few photos with a real sense of satisfaction after looking over the mileage we had covered.
Now 16:00 the descent as always was hard on the knees, but it marked the end of a tough yet rewarding walk that I will be glad to repeat.
From there we drove to a forest close to Braithwaite for an found a fantastic spot with a view of the surrounding mountains that beats most commercial campsites I've ever seen. We set up camp, got cooking, and bedded down for the night with the sound of the rain bouncing off the tarps.
A truly great experience for the cost of just a bit of petrol.
Wild Camp 2
One final veiw of the lakes before going home
Lots of lovely pictures! Thank you for showing them. I love the place. We had a family camping trip to the lakes last year, camped at Wasdale head for a week, but in the comfort of a Bell tent!! I don't think my wife would have put up with a tarp...
ReplyDeleteA fine tale and great photos, its also good to see you getting out and about despite a bit of rain. There is something quite special about braving the elements and its reward of enjoying such a place without battling through crowds of tourists. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
ReplyDeletegreat pictures mate
ReplyDeletelooks like you add loads of fun pitty on the weather tho
where about in the lakes is it
many thanks
anthony
www.basicbushcraft.org.uk
Thanks very much for the comments guys. We rarely let the weather stop us because if we did, we wouldnt get anywhere in this country!lol
ReplyDelete@basicbushcraft Day 1 photos were taken around Ennerdale lake and surrounding forests. Day 2 was the approach to Crag Fell (the long way round) with the final camp Near Winlatter Forest Braithwaite.
Cheers Carl, I liked your twitpic page too but was unable to follow it. Some great wild camps you've had.
ReplyDeletewhat a great site and i feel happy to post Backpacker Campervan
ReplyDeleteHi mate.
ReplyDeletejust wondering,
1.how did you get permission to do wild camp at the forest?
2.Is there any water source near there that we can do wild camping?
3.we definitely can't build firecamp there can we?
cheers.
Wow wow wow that was truly inspiring, im even more determined now to get saaving up for all the gear and have a go at it :) Some crackin photos on there, thanks for taking the time to post all that, I know it takes some doing :)
ReplyDeleteDave