With the countdown to Christmas under way and another year in the hills coming to an end, I thought it was time to review my walks and wildcamps during 2017. On the whole its not been a bad year and I've only had 1 month where I haven't been able to get out. I've spent around 20 nights out and visited an area I hadn't visited before. I'm grateful for the nights I've spent out in the wild, and wish I could do more.. but even then I would want to do more ... backpacking and wildcamping is a marvellous pursuit, and one that is highly addictive... After all, how much time spent outdoors is ever enough?
So he goes my run down of 2017 and camps I've enjoyed along the way.
January 2017.
My backpacking year started with a 2 day trip to Cnicht , camping near the summit.
March 2017.
A 2 day trip to the Carneddau. I forgot my water carriers on this trip so had to pitch by Lllyn Dulyn.
March 2017.
After missing out on a trip in February, I added an extra trip in march. 3 days around Ennerdale.
1st night near Looking Stead , 2nd night Red Pike (Ennerdale)
April 2017. 3 days around wastwater.
1st night Yewbarrow 2nd night Great How.
May 2017.
3 days around Thirlmere. 1st night Bleaberry Fell 2nd night Randerside.
June 2017.
3 days in the Rhinogs Snowdonia.1st night Y Llethr, 2nd night Y Garn.
JULY 2017. 2 days in the Far Eastern Fells.
July saw me meeting up with Peter Dixon and Lee Taylor.
camp near Satura Crag.
August 2017.
3 day trip from Hartsop
1st night Birkett Fell 2nd night below Birkhouse moor.
September 2017.
2 days in NE Carneddau.
overnight camp near Y Aryg.
October 2017.
3 days in some new ground for me The Black Mountains on the Eastern Edge of the Brecon Beacons.
1st night near Chwarel y Fan 2nd night in the upper reaches of Grwyne Fawr.
November 2017.
A quick overnighter along the Aran Ridge Snowdonia.
camp near the summit of Aran Fawddwy.
November 2017.
3 days in the Langdale Fells.
1st night Cold Pike 2nd night Rossett Pike ( also with Peter Dixon )
I'm planning another trip when I break up for my Christmas holidays , I'll add it here and do a separate blog.
Merry Christmas to you all, and wherever your path takes you, may your journey be a good one.
Till next time
Happy Wildcamping.
Daron :-))
Dec 2017
I managed 1 final trip to round off the year. 2 days in the Arenings , with a camp on Moel Llyfnant.
The Langdale Valley in the Lake District is an area I've walked several times. It is also very popular, but by carefull route selection it is still possible to miss the crowds- especially so in winter which is one of the many reasons It's my favourite backpacking season. The weather was looking good- cold with heavy snow showers- in my opinion the Lake District Fells are at their most spectacular in winter- snow covered peaks combined with cold air often brings very clear views, on a good day it's like viewing the fells through High Defination glasses!
I initially planned a circuit from lower Eskdale , a few messages between myself and Peter Dixon (@munro277 on Twitter) were exchanged during the week, Peter had work on the Friday so we agreed he would meet me on Saturday for a walk and overnight camp and then walk sunday taking in a few fells on the way back to our cars.
A few days before the planned trip Peter messaged me to advise my route choice could be very wet going Due to the near constant rain over the previous days. A change of route was required and after a telephone call on Wednesday evening a rough route was planned in the Langdale Fells.
I intended to be away early Friday Morning to get there for sunrise. All was going to plan until I loaded my pack in the car. shutting the hatch I heard a cracking sound, on investigation I had snapped one of the clips on a compression strap, I needed to use it so I spent the next 3/4 hr. searching my bits boxes for a replacement. With a replacement found I was soon on my way again.
Around 3 hours later I pulled into Chapel Stile and got my kit sorted, then I headed off in the direction of Lingmoor Fell. The forecast had predicted strong winds but there was hardly a breath of it in the valley, and it was a pleasant warm walk through the woods, passing a quarry before emerging on the open fellside.
Welcoming committee
On a previous visit to this area I took the wrong path and passed some old quarry workings before ascending over pathless terrain to the intake wall. This time I took the same path to see if it was as I remembered - it was and I spent some time wandering around the various ruined buildings. It's an area seldom visited by other walkers and one I was lucky to find by mistake.Soon after I reached the stone wall and its a very straight forward walk following it to Lingmoor summit.
