Summer solstice

An adventure doesn't have to take months of planning and thousands of pounds, it should be spontainious, cheap and not far from home. With it being summer solistice this weekend, we decided midweek that we would head for the hills to spend a night under the stars and watch the sunrise.

2pm Friday car loaded and we were on the road, we soon arrived in Windermere wanting to get some grub before our walk. (Tip: Windermere chippy does the best curry sauce) 

We set off via stake pass the views of the sun setting behind the surrounding peaks was truly mesmerising 

We soon stumbled into Langstrathe valley and decided this was the spot to set up camp. 

Back drop of our camp couldn't have been any better! We sat listening to the noises of a wild night. We couldn’t see lights or hear roads. We saw stars instead.

We made a small firepit and started a fire.  It's surreal how much joy a camp fire can bring, we sat around drinking whisky all night.

Until the sun started to rise for the summer solstice. 

Camp packed away we headed down river. To be greeted by an excellent long and deep pool flowing through a short ravine called black moss pot, a swim here is a fine reward. 

We just had to jump in..

After an hour or two playing in the pool we lay by the bank looking at the clouds and letting our clothes dry in the midday sun. 

We then headed for the hills to bag a few summits...

Arriving back in langdale we needed a much deserved beer and some food. 

All in all the weekend cost us less than £20 and we had plenty of adventure, wild camping, wild swimming and mountains.

I urge anyone to just give something like this a go. The worst thing that can happen is that you hate it and realise that actually you love normal life and a warm, comfy bed. And that’s no bad thing to be reminded of.