Back to the Lakes

I lived on the edge of the Lake District for nearly ten years. I loved it there. The Lakes, Rivers and Mountains were like a giant play ground to explore. I studied there and I learnt there. I’ve long-lost count of the days I have walked, scrambled and climbed on the Mountains or the numerous days seeking adventure on the many rivers and lakes it has to offer. But as with all things time moves on and after almost a decade I was ready for a new challenge in a new location.

As a awoke the sun was shining upon the water

Last week saw me have four days off work and a quick phone call found me a climbing partner and an excuse to head up early on the Thursday before joining a group I know on the Saturday. By Thursday night I was on a stop over in Lancaster to pick up my climbing partner and see my family who I was overdue a visit. Friday did not start as a promisingly as I would have hoped as I drew back the curtains to see grey overcast skies and the drops of rain could be heard bouncing from the pavement. Never-mind, Lancaster is a wonderful City to pass the time in with its History and Architecture. A Full-English and a guide-book purchase later the weather turned and we were back to the plan.

Farleton Crag is in Lancashire and can be seen as you make your way along the M6. It has good road access and a short walk in even if parking is limited. I don’t know how many times I have been to Farleton. I learnt to climb there, did a day of my climbing instructors training there and have taken many groups and friends there over the years. However it has been at least five years, probably more, since I last visited. Its short clean single pitch limestone make it ideal for a quick afternoon out and with grades from Diff to somewhere in the E numbers it has a lot of offer. What followed was an afternoon of smiles and laughter as we scaled the crag re-discovering its joys and reminding me how much I enjoy outdoor climbing. Soon it was time to go and after a quick detour back down to Lancaster I had resupplied with Milk and Beer and was off for stage two.

The view from Farleton Crag out over Morecambe Bay

It took me a long time to venture into the South Lakes. When I moved to the North Lakes I had little knowledge or experience of the area so I just started on my doorstep and worked outwards. Towards to end of my time though I began to spread further afield and aided by the offer of regular work in the South Lakes I found I spent less time in my familiar localities of Derwent and Ullswater and started to discover a whole new world of Coniston and the Western Fells.

No blog would be complete without a micro-adventure of sorts so with twenty-four hours until I was due to meet up with my friends I felt like a child unleashed into a play area as I pulled into a remote parking spot high far from any main roads or civilisation. Yes it was 11pm, yes it was dark, but when you are an adult with the correct level of experience and know how there are few rules when it comes to staying up late and being outside. I set off along a well used bridal way winding up the fellside in search of Seathwaite Tarn. Seathwaite tarn is an amazing place where the beauty of the natural world meets the resourcefulness of the modern world as it is contained on one end by a dam. After walking for around forty minutes I was soon to arrive at my home for the night.

My home for the night looking out onto Harter Fell

I pitched my tent on a suitably soft patch of grass and wondered back across to the dam wall a few meters away. At that point I looked up at the stars and relaxed in the knowledge I was completely alone. As midnight passed I sat leaning against the Dam wall enjoying a

A cold and refreshing place to wash and start the day.

beer and taking in the silhouettes of the mountains that were still just about visible on the ridge lines above.A Peaceful nights sleep followed and I awoke to a bright and sunny day as I emerged from my tent. I made breakfast and took time to explore the Dam and its workings.   I found myself running along the Dam and jumping from stone to stone as I moved across the edge of the tarn. I felt a sense of freedom and energy that had been lacking for a few weeks prior to the trip. After I calmed down I wandered through the Dam workings trying to find where water entered into and out of what I assumed was a hydro-scheme. After I calmed down I returned to my now familiar sitting spot in the sun. I fired up the stove and another cup of tea later I was on my way down.