View NW along Lingmoor Fell.
The views along this modest fell are spectacular, the Coniston Fells on one side , Langdale Pikes on the other, With the upper langdale Fells straight a head.
Crinkle Crags from Lingmoor.
View ahead to the Langdale pikes from Lingmoor Fell.
Side pike and the Langdale Pikes from Lingmoor.
I descended towards Side Pike and from there to the valley road which I followed NW for a short while before heading up the grassy slopes towards Pike o Blisco. Part way up I spotted an idyllic looking spot by a stream with a superb view towards the Langdale Pikes. I decided to stop for lunch here - another aspect I like when backpacking, having everything needed for an extended time in the fells contained in my rucksack- free to wander, eat , sleep wherever I want it gives me a great sense of freedom.
The smile says it all.. Taking a break on ascent to Pike o Blisco.
Afternoon light on Side Pike.
Continuing up I was soon at the summit. Light snow showers came and went casting some lovely light on the surrounding Fell's. The wind was getting stronger - I recorded a wind speed of around 23 mph, with a wind chill of -4.7 c. After admiring the view and taking a few pics my attention turned to finding a pitch for the night. Originally I planned to camp on Little Stand - a spot I have camped at a few times, good pitch sites are limited there however and none would offer shelter from the strong North- North Westerly winds/heavy snow showers that were forecast over night. After surveying the area ahead I decided to head for Cold Pike. Dropping down towards Red Tarn I passed a photographer out capturing the evening light, and after a short chat I left him and continued on my way.
After passing Red Tarn I took the main path which leads to Crinkle Crags', before collecting water then heading over pathless slopes towards the summit of Cold Pike. Time was getting on now and the sun was getting lower in the sky, I took 1 last photo of late light on the Langdale Pikes before hurrying to the summit to find a pitch for the night.
Langdale Pikes from flanks of Pike o Blisco.
Light near Pike o Blisco summit
Late afternoon light on the Langdale Pikes.
Nearing the summit I could see the signs of the weather closing in, the skies above the crinkles looking grey and menacing, seconds later I was engulfed in blizzard conditions with a strong biting wind - time to get the tent up! After scouring the area I found a spot on a shelf just off the summit, soon the Hilleberg Soulo was pitched and I was inside sheltered from the elements. I changed into my dry sleeping clothes before putting on my down jkt/pants, then I blew up the mat and got in the inner tent before sliding into my down bag and getting my cook gear out for a brew.
Outside I could hear the wind raging, blowing heavy snow/hail against the flysheet. I was warm, secure and content. I lay back for a while listening to the sound of the weather outside.
Shortly after, I followed my usual routine- 2 cuppa soups before opening the whisky and relaxing for an hour or two- I usually have dinner shortly after, but in winter I often eat it shortly before going to sleep- I find I sleep better/warmer that way.
Due to weather conditions at the time of pitching I couldn't get any camp pics, but I managed to get 1 night shot before turning in for the night.
stars and another incoming blizzard form camp on Cold Pike.
I awoke the next morning about 3/4 of an hour before sunrise. Un-zipping the outer tent door a little I surveyed the scene, there were signs of some good pre dawn light so I made a brew before getting out for a few pics. A good covering of snow had fell in the night, and I was excited to see what sunrise would bring.
early morning light from Cold Pike.
Hilleberg Soulo on Cold Pike.
I had planned to meet peter today, I'd messaged him the night before to let him know where I was camped, he sent me a message back saying he would aim to get to me around 9 and asked if I wanted anything bringing ( I did consider asking for some cans of real ale but didn't want to push my luck ) I messaged back to say a bacon & egg sandwich with brown sauce would go down well - the reply came back- Don't take the P*** Daron !! :-)).
I packed most of the kit away- expect the tent and stove, then went to the summit to see if I could spot Peter- we got to there at the same time! Back at the tent I made him a brew before striking camp and moving on.
We continued on towards Crinkle crags, frequent snow showers combined with a strong wind blew a lot of spindrift around, Peter got some great footage of it he posted it on his blog. http://wanderingsupnorths.blogspot.co.uk/
Nearing 3 tarns Peter suggested we find a sheltered spot for lunch - finding 1 amongst the boulders strewn over the area. He gave me the Bacon and Chicken sandwich he'd got for me then, as I was about to tuck in, he produced a sachet of brown sauce - a true friend indeed :-).
cloud and incoming blizzard from near Crinkle Crags.
