Walking and camping in the southern Lake District
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- With gales forecast on the tops and a real need to get away, I decided to spend some time exploring the woods and rolling landscape of the Furness area of the southern Lakes.
I spent the night on a local camp-site in the area.
Yep spot on with your comments on hostelling and camping. It has been little commented on but what was always taken for granted - the ability for ramblers to camp easily and cheaply across our countryside - is now so much more difficult. The price increases at camp sites over the last years have been insane. A real blow for ramblers and cyclists and everyone interested in access to our land.
The more I think about the more depressed I feel, because like everything else, you never go back to something good. The crap/rip-off ways become the norm and folk just put up with it. Maybe part-fuelling the popularity in wild-camping?
Thanks Chris. Love your easy informative style.
Thanks Stephen. Very nice of you to say so.
Nice one again, Chris, your commentary set these videos apart from the usual tent review/boil in the bag merchants!
Many thanks Steve. There is a lot of good content out there so it's nice when people recognise any little differences. Best wishes, Chris
You've got great knowledge of the British wildlife etc... always interesting to hear.
Keep the Facts Flowing in your blogs great to here about our Northern History.
Thanks Vinnie. I'm glad you find it interesting. Best wishes, Chris
I used to love going Youth Hostels as a kid with my Mum and Dad and sister, doing the chors in the morning was my highlight 😅.
Later on, in my early teens I went to stay at Ambleside yha with the school, there was a group of French kids staying too and I met my first love at the age of 14. We became penpals and wrote to each other for years. Grew up got married and lost contact. Nearly 40 years later she has tracked me down via Facebook and we now keep in touch via messenger. All this because we went to Yha.
Pointless story really but you jogged my memory chatting about yha. Nice little vid, enjoyed it, cheers
That's a great story re your French pen pal and not pointless at all. I too had a French pen pal too for years. There was no romance (though at the time I think that's what I was hoping for). And how cool is that that she has tracked you down. Ambleside YH is one we have used a couple of times in recent years too. 👍
Enjoyed that Chris, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it Darren. ATB pal.
Thumbs up from me, enjoying how you share your knowledge of nature.
Many thanks Dave. I sometimes wonder if I overdo the nature part so it's nice to hear that. 🙂
Always enjoy your little explorations Chris, and I always learn something as well. Wow! that copy of the Bible, I remember it too! Lol! 👍👍
Hello Anthony. Yep, it seems that Bible stirred a few memories for viewers! Best wishes, Chris
You certainly made the best of a bad weather day Chris , can’t beat a nice woodland wander and mooch about. I do like to have a ratch about in old churches. £20 for a night , a tenner would be more appropriate eh . Love to listen to the owls on a night but fairly rare these days . TFS atb Dave
Yep, I was thinking the same, a tenner would've been nearer the mark. I was hoping to get out tonight but no chance with today's weather. Bye for now, Chris
Another brilliant video Chris. As per usual, not only did you show us some amazing scenery on your travels, but your narration and explaining stuff along the way, made it an interesting watch mate.👍
How do Hengist and thanks. I needed to get away so although not a wild-camp it still gave me that sense of escapism. Bye for now, Chris
Oh the memories you rekindled.
I still have my copy of that children’s bible bought for me by my parents in 1975
Love watching your videos
So much better than those just showing off their freebies 😁
Apart from some company offering me a cheapo camp-stove once (which I declined as I like the stove I have 🙂), I've never had any freebies. Yes, the Bible was fab. I might see if I can pick up my own copy on Ebay? Bye for now, Chris
Great vlog Chris, something a little different, very interesting, I also remember the Bible from why I was a kid, until the next one 👍
Thanks Matt. Bloody weather a real pain in the arse at the moment. Bye for now, Chris.
Instead of Wild Camping you’re civilized camping! 😆 Looks like a fair place to pitch your tent … fun to hear the owl! Great day of exploring the woods and church yards. Seems like you found quite a variety of mushrooms including some good ones to take home. Interesting about the graves and the soil. - 👍👍 Jen 🍄🍄
Hello Jennifer. Yes, this was much more civilized 🙂. Unfortunately, mainly due to the weather, I have not managed a 'proper' walk since this one. Every time I'm available lately it seems to be raining! Anyway, I hope all is well with you. 👍
Top notch again Chris. Always enjoy your videos mate!
