Three bloggers in the Howgill Fells

Camp on Wild Boar Fell with a distant Eden Valley below

Just a quick post this one – a consequence of me being buried with work this month. I will be spending more nights in a tent than my own bed at home!

This weekend I hooked up with outdoor bloggers Martin from Summit and Valley and James from Backpackingbongos – two thoroughly decent blokes – for a 2 night wild camp in the Howgill Fells.

Both chaps have many years of backpacking on me – often calling me a ‘young ‘un’ and other such names – and hearing their stories of hiking and the like was absolutely fascinating and inspiring. So much so, that this year I’m going to apply for a place on the TGO Challenge as a consequence. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a few years but never really came round to entering – they’ve managed to change my mind and go for it.

At times I did feel like the ‘new kid on the block’ when we talked about favourite hikes and memorable trips – it was almost like I’m some young pretender nudging about at the knees of gods – and in many respects, I was. Often Martin and James would talk about gear in the 1980’s – a time when I was just a small boy!

Nevertheless, we got on really well, had a laugh, shared stories – all the while enjoying some fine weather and scenery in this often overlooked part of Northern England. It was a great weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. More so as for the first time in a long time, I didn’t have to lug my video camera equipment around with me – this short trip was a bit of fun – a break if you like.

It was nice to learn that Martin and James are pretty much how you imagine they’d be in person (if you follow their blogs regularly, of course) – I’m not too sure whether I lived up to any impressions they may have made of me, mind. Though I did crack open a can of beer to admire the views at our first camp on Friday before pitching my tent.

It was nice to take a peek at each others gear, too – though in all honesty what surprised me most was how similar our choice of gear was and the reasons why.

But it’s back to work for me tomorrow. A trip to the Chiltern Hills beckons ‘darn sarf’ followed by several days filming in the Peak District, hence this short trip report from myself. Apologies if you expected more, but I’m just so busy at the moment.

Keep an eye on Martin and James’ blogs for a trip report of the weekend – no doubt it will make a good read and they will fill you in on all the details – which may include who struggles to breathe during the night or like to rip Yellow Pages in half like Geoff Capes in quick succession during the night.

And if you too fancy meeting up – don’t forget about the social meet I’m organising in the Peak District this August. There aren’t many places left now, so do let me know if you wish to come along.

So, thank you Martin and James – you were great company and I hope to see you both again soon.

In the meantime, here are some photos I took from this little soiree into the quiet hills and dales of eastern Cumbria….

James (left) talks to Martin at our camp on Wild Boar Fell

All three shelters in one view with a distant Lake District on the horizon

James and Martin enjoy a view of the Howgill Fells and Lake District

Sunset over Sand Tarn on Wild Boar Fell

View out the rear door of the Terra Nova Voyager 2.2 I’m testing

Sand Tarn with the Eden Valley below

It aint called Sand Tarn for nothing!

Martin on The Nab, Wild Boar Fell

Distinctive cairns on Wild Boar Fells summit

March through cotton grass on Baugh Fell

Beautiful waterfall by Holmes Moss near Baugh Fell

Taking in the views on Yarlside in the Howgills

Other than sheep and the odd fell pony you will pretty much have the Howgills to yourself

The views are breathtaking – fell after fell after fell….

My camp below Yarlside in the Howgills at sunrise