Peter capturing a winter scene.
Bow Fell and Esk pike from near Three Tarns.
Scafells from near Three Tarns.
The Langdale Valley from Crinkle Crags.
After lunch we continued to Bow fell to zero views, before heading to Ore Gap then Descending towards Angle Tarn. Approaching the Tarn we discussed pitch spots, eventually we decided to find a spot on Rossett Pike and set off towards the summit. Once there were scoured potential spots before finding a lovely spot high above the langdale valley. Shelters pitched, we set of to source water- the first site, despite the water line showing a steep fall on the map was dry , even though there had been very heavy rain on the previous days- it obviously drains quick ! we tried another site on the opposite side of the ridge, this time finding good running water.
Back at our shelters we retired to rest, eat and drink we hoped we might get some clear skies for some good night shots - It was not to be, constant strong winds with gusts to 40 - 50mph combined with snow/hail put paid to that !
Camp on Rossett Pike.
It was a very windy but comfortable night , I had slept well in the soulo - It had passed another test with flying colours. Peters Trailstar had also shed the weather with ease - no surprise here... I have owned 1 for the last 4 yrs, and know it well.
There were signs of good pre dawn colour showing through , so I made my morning coffee before getting ready to capture it... it wasn't to be, the showers continued for a while, but stopped to allow some good shots of early morning light.
Pre Dawn light from Rossett Pike.
Peter and his Yellow Mountain Laurlel Designs Trailstar.
Langdale light.
Hilleberg Soulo on Rossett Pike.
Camp on Rossett Pike.
Light in the Langdale valley.
After breakfast we discussed the days route. I had intended to go onto the langdale's then down Blea Rigg back to chapel stile. In the end we decided to descend to langdale over a few 'bumps' before taking the Stake Pass Path/ Cumbria Way back to langdale. Before descending Peter took a wind speed / temperature reading - 54mph gusts, with a wind chill of around -14 deg. c !
Soon we reached the valley and a while later we arrived at Peters car. He then gave me a lift back to my car which I'd left at chapel stile. Another splendid winter backpack done with top company....cheers Peter!
As usual.. till next time
Happy Wildcamping
Daron :-))
Located in South East Snowdonia the Aran group of mountains to the south of Llyn Tegid (Bala ) are very underrated, Despite it containing many fine summits including the highest in the range - Aran Fawddwy. It is often very quiet with the vast majority of folk ignoring them for the lure of 'honey pot' summits further north - their loss is my gain and I seldom see many people here on my trips.
I planned this walk as a day walk, that was until my Wife planned a night out so I jumped at the chance of a night out in the hills . I had the choice to go with her - a night out at the dogs , or a night on a mountain summit. It was, for me an easy decision.
Pulling into the car park at Llanuwchllyn I got out of the van to get Myself ready, the roaring sound of the nearby Afon Dyfrdwy indicated the extent of the previous days rain , it was quite mild with drizzle so I donned a windshirt over my base layer , grabbed my pack and took the familiar lane south on the Western side of river .
Further on a signed path branches of SW crossing a very boggy field to a Ladder stile where the path contours around the base of Garth Fach.
The weather today rendered the landscapes a very muted grey - not the best for photography there was however some nice mist/ cloud on the higher tops to add a bit of interest, so I took a few pics as a record of the day.
Looking South along the Aran's ridge
The path continues past some rocky/craggy summits each one getting higher, affording terrific views on a good day to the valley floor. I've detoured for the views many times, but today there was no point - mist obscuring the views so I stuck to the path.
Looking North along the Arans ridge
Continuing on and getting higher all the time I soon reached Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy came into view. Wandering over to one of the small pools enclosed amongst the crags I found a sheltered spot for a leisurely brew/lunchbreak,I spent around 1/2 hr here in no rush to move on, today was not about miles but more taking time to expore the various nooks and crannies along the ridge.After lunch I continued on to the cairn at the southern end perched on the brink of a precipitous drop - great views from here down to Creiglyn Dyfi a delightful spot where I have camped on a few occasions.