Adge
Cheers Adge mate. Next will be a wild-camp though! ATB pal. 👍
Enjoyed that Chris! A good old woodland ramble👍 Not been able to get out myself for the last three weeks or so. Might see if I can get some autumnal goodness this week before we head off to Spain...mind you, at least the chestnuts will be better over there!👍😁
Thanks Des. How splendid, heading over to Spain.....not envious at all. 😉. Hope you and Maria have a great time.
I was sure you were going to show us a dormouse Chris! I admire your resilience, I often go home when Plan A doesn't work, but to get to Plan D is proper hardcore!
You would have seen me leaping about with glee Phil if I had found a dormouse 😁. I was close to just abandoning altogether but have been climbing the walls recently with the weather ruining plans. ATB, Chris
Lovely, thanks for taking me on journey Chris and well blimey we had a cottage in Bouth 3 years ago and found it a great area for walking. Last week I spent one night on the camping and caravan club site in Keswick where the handful of backpacker pithches were right on the lakeside it was so beautiful but like you say I didn’t fit in as it was mostly posh camper vans well what happened to caravans nobody seemed to have one. I’m still in my little tent😅.
£16.50 and the facilities were 1st class with a 2 min walk to town. Lovely jubly.
ATB 🍺
Hello Dave. I think I remember your stay in Bouth. Did you see a bee orchid somewhere? I think on a long-distance walk a bit of campsite luxury would be nice to get cleaned up and recharge the batteries. Bye for now, Chris
@@ChrisJB blimey yes the bee orchid on Roa island on a lawn in front of a row of cottages near the jetty. A lovely spot.
Nice one mate 👍⛺️🦉
Thank you. Cheers Gooner. 👍
Hi Chris, Roudsea is a magical place... it's a favourite of mine. I probably get down there and the locality 2-3 times a month.
Haverthwaite Heights is a fantastic for Bluebells in season. I'm surprised you didn't spot the remains of the charcoal burners huts.
The Rusland valley is a fantastic place for raptors (I'll not say which or where...to public here)
Penny's brother farms just across the valley from the campsite you stayed at... bottom of Tow Top!
Looks like you had a good weekend... your correct single small tents don't seem to be wanted anymore.....And don't get me started on YHA's!🤬
All very familiar to me, but lovely to watch it through someone else's eyes, thanks for sharing... cheers Alistair 👍
How do Alistair. I do know places nearby like Foulshaw and Meathop Mosses very well and have been visiting a couple of other little nature reserves near Witherslack for years. Roudsea was a first though. It came highly recommended by someone I know how is a fungi nut.
As for the raptors you mentioned. I'm pretty sure I know the species. Me, my pa and our birding crew used to park on The Causeway with our binoculars and telescopes scanning the skies for them. It was always quite popular with birders.
I didn't see any charcoal burner huts, though there was a level area in the wood as I climbed out from Backbarrow which I thought was a charcoal burning feature.
It's a great area and off the beaten track. ATB, Chris
Nice one Chris.
Plan D worked out well!
Love a woodland walk and I'd love to forage some mushrooms...but I'm not confident enough with identification.
I've never seen a dormouse either, sadly.
Thanks for sharing...
Thanks Graeme. If you do fancy learning more about finding edible mushrooms, check these YT vids out I've learnt so much from them: www.youtube.com/@WildFoodUK1
Best wishes, Chris :
Always enjoy listening to your adventures. I really need to pick some of this up as flora and fauna definitely something I don’t know and for the Mountain Leader assessment they expect you to know some. I’ll have to start writing notes on your videos haha
Hello Kris. Yes, I'd heard from someone that you needed to know a bit of wildlife stuff for the ML assessment. I'm not sure how I could help but if you need any book suggestions or owt let me know. It's not a great time of year to be seeing wildlife in the field. all the flowers are dead etc and most of the birds have sodded off to warmer places! Anyway, hope you are well mate.
