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Title: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:04:08, 20/09/20
Lots of people have expressed the desire to do it, I wonder how many followed it through?

The information more or less confirmed what I do anyway, I don't pitch until nearly dark, I sleep, get up early and move on. No one as yet, as far as I know, has ever known that I was there.

I use the same equipment, clothing, tent etc that I use on a site, so have not done any special purchases. I do ensure though that I have plenty of water, some food and battery power, for head light, back up torch and phone, there's rarely a street light on my wild camps.

In my case I prefer a bivvy and tarp when wild camping, makes me feel I'm more in control.

And in my case I prefer to camp on the edge of a field (no animals in it of course) and do not seek out woodland settings.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: cornwallcoastpathdweller on 21:44:00, 20/09/20
Intend to do more when properly equipped, so far only done a one night reccie to see if i like it (i do). 


Learning points.


1 i need a longer tent, 2.0m isnt big enough to lie down in without touching the ends
2. Take a roll mat, the ground is very uncomfortable.  Looking for a Klymit o zone.
3. Do not pitch in woodland.  All the twigs falling keeps the dog, and hence me, awake most of the night.
4. Dont walk 30 miles before pitching.
5. Was excellent fun and probably better after sorting first 4 points out of course.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:10:14, 20/09/20
Well 2020 certainly has been the year of wild camping for me. I have sporadically wild camped in the past, a few decades ago, in the Pyrenees and the north of Scotland, and more recently on Orkney clifftops and in that Cairngorms, but since the end of lockdown I've really gone for it, regularly camping in beautiful remote locations on the Lakeland fells.


I've camped a lot on campsites in the past, so the only things that I have had to buy specifically for wild camping are a 4 season one man tent and a water filter. And I do intend to carry on camping into the winter.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Mel on 22:29:48, 20/09/20
I’ve not done it yet but when I do, I expect to learn:
 
I won’t be able to sleep.
When you godda go, you godda go.
A twig cracking, a rustle or snuffle will actually be truly terrifying.
I should probably have taken my stove because:
 - a pot noodle, some squishy cheese and crackers and a fruity/nutty flapjack will not be a substantial enough meal; and
 - my flask won’t stay hot for 12 hours (you can never drink too much tea); so..
I will need to invest in a water filter.
No matter how cozy my sleeping bag is or how many layers I wear, I will be cold.
I will have started my period during the night and have no lady provisions (ha! that's summat you fellas don't have to think about innit?!!).
I will open my tent door the next morning and find I’m surrounded by cattle.
There will be a slug in my mug.
 
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Islandplodder on 08:21:10, 21/09/20
I was really surprised how well i slept.
When you godda go you don't have to go far, you are already in the middle of nowhere, and I once caught a spectacular sunrise.
I was ok with snuffles but had a rude awakening by a barn owl until I worked out what it was. No wonder they are associated with the dark arts.
I got better at water planning.
I was lucky in finding tea early on, but I was cycling, so there were cafés and village shops and things. Might have to invest in a stove, might be on wish list, but don't want to carry it.
Too old for lady provisions, but I don't remember it as too much of a problem in my youth so was either lucky or prepared.
Was lucky with slugs, but kept mug in the tent where slugs didn't get.



Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:05:29, 21/09/20
I should probably have taken my stove because:
 - a pot noodle, some squishy cheese and crackers and a fruity/nutty flapjack will not be a substantial enough meal; and
 - my flask won’t stay hot for 12 hours (you can never drink too much tea); so..
I will need to invest in a water filter.

As you are probably aware, I don't take a stove, Mel (might do in the depths of winter, though). Oatcakes and cheese or squirty vegetarian pate do make a substantial meal, especially if supplemented with dried fruit and nuts, and a chocolate treat at the end of the meal (oatcakes can easily be in excess of 400kcal/100g, so nothing insubstantial about them).