Aran Fawddwy with Drysgol beyond.
This trip I had planned to camp on Aran Fawddwy- a summit I've wanted to camp on for a while. Snow was forecast from the afternoon onwards, I was looking forward to the return of the white stuff - winter wildcamping is the best season (to me) to be out in the hills.
Continuing on I commenced the climb to Aran Fawddwy detouring from the path to explore out of the way potential wildcamp spots , I found quite a few places perfect for bivying, hidden behind rocky outcrops but none big enough to get my tent in.
Creglyn Dyfi from ascent of Aran Fawddwy
I had marked a possible spot on the map beforehand - the widley spaced contour lines showing the possibility of finding a level pitch with a water source nearby so I continued on southwards .
Not long after leaving the summit area I spotted a likely looking spot just of the path , with rocky outcrops for shelter/privacy so I wandered over to investigate - it turned out to be a perfect site - level grass at a little over 2800ft with superb views southwards towards Gwaun y Llwyni. I marked its position then set off to locate water a little further down.
The heavy rainfall over the previous days meant there was running water above the stream line shown on the map so I collected around 4 ltrs of very clear water ( 4 ltrs is the minimum I need for max and myself ) I then commenced to walk back uphill to my spot - it seemed to take forever, no doubt partly due to the 4kg of extra weight I added to an already heavy pack - good fitness training though.
Back at the spot I had found earlier I dropped my pack and set about pitching my Hilleberg Soulo. Soon my 'hotel 'for the night was up and I moved in .
Pittch on Aran Fawddwy.
Pitch on Aran Fawddwy
Pitch ov Aran Fawddwy.
Once inside I put my newly acquired Msr Windpro 2 stove on for a brew, I got this specifically for winter camping to give me better snow melting capability for when the need arises, I have done this with my meth's stoves but it is a very slow process. The much quicker boil times are an advantage in winter as well .. esp. when you're cold and want to quickly make a hot drink to warm up.
I spent that evening lying in my bag , outer tent door open taking in the view whist cooking/eating dinner , a few hot drinks before relaxing with my usual tipple on wildcamps - single malt whisky.
View from tent door towards Gwaun y Llwyni with the Dyfi Hills beyond
I must have drifted off to sleep, the wind picked up and it started snowing a few snowflake's falling on my face awakening me. I closed the outer door before making an hot chocolate then lying back listening to the wind- snow on the flysheet , I love the feeling of being snug in a down bag , listening to the sound of wind /rain /snow with only a very thin fabric to protect me its a sensation I never tire of !
I awoke once more during the night the winds had got stronger the Soulo was rock solid it felt very secure and soon I drifted back to sleep.
Morning came and I unzipped the outer door to survey the scene before me -there was a light snow covering. reaching for my skywatch which I'd left out over night I wiped the frost off and took a temperature reading -1 c , I couldn't take a wind chill reading as the propeller had iced up and froze over night, the thick layer of frost on the stiff guylines told me it was probably several degrees below freezing though.As I lay there drinking my morning coffee it started snowing quite heavily accompanied by strong winds, just a shower I thought..
Around 45 mins later ( After breakfast followed by more coffee ) the snow shower passed, I peered out of the tent door - around 2-3 cm had fallen, I then started to slowly pack everything away. whilst doing so it started snowing again, so once I had packed everything away under cover, I made 1 last coffee before getting myself and Max ready to strike camp. I put max's winter walking coat on, then got out of the tent to attempt to pack it away quickly - not easy when its blowing a gale combined with snow . Max sat there with a disapproving look, his face covered in snow. The tent was quickly stuffed into its sack and we headed off.
Usually I'm not a fan of 'out and back walks ' as I said at the beginning this was supposed to be a day walk but I turned it into a 2 day slack pack - I'm glad I did as it gave me time to explore and get different perspective's without being constrained by the time frame of a longer walk.
Slowly I made my way back to Llanuwchllyn over snow covered summits views back to Bala looking much different to the day before. It was a very different kind of trip from the usual but I enjoyed immensely- it was more of an 'immersive' trip, a chance to stop and stare, take in the mountain with all its changing character through different weather conditions. Soon I was back at my starting point and another journey started... this time though I was heading home.
I'll leave you with some pic's from my journey back to Llanuwchllyn.