Nice one bud. Yeah it’s been hard to find good wild camping weather recently. I remember that image of Absolom too. Looking forward to your next vid. Atb
Thanks UP👍. It's funny what seemingly insignificant things stay with you from childhood. I've been hoping to get out on a wildcamp the last two Fridays too but the weather has just been awful. It's doing my head in!
@@ChrisJB me too mate!
Enjoyed that, cheers. I'm down the road from you in Littleborough but my little girl means I haven't been able to get out for a while, good to get my fix by watching your channel though. Just a recommendation but Grizedale Campsite is a good, cheap but basic one up the road from this video. Good walking there too.
Yep Tom, very local and thanks. The missus is a Littleborough lass. I was quite an old dad with young kids and I can remember those days when it wasn't so easy to get out. Thanks for the heads up re Grizedale. One to bear in mind for the future. Best wishes, Chris
What a lovely day you had...Churches, Woods, Fungi, Owls....oh and i remember i had that bible although i cannot remember that bloke with his head in the branches..Probably still got it up in the loft, i must have hundreds of books up there...maybe i should take a look...cheers Chris.
How do Steve. I spent a good while just sat on a pew re-reading that Bible, what memories. I might see if I can get a copy of my own from somewhere. What county top you baggin next?
@@ChrisJB How do Chris...possibly heading down the M1 to Leicestershire's Bardon hill with a visit to Beacon hill thrown in, but after all this rain i might rethink my plans....we shall see what it's like on Sunday
@@atrampinthehills.841 You'll certainly get to some interesting areas Steve. I'm thinking things like Norfolk and Suffolk's highest points, etc.
@@ChrisJB I come from Suffolk so i know the area...to be fair there are some nice low hills around there....i remember when i was a child i had an old Atlas that i spend hours looking at...i remember there being a range of hills called The East anglian heights.
Very interesting Chris,you're clearly happier when Wild-Camping, I know what you mean about the prices,the advent of glamping,yurts etc has caused large increases for "normal" camping. Loved the Owl bit,strangely enough I heard Tawny Owls this morning at 6am (Golcar,Huddersfield).
How do Bobby. It's a funny one aint it, I was keen for a trip out but wanted it on the cheap! I didn't know you lived at Golcar. Is the Golcar Lily still going?
@@ChrisJB Still going,decent pub but I'm more of a Commercial at Slawit ,via the canal bank man myself(had to detour on Friday,back home via Wellhouse Footpath,canal was overflowing into field).
@bobbyshafto3259 I've been in a few Slawit pubs down the years. Think I might've been in The Commercial. My cousin owned the Victoria Park in Meltham for years too. 🙂
Aye up Chris, bit different this one but looked like you had a good time except the camp, firstly I love taxus baccata grew some from very small on the golf course once, I think as we get older we get more peed off that everything is a fortune on when it’s pricey and it falls short it really grinds the gears, I recently was at a restaurant that cost a pretty penny, we got there early so went for a drink at the bar, then went down to the restaurant at our right time only to be told our table wasn’t ready and did we want go back up 3 flights to the bar which we declined, it was still a great meal but when your getting your eyes pulled out it should be exceptional.
I think us true wild campers aren’t made for campsites, too many folk lol hopefully the weather is more kind and you end up back where you belong, well done for getting out, all the best TtT 😊
Hello Tito. Oh yes, I like to see mature yews, especially an ancient one in a churchyard.
The campsite was a frustration but to be fair, I knew it was twenty quid when I booked it, so I have to take responsibility. I was just very keen for a night away. It's not something I'll make a habit of in future.
A few kind souls have provided me with a list of cheaper, more basic sites, should I have the need to do something like this again. One advantage of wild-camping is that it's free!