And who needs tea when you can have a sip of peaty water for breakfast?  :)
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:55:15, 21/09/20
Re: 'when you godda go!' Being a bloke I don't have too much trouble when needing a pee. I do remember however, my very first wild camp, I came out of a pub on the Cotswold Way, walked to the local cricket pitch and erected my tent to the side of the pavillion. I woke in the night definately needing to go, so I got out my Uriwell ( for me a great purchase!) and then discovered that I could pee whilst lying down horizontally! I didn't know this until then. Camping is so much easier now.  :)

On my Stevenson Way trip I also realised that it was not a good idea to fill my water bladder and then leave it lying just outside near my head. I got such a fright when, in the dark I heard the sound of water burbling and then discovering that mice were running and bouncing back and forth over it. I stopped that practice from then on.

When I'm wild camping I like to have something at my back like a large rock, fence or wall, just adds to my feeling of security.

If I feel the need for a bit of front facing security I carry a roll of fishing line with me and on a couple of occasions I have strung it across some trees at about knee height, attached to a cheap Amazon 'rape alarm 'just in case' I'm disturbed. I never have been disturbed yet. I also use a 'rape alarm' when I'm in my bivvy, I just attach to me and my rucksack, again its a 'just in case' gadget to deter anyone who might want to steal it in the dark. Its never happened though. So very simple to do and the line and the 'rape alarms' only weigh a couple of ounces and can be used over and over again.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 10:31:39, 21/09/20
My 2020 plans were to do some more long distance trails, and wild camp more (with less kit with me) - and I haven't really done the former as much as I intended, but I've done the latter plenty.


Stuff I've learned (not particularly this year but in general):


- Keep pairing back kit.  Don't just pack things because you 'always do', look at the forecast and try to pair it back without being too optimistic.
- A decent bag, warm sleeping mat + a inflating pillow are things I've not once regret purchasing.
- Ask yourself 'what amount of my trip am I using this for' unless it has a secondary purpose.
- If you're cold or hungry you'll get miserable.  At a minimum, pack a warm layer and a bit of extra food.
- If you haven't used kit in 2-3 years perhaps you should look to sell it on
- Not quite at the 'no cook 100% tarp life' just yet though I do it for 1-night trips now.  I can't justify the weight 'savings' when the comfort compromise just doesn't feel worth it and my alcohol stove is super tiny/light. 
- If you've just started wild camping and struggle with relaxing with the new sounds disrupting your ability to relax, bring a tiny iPod with something to listen to (or use your phone if you have a battery pack to keep it charged up).  I started off with an iPod but found myself using a Kindle so that even if it's absolutely blowing a gale and I can't sleep, I'll be able to read something as I gradually fall asleep.
- Rubbish/hygiene needs thinking about and the more streamlined this is the more I find I enjoy my trip.
- Hammocks are awesome and am keen to do more of this kind of camping




For anyone just considering doing it - go for it. 
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: fernman on 10:50:37, 21/09/20
Re. godda go, I always designate a specific area to use about 30 ft away from the tent, something like a particular clump of rushes, and I go there every time. My theory is that as it's Wales there will soon be rain that will restore the ecology. Another thought is that the sheep go everywhere so I'm not going to make much difference. The spot usually stands out if I have to go in the dark, though that 30 ft might become a bit shorter if it's blowing and raining!

But a little warning for other men - I don't *think* this applies to the ladies, but you never know! - make sure you stand with the wind behind you  :) .
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: ninthace on 13:50:34, 21/09/20
Re. godda go, I always designate a specific area to use about 30 ft away from the tent, something like a particular clump of rushes, and I go there every time. My theory is that as it's Wales there will soon be rain that will restore the ecology. Another thought is that the sheep go everywhere so I'm not going to make much difference. The spot usually stands out if I have to go in the dark, though that 30 ft might become a bit shorter if it's blowing and raining!