As I arrived back at the car I met a group of people heading up in the direction I had come from about to spent the day volunteering on an archaeological dig that was happening with aim of trying to learn more of the hills past from times long ago when people had lived higher up into the fells. After a brief chat they disappeared up the hill and I refreshed myself with a wash in a cold mountain stream. I looked at my watch to find it was still early and some hours until I was due to meet my friends. After a few minutes consideration I was off back to Broughton for a visit to a most excellent bakery and a tour of the beaches on the west coast. Memories flooded back as a re-visited the sites and places I use to surround myself with so regularly. After an hour wandering on the beaches it was time to move on. I drove up the West coast of Cumbria on the way to meet my friends happy to be back with a feeling of fulfillment in the land I have explored the most, dreaming of what adventure the summer may have in store.

 

A 5-9 Microadventure

“What am I doing here? I’m a grown up with a nice house and a wife!” I exclaimed while laughing. I had just got into my bivi bag under the tarp. I was in a small patch of woodland squeezed between a country park and a golf course on the outskirts of Birmingham.

Let me take you back a few hours to three friends gathering together in a pub garden having a beer on a Saturday evening. Only it’s January, its raining and one of the three is refusing to go inside the pub for any reason as he is wearing waterproof trousers. I loved this Microadventure. It is probably the most authentic one I have done yet. Iain and Tom had finished work two hours before and had to be back in again at 10am the next morning meaning we had no chance of going away for the weekend. It was the perfect chance for a night out.

We finished our beer and decided it was time to make our exit. The lady on the next table had clearly had a few and her chat up lines were terrible. Within five minutes we were walking along a muddy footpath in search of our bed for the night. As we approached the top of the hill we emerged from the woods and were met with an amazing view looking out over the lights of Birmingham. Despite a little rain the sky seemed clear and we could see all across the city as people carried on with their evenings activities. It would have been a great place to stop on a dry night but the rain and a nearby car park made it too much of a risk. Instead we pushed on.

The man who brings scented candles on a Microadventure

Soon we had found a quiet spot in the woods that was at least a little bit less muddy, and being vaguely flat it seemed like a fair spot for the night. This is where I was introduced to a great idea. Iain in his wisdom had brought a pack of tea lights with him. This was a great way of providing some natural light for the bivi that was neither too bright or likely to attract as much attention as a torch would. Secondly they did have a surprisingly noticeable warming effect once we were under the tarp. However, Iain being Iain had insisted on bringing Strawberry and Pomegranate scented tea lights that added a slight questionable edge to the experience that prompted much joking throughout the evening.

The next point of humour was when it came to building the shelter. We had all agreed to bring a tarp, the thinking being that three would be plenty to keep us off the mud and covered from the sky that threatened rain. Iain had decided on a bright yellow tarp. Not the best and it was quickly confined back to his bag for the night. Over to Tom. Tom is usually somewhat reliable and with some sizeable microadventure experience I was expecting good things. What was produced next could maybe be described as a waterproof green table cloth. I say maybe, as this may be a little generous.

Waking up from a good nights sleep

After much joking and general laughing at Tom’s expense we actually managed to build a pretty good shelter using the table cloth, the third tarp, a pair of walking poles and some bungees. I climbed into my bivi bag and spent the next hour or so sipping port and chatting. I gently drifted off to sleep enjoying the fresh air as I smiled at our creativity and choice of recreation.

Sometime later I awoke, it was light and I felt rested and refreshed. Within a few moments Iain and Tom had also awoken and a flask of coffee was being passed around. The tarps came down, sleeping bags were packed away and we were off on our way. As I looked back over the site I was pleased to see you would not have been able to tell we had been there. As we walked out onto the golf course I was slightly surprised to see more than one pair of golfers already half way through their 18 holes despite the fact it was still only 08:30. In another ten minutes I was back in the car on the way home and Iain and Tom were on their way to work. A proper 5-9 Microadventure.

 

A year of Microadventure – A Review

It feels a long time since I was sat on my sofa in Dublin reading Al Humphreys’ blog (www.alastairhumphreys.com); on the other hand it feels like it has been about five minutes. I enjoy his writing, photography and films and although I’ve never met him he seems to have a down to earth, normal approach to his work with his goal being to help normal people have a better quality of life. I’m not a hundred percent sure but I seem to recall someone on Twitter asking me if I was going to do the year of Microadventure challenge, it may have been Al himself.