I tried to get out last Friday but again the weather was poor and then I thought maybe tomorrow night, but we have Storm Babet to contend with. Still, it's the half-term hols next week and we have a few nights on Anglesey booked which I'm looking forward to. Bye for now, Chris
Hallo, super Video ❤👏 danke für gegenseitige Unterstützung 👍 wir wünschen dir noch eine schöne Restwoche, liebe Grüße Anne & Siggi 👍 Abofreund 🔔
Thank you Anne and Siggi. I hope you are both well. Best wishes, Chris
I think your right Chris there's a lot of sites and places have definitely bumped there prices after COVID and taking advantage of the staycation boom.i love the Billy basic sites no pods or yurt's lol I have 1 in borrowdale I stay on in the summer for a few nights 9 quid that does me
How do Craig. Yes, you make a good point, the stay at home camping boom of Covid has played a big part. I think someone else recently told me about a cheap one in Borrowdale. I bet it's the same one.
@craig3401
Think I use the same one. Very basic, within 10 minutes walk of three pubs, perfect. 🤫
You certainly have plenty of plan ideas in reserve if things don't work out. Impressed with your knowledge of mushroom/fungi growth. Saw a giant mushroom on our recent walk on the moors. No idea what called. That tent looks so fragile and small but suppose its what you are used to. Agree about campsite/YHA changes. (Intrigued how your tripod distant shots on self, zooms in and pans seemingly by itself).
Hello Shanita. I'm curious about the giant mushroom you mentioned.....it sounds good. As for the panning, zooming, etc, I think it is a feature on the editing software I use, Da Vinci Resolve. I hope you have been managing to get out despite the awful weather we are having. I've been struggling lately, with the weather ruining my free days.
@@ChrisJB I thought you might be interested in that giant mushroom. It was larger than the width of my hand spread out and seen last Tuesday in a field with very long grass. It was on Colne Valley Circular Walk (uploading the end or early next year as ahead with videos) I have DaVinci Resolve but too complex to use even with tutorials. 🙂
@@ChrisJB Hi Chris. Last reply went missing, but to add that mushroom was in a field opposite the top end of Green Lane Slaithwaite.
@@CountrysideWalking Thanks Shanita
Thanks Chris, I did enjoy your nature hike very interesting. I spotted a corral fungi last week in Dorset never seen one before. I was a member of the YHA in the late 60-70. I used to go with my mate at 14 year old, loved it. Some Pubs used to let you camp in there back gardens. I expect this has changed also. Cheers.
Nice one on the coral fungus....usually an indicator of good, old habitat 👍. I have very fond memories of YHA trips with my pals when we were lads. They felt like such big adventures at the time.
Your knowledge of the nature oyu explore is amazing Chris. Never knew that those noises were owls. Always thought they made the noise we all grew up hearing on cartoons etc. Great video as always and a back up to a back up in the end.
Hello Dan. Yep, tawny owls have quite a vocal repertoire. It's been very frustrating recently having crappy weather each time I'm free. Either that, or I'm getting softer with age. Have a good trip to the Lakes next week mate. We are off to Anglesey for a few days. 👍
Great videos Chris, have you ever camped/walked on boulsworth hill? Highest point in the southern pennines. Lovely walk up through wycoller with old ruins and packhorse bridges.
Thank you 🙂. I have walked up Boulsworth a few times.....I really like it. I know Wycoller quite well too. It is on my radar for a wildcamp sometimes. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
@@ChrisJB if you want the location of a few good spots on boulsworth let me know
@@lessismore83009 I will mate. Thank you. 😊
Your videos are always interesting even if you don’t wild camp. Thought you might have cooked some mushrooms.
Thanks mate. I'll have to bring a frying pan next time. 👍
Well, life calls for something simple and luxurious sometimes Chris. Mind you not to put our noses down to a wonderful woodland walk with fungi to fulfill our culinary dreams. Them chanterelle were pretty good. As for the campsite that's steep for one single man pitch. No wonder you were reminiscing about the hostels. Still the owls added a certain quality to the night. I love hearing them and am always transfixed. An enjoyable one. Mark
Hello Mark. I think I'd've preferred the campsite you stayed at with your pal not long ago. I was just desperate to get away. Still, I did enjoy the change from the tops, which can be pretty lifeless at this time of year and it was good to find a couple of unlocked churches.