But a little warning for other men - I don't *think* this applies to the ladies, but you never know! - make sure you stand with the wind behind you  :) .
I presume it is the same for ladies - spray may be less of an issue but if there is a sudden gust while crouching, better to fall forward away from it than backwards into it.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Islandplodder on 14:09:15, 21/09/20
As the knees get older, I have become an advocate of the pee-stone. Sit on the edge of it, and you don't fall anywhere, and if you have a jacket on you can retain a modicum of discretion and modesty.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: vizzavona on 14:15:59, 22/09/20
I have never been a user of the term 'wild camping' except maybe when our tent was blown flat in Glen Rosa on Arran or during a camp at the top end of Fionn Loch during a very gusty night but on that occasion the weather was dry. :)
When I first got interested in travelling amongst the hills and got myself a copy of the listings of where the big hills in Scotland were located the additional information included was the details of where the nearest hotels relevant to where each of the summits could be accessed. Well clearly as a person just out of school hotels were not an option for overnights and carrying my tent was the early choice for accommodation. Later, when likeminded folks were encountered Hostels, club cottages and bothies gave us additional options in some of the areas when staying out overnight.
The use of a tent became 'just camping' and visits to the area of Loch Coruisk and to a camp beside Fuar Loch Mor in the Fisherfield forest felt possibly as remote as any in GB.
Our tent was taken to Europe where when following the GR routes on Corsica and on others in mainland France and an early model tent was used on a Glacier in Greenland.
Don't really know where the wild camping stuff came from but it could be the folks that write up stuff for the glossy magazines.?
More seriously the rush to experience this type of camping has caused more than a few problems with shoddy practices being used in the hills up here.

Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Birdman on 15:01:26, 22/09/20
No matter how cozy my sleeping bag is or how many layers I wear, I will be cold.


If this is the case, probably the insulation value of your mattress is insufficient. Invest in a good one!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Birdman on 15:03:54, 22/09/20
Because of %$$# Covid-19, I have only spent 5 nights wild camping this year, which is really depressing (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/angry.gif)
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 09:43:50, 24/09/20
Well, I bought all the gear ready for a trip up Scotland this year for a bit of wild camping but it never happened. I did go to a campsite for two nights in the Dales, hiking from the train station to our destination carrying most of the gear for myself and my son, and we survived although for once, didn’t bring enough to eat without buying elsewhere, but at least I know I can lug my kit.


Although I am comfortable with most of my gear (need a better cooking set), and reckon I could cope for a few nights, it is the thought of not finding somewhere suitable to camp that scares me the most. I actually feel better about going up to Scotland to do it than anywhere in England. I guess I’d hate to go up a huge hill in a place like the lakes and find out there wasn’t a spot to pitch as night draws in.


Part of my feelings could be because I don’t have a car. I passed my test years ago but got made redundant and got rid after driving it only 3 times. Now I feel out of practice so want refresher lessons before even considering going on the road. If I did get a car at least I’d have a safety net to go back to, should I not find a spot, or the weather turns.



I’ve not done it yet but when I do, I expect to learn:
 
I won’t be able to sleep.
When you godda go, you godda go.
A twig cracking, a rustle or snuffle will actually be truly terrifying.
I should probably have taken my stove because:
 - a pot noodle, some squishy cheese and crackers and a fruity/nutty flapjack will not be a substantial enough meal; and
 - my flask won’t stay hot for 12 hours (you can never drink too much tea); so..
I will need to invest in a water filter.
No matter how cozy my sleeping bag is or how many layers I wear, I will be cold.
I will have started my period during the night and have no lady provisions (ha! that's summat you fellas don't have to think about innit?!!).
I will open my tent door the next morning and find I’m surrounded by cattle.
There will be a slug in my mug.


haha! I’ll probably be exactly the same!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: fernman on 18:03:00, 24/09/20
it is the thought of not finding somewhere suitable to camp that scares me the most. I actually feel better about going up to Scotland to do it than anywhere in England. I guess I’d hate to go up a huge hill in a place like the lakes and find out there wasn’t a spot to pitch as night draws in.

