Wet & Wild

I spent most of today wondering why I love the hills and why I do this to myself, I was drenched to the bone and couldn't see anything because of the low cloud. Before we even set off we were contemplating bailing and heading to the pub.

Regardless we headed for summit, aiming to complete Pike'o'Blisco, Crinkle crags and Bow fell but we all knew the weather wouldn't give.

Early january this year I tried the same route and didn't make it due to blizzard conditions, I knew the same was going to happen today. Had i convinced myself already I wanted to give up?

After finding shelter for lunch we reached Pike'o'blisco summit, the views were great.. 

The wind and rain picked up so we headed down only completing the one summit, but we found a cool looking waterfall. The decent was comedy and I spent most of it on my back (i'll be sore tomorrow) 

Back on flat ground I realised I still love the hills regardless the weather, It made me feel like a kid again getting soaked without a care in the world.. but i definitely need a jacket! 

The Dodds

After returning home from a family holiday with very itchy feet (not from the bites). Thoughts already in  the hills, I contacted a friend and we decided we wanted to do some wainwrights we haven't  ticked off. we headed for Ullswater aiming to complete the Dodds.. 

Car park with a view ay? We set off up through Glencoyne wood the route we chose was strenuous and overgrown and the flies were relentless, maybe this was the reason we ended up on the wrong path.

Or maybe it was my poor navigation? We soon stumbled onto Glenridding Dodd which wasn't on our itinerary so I say happy mistake, we bagged another Wainwright.

The view from the summit was breathtaking..

The next view was from Sheffield Pike looking towards Glenridding and the Kentmere horseshoe.

We had some brilliant views of Helvellyn and Catsye-Cam all day including the crowds on its summit, which made me realise we hadn't seen many people on our route is this a remote part of the lake district? 

Lunch spot with a view.. surely this is "eating out" at its best? 

The winding path up Raise was intriguing and i decided to bag another Wainwright.

The path back to Ullswater was like something out of a film and made me realise why I love the lake district so much, its pure beauty and tranquil sounds are truly relaxing. 

After 12.39 miles, 3,819ft of elevation and 7 Wainwrights we just had to have a dip in Ullswater to cool off! 

All pictures courtesy of Paul Titterton. Check his instagram out: @3asa_bird 

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. 

Microadventures

I recently read this book and was truly inspired by Alastair Humpherys out look on life and adventure.
check out his site: http://www.alastairhumphreys.com order the book and start exploring the UK!!