One of the many times I have smiled this year

If you knew me well you would know that many of the wonderful things I have done in life have come from an opportunity arising followed by a laid back thought and reply of “yeah, why not?” This was my thought exactly, I had all the kit and the know how. I was in a completely new environment and life situation and I was looking for a way to stay attached to my love for the outdoors. A few days later I was sat on the sofa again (not as much of a habit as it may be sounding) when another person I follow on Twitter but have never met, Martin Black (www.martinblack.com), encouraged me to write about my experiences, again “Why not?” so I spent the rest of the day looking into how to make a Blog and trying to think what to write.

Since then I have had a wonderful time. In total in 2015 I think I have managed:

4 Nights in my Bivi Bag (1 in sub-zero temperatures)

8 Nights in a tent

2 Nights in a Bothy

I’ve spent time alone in the outdoors, exploring, relaxing and reflecting. I’ve spent a valued twenty four hours in the mountains with my brother-in-law. I was joined by my lovely wife on many occasions, we have laughed and grown together through these experiences and she continues to develop both ability and confidence in the outdoors. I’ve made new friends and shared trips with them. I have met passing friends who’s path I have crossed while out and have enriched my experiences. I’ve traveled to parts of Ireland, England and Wales that I would not have seen if it were not for my goal of one night out a month. I have learnt to be creative in my approach to trips. I have taken photographs and I have attempted to write.

The frost on my bag back in March. I think this may have been my favorite Bivi of the year.

I have been amazed by the Blog. I have surprised myself by how much I have enjoyed writing it. In it I have discovered a creativity and interest I did not know I possessed. My wife says it is due to all of the books and magazines I have read about adventure. All I know is that I enjoy it. Most amazingly, other people seem to enjoy reading what I share. I honestly would have been happy to have written down my thoughts and experiences for my own benefit and reflection. The fact that people take the time to read and sometimes comment on my story amazes me. For all of those of you have offered compliments and encouragement I am truly grateful.

What next? Well I just spent Saturday night sleeping in some woods on the edge of a golf course so I guess I am not finished with Microadventures. Will I do another round of the Microadventure Challenge, I don’t know. Its been good for me to be outside once a month so I will stick to trying to have one adventure a month, but these may not always involve sleeping out. Who knows though, if the mood takes me a may well do it all again. As for the blog I was initially unsure. My first plan was to write twelve posts and then close the Blog when I finished the challenge. However, as I have already mentioned I have been surprised by the enjoyment it has brought so I will keep it going for now. I think the content will change slightly as the adventures do but I will still aim to write once a month, though as with this whole concept it is to be something that brings joy and not stress.

Thanks again- if any of you are feeling inspired or want to come along then please get in touch.

Have a great 2016

Stu

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Fooling and a last minute Microadventure

As I moved into another month and aimed to continue with the year of microadventure, April revealed itself to be a month of high motivation, challenging weather and regular frustration as I wrestled various factors that seemed to repeatedly scatter my best laid plans. After not getting out in March until late in the month April arrived quickly. I had originally planned to head down to South Wicklow early in the month to explore the mountains and find a bivi spot but was forced to cancel last minute when work commitments changed. 

Undeterred and with plenty of time left I made plans with a friend to meet after work and head into the hills of North Wicklow. In the build up to the trip I was working in the hills for the two days prior. Day one was the best day in the Hills I have had since moving to Ireland. The weather was wonderful, close to 20 degrees at times. The views were stunning and the scenery around Lough Dan was inspiring. I was working with a wonderful group of young people who were enjoying themselves and engaging well with the environment. Within twenty four hours I was back in the hills the weather had turned, the rain had set in and the environment was completely unrecognisable from the day before. By day three, the day of the trip, the rain had turned to snow. It was a helpful reminder of how the mountain weather can change in a moment and the importance of making good decisions. The trip was off for another week.