Be assured you will find spots to pitch, these places, Scotland and the Lakes, abound in them.

Look at the Dover to Cape Wrath walk on wildwalking.uk, he wild camped for 52 nights all the way, some of them in rather populous areas. I must admit that while some of the pitches were rather public, such as beside towpaths, etc., he was usually up and away before anyone was about.

The most important thing to me is level and dry grass, ideally long enough to give your ground mat a bit of cushioning. Then you want water nearby, shelter from wind, and some privacy. A plus is where you can pitch facing east to get the morning light, while a big bonus is something you can sit on, like a rock, a log or just a bank you can dangle your legs down.

Avoid anywhere that's sloping even a little, is a bit squelchy underfoot, or has lumpy tussocks beneath your bed.

You don't always find all of the above in one go, you must be  prepared to compromise, but even a pitch with most of those features will be enjoyable, and with all of them it will be memorable.

And don't feel too reliant on having your car to escape to, otherwise you're never going to get far from it. Having said that, I confess that mine always had to be just about in sight from a distance for my first three wild camps, and for the next couple it was a bit of a wrench walking away and leaving it. But from then onwards I haven't given it a thought.


Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:28:43, 24/09/20
Agree with what Fernman says, you can always find a pitch in wild country. And with time, you develop a real eye for it. Sometimes you have to compromise, but it isn't the end of the world if you have to - it is the being there that counts.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 20:05:12, 24/09/20
Well, I bought all the gear ready for a trip up Scotland this year for a bit of wild camping but it never happened. I did go to a campsite for two nights in the Dales, hiking from the train station to our destination carrying most of the gear for myself and my son, and we survived although for once, didn’t bring enough to eat without buying elsewhere, but at least I know I can lug my kit.


Although I am comfortable with most of my gear (need a better cooking set), and reckon I could cope for a few nights, it is the thought of not finding somewhere suitable to camp that scares me the most. I actually feel better about going up to Scotland to do it than anywhere in England. I guess I’d hate to go up a huge hill in a place like the lakes and find out there wasn’t a spot to pitch as night draws in.


Part of my feelings could be because I don’t have a car. I passed my test years ago but got made redundant and got rid after driving it only 3 times. Now I feel out of practice so want refresher lessons before even considering going on the road. If I did get a car at least I’d have a safety net to go back to, should I not find a spot, or the weather turns.




haha! I’ll probably be exactly the same!


I'd say just get out there, half the drivers on the road could do with a refresher course in my opinion!  You'll get the hang of it pretty fast, but if you could let me know roughly what part of the country you'll be practicing I'll be sure I won't be on the road that day (just so you can have just a little extra space of course with one less driver! :D )


It's the same with wild camping really - loads of people want the 'perfect' conditions, the best weather, no wind, the perfect campsite.  Whereas loads of people are already out there in dodgy weather having a great time, pitching on their 'imperfect' campsites and figuring stuff out.  Gotta embrace it and it won't take more than a half dozen nights out before you start figuring it out.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 21:18:29, 24/09/20
Thanks for the comments guys. I realise I do need to get out there and just give it a go somewhere, the wild camping that is, not the driving, although if I lived somewhere more remote, it’d be a lot easier for me to do both lol. I guess the current climate with this virus and restrictions doesn’t help either. If it’d been last year I bet I’d have done it by now. Doubt I’ll get to do it this year now though, with my lad being back at school, unless I risk it at the end of October. Although I’m not looking for everything to be perfect, I don’t want it to go horrendously wrong either due to weather etc, on my initial outings. Shame round here is flat as anything, no where to hide.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:39:22, 24/09/20
Wild camping is not hard, all you need is a flattish area of land about 7' x 4'. Mind you I once slept on top of an old wooden door that I found, and on the '1066 route' in Sussex, a flat bed farm trailer really came in handy one night. I'd already seen it as I approach Battle. so once I left the local  pub I wandered back about 300 yds and stayed there the night. Very comfortable.