Hostelling was good fun when we were lads, it always felt like a big adventure at the time.
Anyway Mark, I hope you are well mate and bye for now, Chris
@@ChrisJB Not sure what campsite that is Chris - stayed in a bothy the other week - that was good. Yeah, it does make a change to be civilized so to speak - you know in the mix and with unlocked churches too. Love to hear of those Hostel adventures - a bit like Patrick at Solitary Rambler. Me? A good week thanks - off for a Black Mountain camp tomorrow - a lovely valley called the Olchon. Peace.
20 QUID! No lecky and can't park yer car. Robbers 😡
Two years ago me and the wife stayed in Keswick on the CCC site for two nights in our 2 berth. £72. No lecky and couldn't park the van.
Robbers 🤬
Enjoyed watching your loitering Chris.
Cheers, Paul
How do Paul. Blimey......72 dabs! Now that is steep. I was hoping to get on a wildcamp today but the bleedin' weather has scuppered my plans yet again!
@ChrisJB
Dabs 😂 not said that for donkeys.
Hope you get out soon Chris.🤞
@@paulryan2081 Cheers pal.
Bit different but when you gotta go, you gotta go. This windy weather seems never ending. Really enjoyed that, it does make a nice change to have a wander. I did a walk out of Todmorden like that a while ago. Just wandered, found good butchers too that did epic sausages 😊
How do mate. Yep, been climbing the walls lately and just had to do something. Was free last Friday, am free today but again, but again, shite weather just ruining things. Still, got a few days away on Anglesey next week so I'm hoping that will lift my spirits a bit.
I have a lot of fondness for Tod', spending holidays there on my aunt and uncle's farm as as a lad. Could you message me the butcher's Dave? Is it the one on the main road? I love good sausages!
Great video Chris. I hope you get to check out some of my recommendations.
Thanks mate. So do I. I might be relying on a few if I don't get a lucky break with this weather. 🌧
£20.... 🤨.... Thats why I love wild camping you may not always get the Best pitch, Nor the best night sleep and wake up with no view (fog) ....BUT ITS FREE 😊😉
Absolutely spot on Johnny.....yes, it's free. ATB pal, Chris
Some very good places on the periphery of the Lake District, and much quieter. I like them. I haven't camped for a long time, but even a few years ago sites were starting to become expensive. A field, a rudimentary toilet, and a cold water tap; what more is needed? Nice film though, even if it wasn't what you had hoped for Chris. Bet you won't be camping this coming weekend!
Hello Michael. I do like that old Furness part of Lancs, there are some lovely villages, woods and old churches.
One of the great advantages of wild-camping, apart from the tremendous locations is that it's free!
I had planned to go out tomorrow night but not a chance with this Storm Babet. However, I haven't been getting many walks in lately and have been feeling a bit sluggish and under the weather, so might don my waterproofs and do a bit of a walk. Best wishes to you and Shanita
Yeah stuff has gone up all over, and then on top of that I think there's also some grift going on.
I'm kind of torn tbh, campsites obviously aren't paying residential rates on water and electric (and just read about businesses going under cos they can't afford to pay fuel bills), but also it's just a level (hopefully) field that needs mowing.
As someone who mostly site camps when backpacking, I don't mind looking the odd one out. I've had good convos with families who at first look perplexed when you start pitching your little tent next to their massive air beam 8 person tunnel tent. And there's summat to say about a nice shower and a toilet after 9 hours of walking.
Lots of farm sites I've stayed at on the Dales have told me they'd never say no room to a hiker too, but I am still wary of that and try and either book on the day at my morning site (or book when planning the route).
How do Andy. Campsites certainly have their place mate and if I was doing a long-distance walk I'd certainly welcome the luxury then 🙂. I'll never stop using them (and as a family we like a bit of comfort camping, leccy, big air-beam tent, etc) but will maybe search a bit harder for more basic affairs when I'm going solo.
The campsite at Keld (Rukins) I do know and really like. They still do it the old-fashioned way and don't let you book in advance, you jut have to turn up and hope for the best. Saying that, I've never been turned away.