Plan three was quick to be formed and one week later my wife had agreed to join me and we planned to head out on the Saturday evening of the bank holiday weekend. Again the build up was good the weather fine and motivation high. Then came Saturday, heavy rain with weather warnings for wind and rain issued. Whilst my wife is a great support to me and loves the outdoor herself, without a huge amount of bivi experience, I felt this was possibly not the night for her to build on this. Being the bank holiday I wasn’t optimistic any of the local huts would be free so I decided we would side with caution and wait for a more favorable day.

At this point I would admit that I thought April may pass me by. In a moment of frustration I even found myself questioning if I would continue with the challenge or if it was unrealistic given the nature of self-employment and a busy life. I quickly banished these thoughts and excepted that while once a month sounds easy in January there will be times where this will be hard to achieve, if it wasn’t I would surely have been getting out for twelve nights a year already, right?

Stunning views in the Wicklow Mountains

The only other opportunity I could see in the diary was filled by a commitment to lead an overnight expedition with a group of young people working towards there Bronze Gaisce award. Whilst these trips are fun they are also full of hard work and responsibility. I started to think of different blog posts and approaches to writing in a attempt to convince myself that I could somehow justify camping on a campsite with 60 young people would count. Whilst in many ways this would fit well with the ethos of the challenge as it is a night away and being shared with many others I couldn’t help but feel the reason I accepted the challenge in the first place was to allow me to enjoy the outdoor environment away from my work.

The lakeshore that became my bed for the evening

At half past ten the time was right to act upon a plan I had been quietly forming through the evening. My responsibilities were complete and other staff had now taken responsibly for the young people for the rest of the night. Instead of pitching my tent alongside the other staff tents I grabbed my bivi bag and headed for the far corner of the field. I hopped over the wall and was now on the lakeshore, a nice mix of gravel and sandy beach that felt a million miles away from the busyness of the day. I walked a short way along the beach and found a flat area just the size I needed for a comfortable nights sleep. I pulled out my sleeping bag, climbed in and was immediately greeted by a feeling of relaxation and joy. The contrast of the busy day and large group of people made me appreciate all the more the stolen night I had managed to find and as I laid in my sleeping bag listening to the quiet lapping of the water nearby I knew I had made a good choice. I lay there feeling the cool breeze on my face and soon drifted off to sleep.

I awoke from a deep sleep at around 2am. I knew there was a strong chance of rain given the changeable weather throughout the day. The clouds had been true to form and I was being treated to a few drops that were making it through my vent which had awoken me. I have camped a lot and have bivied in the rain under a trap before but this was the first time I had taken on the challenge of rain with just my bivi bag. I zipped my vent closed, and noted how refreshed I already felt even after only a few hours sleep. I was surprised at how comfortable I was and how the claustrophobic nature of the bivi bag did not bother me. I lay there listening to the patter of rain on the outside of my bag and soon drifted back to sleep.

I awoke some hours later to my alarm sounding. It was clear it had turned into a heavy night of rain, the beach was very wet all around me and there was a lot of water gathered on my bivi and bag that I had been using as a pillow. I was warm and well rested though and after grabbing a few quick photos to document the event it was time to start the day. Upon getting out of my bed I found some water had in fact made it into my bivi, my sleeping mat was wet and sleeping bag damp but not enough to have caused concern in the night. I also discovered the bag I thought would have been water resistant enough to survive the night had not done so and such the contents was now rather wet. It seems like I still have a few lesson’s to learn before mastering Bivi’s in the rain. I jumped back over the wall and was soon back with the group serving breakfast to the young people and helping them pack up camp pleased in the knowledge I had stolen a microadventure back from my busyness and felt all better for it.

I am always amazed at how well I sleep in my Bivi

Rain clouds battling with the sunshine in Wicklow