I'm sure everyone in the end develops there only little wild camping tricks and styles, for example I've found that night time wall shadows can be helpful, or shadows under trees can also be great for blending into the landscape. When in a shadow I can see out to the lighter areas but those in the lighter areas find it difficult to see into the shadow where I am.

Again for example, I remember having to wait overnight for a train in Bergerac so I walked down this brightly lit street, primarily to get away from the station. I didn't want to draw attention to myself to the passing drunks and the groups of youths that were hanging about the station. So I walked down a residential stree for about half a kilometre and came across two trees next to the pavement, with a three seater bench between them, I noted that the tree shadow hid the bench completely. So I just got out my mattress laid it on the bench and quietly lay there just looking out to the neon-lit street. Lots of people walked past me to where they lived, they wer not planning to stop, so as they passed by all they saw the black shadow between the trees. I could see them though, almost as clear as day thanks to the street lights. Eventually, I fell asleep and was woken by my phone alarm at 5 am, I wandered back to the station and caught the 5.55 am train to Bordeaux. I had a good sleep on the train as well.

My friend and I know a local vagrant who often sleeps in the shadows of the walls of our Cathedral but he also has another place to sleep. He knows and we now know as well (he told us) that if he walks into the middle of Southsea Common, which is just a large area of flat grass, he will sleep there some nights (when its suitable weather) and more than likely he will not be disturbed. The area all around the common is lit up by street lights, so from his lying down position he can see everyone thats walking by, but if they peer into the darkness of the common they can't see him. I've never had cause to try this if I was stuck in an urban area but if need be I think its a good tip to consider.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: ninthace on 22:19:10, 24/09/20
I can vouch for using the dark space surrounded by an area of bright lights.  We used it as tactic in airfield defence - a perimeter of outward shining bright lights means you can see the bad guys but they can't see you and I have used it to sneak into places unobserved.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 08:46:02, 25/09/20
That’s a good tactic and I’ll be sure to remember that when I eventually get out there. Not sure I’d ever feel brave enough to sleep at night on a bench with people walking right past me, though.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:11:02, 25/09/20
No need to worry about dark spaces and bright lights if you head up to the Lake District, Littlefoot - the infrequently visited head of Hayeswater springs to mind as a potential site for you, bus to Hartsop and only a 2 mile walk in - the only light that my son and I enjoyed was from our headtorches and the stars, which were beautiful. And no need to hide either - the National Trust, who own the land around the lake, but not the shore, are tolerant of responsible wild campers in the Lake District, and indeed give tacit approval for camping on the fells on their website.

https://wildaboutwalking.wordpress.com/lake-district/hayeswater-wild-camp/ (https://wildaboutwalking.wordpress.com/lake-district/hayeswater-wild-camp/)

This map might be useful if you are visiting the Lake District - land in green is owned by the National Trust. But do camp above the field boundaries, and well away from roads and houses.

https://map.whoownsengland.org/ (https://map.whoownsengland.org/)


PS - I can PM you exact directions and some more suggestions if you wish.


PPS - don't be bound by the map - I have camped high on non NT land without problem, but you may find it reassuring to know that the landowner is tolerant.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 12:14:51, 25/09/20
Thanks for the info Richard. That looks a nice spot and I’ll have a more in-depth read of the site shortly to look at other ideas. Hayeswater might be ok if I planned a few nights away in the Lakes but since it’s just under a 7 hour journey from the Humber region to Hartsop, it’s a bit too far for a single night. When I travelled to Kendal via Manchester, I didn’t manage to get there til gone 2pm.


I definitely want to wild camp in the Lakes, maybe on a one night camp, one night B&B basis at first, but it is difficult to do on the spur of the moment when using the expensive option of train with not much notice. Reckon it will be next year before I get up there again.