@@ChrisJByep, I've had the same experience at Rukins. Riverside at Malham I've had the same experience.
There's a spot at Newbiggin on Lune that's the same too, though only been once, and whilst the facilities are best described as "adequate" (self clean toilet block in a half shipping container, shower was bit antediluvian), it was a tenner for two for the night, the pitch was perfectly flat and the location was one of the best I've been on (just off the top of the Howgills, our last night on the Dales Highway).
I love farm campsites.
@@shabingly As a Howgill fan, I shall do some research on that one. 🙂
hey chris, I've noticed that your CZcams channel isn't quite as visible as it could be, and I think it's because of SEO. With a few small tweaks to your titles, descriptions, and tags, you could see a significant boost in traffic and views. I'd be happy to offer some specific suggestions if you're interested."
Thanks for sharing your observations, but I'm just happy to put films out and let them find their own way. 🙂
@@ChrisJB "Absolutely, Chris! It's inspiring to see your passion for filmmaking and your dedication to sharing your work with the world. I'm glad you're doing things your own way and staying true to your artistic vision."
£20 is far too expensive. 2 weeks ago I paid £21 in High Laning in Dent. Still had to pay 50p for a shower. Rip off
Definitely a rip-off David. That's another advantage of wildcamping, it's free!
@@ChrisJB Normally I wouldn’t have bothered. I went with a friend who isn’t keen on carrying a pack up a hill and likes a pub meal. Pub meal was rip off too. I’ll stick to wild camping. Campsite camping isn’t what it was
Well Chris; I subbed about a month ago, I've watched a few of your videos and you don't fail to entertain. A heady mix of accumulated first hand knowledge and miserable northern ba$t@rd.
I spend half on my time absorbing with interest and the other half laughing at you despairing and dissapointed Yorkshire demeanor... it's as if every time you have given somebody or something a chance in life, it proceeds to $hit on you. I think you've got four or five years on me, (but not much), and like me, I think you were born about fifty years too late.
I've got my own outdoor interests, (some you would not approve of), but I'm also starting to get into the wild camping side of things and will be off to the Howgills in August with an friend of mine for a couple of nights; he's ex-forces and spent time on the Brecon Beacons, so should be a breeze for him; no rifle and a few extra luxuries.
I will continue to watch with interest and amusement. As for light camping reads.... pick up a copy of 'Death of Grass', left of field but may entertain you.
Take care.
Many thanks pal. 'Despairing and disappointed......demeanour' (though it's Lancashire, not Yorkshire 😉) sums things up to a tee! Modern life is a source of constant bewilderment to me and the countryside is my escape from all that nonsense.
I'm sure you will love the Howgills, I class them as real connoisseurs hills and also much quieter than the Lakes, etc.
I shall Google 'Death of Grass', thanks for the suggestion.
Bye for now and best wishes, Chris
Aye up Chris…nice to see you out again. Still enjoyed the video regardless of the wild camp.
I’ve still got my Children’s Bible that I was bought as a Christmas present by mi mam n dad and still got my Christening Bible and Prayer Book that was given after my Baptism.
What would some folks do today with those gifts, I was only saying to my partner the other day it’s sad that some folk only have a christening for a booze up..they’re probably chuck em in bin if they’d received those gifts.
With you all the way on YHA and RIPPOFFCAMPINGBRTAIN.
I’ve come across some sights that do do discount for solo campers and cyclists, differences being between 10 n 15 quid a night so I’ve thought if I need to get a cheapy campsite it might be quids in parking car up loading off site loading a rucksack up and pretending I’m a lone walker as it’s cheaper to leave car for night elsewhere and have a short walk into campsite to enjoy the discount. But being a Yorkshireman I’m always mithering ova costs.
Take care Chris and keep posting.
Bessies…Ron
How do Ron. I have a thing about books, I find it very difficult to part with them. I still have loads from my childhood, especially Dandy and Beano annuals 😎.
I have to say I like your idea of ditching the car elsewhere and walking to site. I really could do with building up a network of cheap sites I can fall back on when the weather is crap.
Anyway, hope you are well pal and bye for now. 👍