Wednesday 7 September 2016

3 days in the Peak District



My days-off were mid week and I'd gained a lieu day so with my 3 days off I decided to head to the Peak District. Finishing work at 22:30 I drove to the Lady Bower Reservoir arriving there at 1 am and rolled out my sleeping bag on the dam. It was a semi peaceful sleep once I got use to the water lapping up against the dam and eventually fell asleep.

Waking early I walked to the visitor centre nearby and brushed my teeth at the toilet block before heading to Stanage Edge - climbers paradise.

 

I headed out in a little circular route before returning back to Stanage Edge and then down in
Hathersage for some supplies.

 
 View from my cave room
 

 Robin-hoods Cave
I was the only person staying the night and it was bliss. I perched out before bed and took a few photos whilst enjoying the view from my private spot. Lights flickered from Hathersage and Hope in the distance. I could see a the cement factory, its red lights blinking. A low mist rolled in and swirled around submerging the whole village apart from the white industrial site. It looked like a castle.
I slept amazingly well snuggled down my sleeping and bivvy bag. There had been a slight wind outside but inside the cave I was sheltered.
Next I headed over to Hope and retraced my steps to a walk I did back in 2009.






I wild camped opposite Win hill and enjoyed the sun set. It was set to rain but thankfully didn't as I only had my bivvy. The sky for the most part was clear and starry - luckily.










Thursday 1 September 2016

Malham Tarn Wild Camp

So one evening I decided to wild camp above Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales. I'd normally just cowboy camp but with the weather forecast to be pretty dismal I took my tent as well.
The rain wasn't due to hit until 18:00 so I set off an hour before to get set up. I'd spotted this location whilst out on a bimble with a friend so thought why not.

The clouds looked pretty foreboding as low mist hung in the air. I ascended the craggy hill which caused my feet to get soaked from the long grass. Pitching my tent on a flattish ledge over looking the tarn I relaxed bare footed. I chilled watching the white fog come and go over the water.
Birds called out randomly as the evening rolled in. I retreated to my tent as a layer of damp was beginning to cling to everything. I read for a bit - Eat Pray Love before falling into a nap. I woke at 22:30 to sound of rain falling. It fell for a good hour as I lay nice and dry completely content. Next came the wind which kept me up striking at my tent from all sides.

This was not as peaceful and I lay awake for the next hour trying to pretend my tent wasn't bending  in. Time passed over and soon did the storm. Poking my head out I was amazed to find that the fog and clouds had lifted to reveal a crescent moon shinning down over the glacial lake. I gazed out for long time and enjoyed the celestial beauty of the old hunting grounds.