I’m wondering what the Yorkshire moors would be like for wild camping as that might be easier on bus. I really fancy Gunnerside to look at all the derelict lean mine buildings as that would interest my lad, but that looks a pain to get to.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: ninthace on 12:40:42, 25/09/20
If you are interested in old lead mine buildings near Gunnerside then the old peat store by the beck at NY 93708 01750 would be a great spot for a wild camp.
More info here http://www.outofoblivion.org.uk/record.asp?id=127 (http://www.outofoblivion.org.uk/record.asp?id=127)
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:53:05, 25/09/20
Looking at the ticket prices from Hull to Penrith it would be a lot cheaper to hire a car, as well as a lot quicker and more convenient. A couple of refresher lessons would be money well spent in my humble opinion. :)
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:34:24, 25/09/20
Re: My shadows observations. I thought I had discovered something unique, obviously not. The vagrant was ahead of me and so are you.

Little Foot - I have discovered by my life and hiking experience that if you are unlucky enough to be stuck in an urban setting and need to rest and sleep, wandering into residential areas I think is potentially the best move to make. In a residential area, most people walking nearby, in my experience anyway, are just going home, they have a purpose and they tend not to concentrate on what's to the left or right of them, they just want to get to their beds. The worst that I think could happen to you, unless you were incredibally unlucky, is that someone might be dying for a pee and think "that area in shadow, perfect, I'll go there!" I have a stand-by plan which I've never had to use yet, if someone was heading into my space I would cough loudly, just to let them know where I am. Hopefully that would do the trick, they would then look for another shadowed area? Personally I will always avoid a town or city centre, with a rucksack on my back and late at night I know I would just stand out like a belisha beacon, so to me, to be avoided at all costs.

So in my case I can manage in a town the size of Keswick but not in one the size of Manchester. Mind you, whenever I've had to walk to the Manchester central train station or to the coach station in daylight I still feel threatened by it!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 14:29:21, 25/09/20
If you are interested in old lead mine buildings near Gunnerside then the old peat store by the beck at NY 93708 01750 would be a great spot for a wild camp.
More info here http://www.outofoblivion.org.uk/record.asp?id=127 (http://www.outofoblivion.org.uk/record.asp?id=127)


That looks interesting, something my boy would like to explore.


Gunnerside first got my interest at the beginning of this month, when I flicked over the calendar and saw this pic:-


(https://i.imgur.com/wyMGhJX.jpg)

You can just see the peat drying structures at the top of the hill.

Looking at the ticket prices from Hull to Penrith it would be a lot cheaper to hire a car, as well as a lot quicker and more convenient. A couple of refresher lessons would be money well spent in my humble opinion. :)


A couple of lessons? More like a couple of hundred pounds worth. After those, I then need to buy myself a really slow automatic car.  ;D


I don't care what people say, men are better at driving than women in the majority of cases.


<sniped.

So in my case I can manage in a town the size of Keswick but not in one the size of Manchester. Mind you, whenever I've had to walk to the Manchester central train station or to the coach station in daylight I still feel threatened by it!


Completely agree. I don't think I've ever felt so threatened in a city than I did in Manchester last month! It was bad enough in a hotel lol. I guess sleeping a little town would feel a lot different than a big city, definitely.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Jac on 14:38:09, 25/09/20
A couple of lessons? More like a couple of hundred pounds worth. After those, I then need to buy myself a really slow automatic car.  ;D

I don't care what people say, men are better at driving than women in the majority of cases.


WHAAAT :o  :tickedoff:  or who on earth gave you that idea >:(
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:41:34, 25/09/20
Certainly wasn't me!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 14:50:33, 25/09/20
WHAAAT :o :tickedoff:  or who on earth gave you that idea >:(


The many Youtube vids of women failing badly at parking, and my ex's mum closing her eyes whilst driving through tight spots, and my son's nanna telling me how bad she is, and the countless times I've seen a driver mess up when with my dad and he says 'I bet it's a woman' and it is, plus the times he doesn't say anything and it's still been a woman. Oh and the fact I'm rubbish at it too. Guessing you are one of the exceptions though Jac, which there are some of course.


Funny how quick Richard got his defence in there!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Jac on 14:58:57, 25/09/20
Perhaps it's genes - not gender

NB I didn't say I was a particularly good driver - just don't believe that men in general are better - even if they may think they are.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 15:13:39, 25/09/20
Perhaps it's genes - not gender

NB I didn't say I was a particularly good driver - just don't believe that men in general are better - even if they may think they are.


I think perhaps I should have said that they pick it up better.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: ninthace on 16:05:59, 25/09/20

That looks interesting, something my boy would like to explore.


Gunnerside first got my interest at the beginning of this month, when I flicked over the calendar and saw this pic:-


(https://i.imgur.com/wyMGhJX.jpg)

You can just see the peat drying structures at the top of the hill.

That looks like the Old Gang Smelting Mill - GR NY 97438 00532.  Not exactly near Gunnerside but you can walk there from Gunnerside.  Access from the road would be up the track from the layby (SD 98973 99837) just S of Surrender Bridge to the E.  There is an old adit there too to amuse your lad and if you walk on up the track to Flincher Gill (fork  right where the C2C path joins from the W) there are 2 adits side just to the right of the track.  The track E all the way from Gunnerside Gill to Surrender bridge has a lot of industrial archaeology.
If you want another voyage of discovery, if you follow the path from the Tan Hill Inn to Annaside Edge and Punchard Gill, there are some drystone coal mine shafts (now neatly covered with a grill) that   have been sunk through the peat.  You can see the stream running through the bottom of the shaft.  Further on is the old coal mine at Punchard Gill where coal used to be floated out on barges and then carried off down the hill.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: Little Foot on 19:04:48, 25/09/20
That's definitely the spot! Fantastic work there Ninthace. That looks doable if I get a train to Richmond then walk to Reeth before heading to the mines. A bit more easier than I thought. Looks good for wild camping too at various locations. There does seem to be a fair bit that might interest my lad, hopefully.


I've just spotted Ravenseat Farm too if I carried on a bit, I think I would cry if I spotted the family there. I love the tv programme 'Our Yorkshire Farm'. They are all so lovely. I'm rather excited now as think that might be my first proper wild camp up there.
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:07:49, 25/09/20
Funny how quick Richard got his defence in there!


 ;D


Strange how I felt the need to quickly distance myself from your assertion!
Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:50:36, 26/09/20
Well, the one thing that I have learnt in the year of Coronavirus is to go for it, as we don't know what is around the corner.


All too often I've dithered because of an unfavourable forecast, easily put off by a shower symbol on the weather map; now unless a real storm is forecast, I go for it anyway. Once or twice I have paid the price, especially being caught by that giant thunderstorm (https://wildaboutwalking.wordpress.com/lake-district/levers-water-wild-camp/) a month or so back (but I was in a safe spot, and enjoyed a sublime wild swim the following morning), but it is all good experience, builds confidence and gives a store of memories that I shall cherish in years to come.  :)



Title: Re: 2020, the wild camping year. What have we learned?
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:07:24, 27/09/20
My adapted hiking quilt is back with me, its taken a while to return to me. I wanted to find a quick and easy way to keep warm, or warmer, during the colder months of the year when camping or bivvying. I had an old down sleeping bag and my wife's friend has cut it to size and has made it into a rectangular 'throwover' for me.

My plan is to 'toggle-attach' the 'throwover' along one side of my quilt. I wiil either be rolled up or just scrunched it up alongside me ready for use inside my bivvy or inside mky tent. If I wake up in the night feeing cold all I have to do is pull the 'throwover' over me, thereby creating a double-layer quilt and hope this is just enough to keep me going until dawn. The idea is that if I then get too hot I can just throw off the 'throwover' and push it to one side again. Well thats the plan, I've just got to camp out (in the garden first) to see if it will work in the way that I want it too?