Black Combe Wild Camping
This wild camping trip had been planned for months – the only issue was we chose the time over the Bank Holiday weekend when the weather was not splendid! However even with the wet, we had a great weekend.
The Lake District from Black Combe – click on the above image for a larger version
The route and site we chose for this camping trip was one I had checked out last January and it did not disappoint.
There was a suitable parking spot reasonably nearby – with a short walk from there to the start of the path, some care has to be taken as there is not footpath and the road is narrow. There is a car park at the actual start of the path, which is much safer for both the walker and the car driver, but unfortunately the local parish council prefers to see it empty overnight.
The view on the way up.
The first look at the trig point on the summit of Black Combe.
We found an excellent area to camp, over from the trig point towards the edge of the summit.
From here we had great views across to the summits of the Lake District.
click on the above image for a larger version
However once we had taken some time to photograph the view and get a group shot at the trig point it started to spot with rain. This rain became heavier and the visibility dropped to a couple of hundred meters. We each retreated to our one man tents for the evening – conversation was then shouting at each other.
The visibility was no better at sunrise.
Food and Water
As I had to carry all my water up with me for this wild camping trip, I chose my menu so it needed no water in the preparation. All the water I had with me was used for drinks or hygiene. I had planned to take up 2l of water but at the last moment I added an extra 500ml bottle of water to which I added two SiS soluble electrolyte tablets. I am glad I did this as I used this drink on the way up. I made a much faster pace to the summit than the other two, with barely a stop and only one quick photo opportunity. They on the other hand took the much more sensible way up with plenty of rests and photo stops. When I got to the summit I was very hot and I needed the extra water/electrolyte drink.
For my evening meal I made spicy sardine sandwiches with the Warburtons Brown Sandwich Thins which was a great success, I shall use this bread again. It comes pre-sliced which is convenient but even better it resists the inevitable crushing that food suffers in the backpack. However my crackers and breakfast biscuits did not survive so well when Richard turned my pack upside down.
I needed the wind shield for the stove because of the wind
Even in the flapping, windy conditions it was quite safe to boil water for my drinks in the porch of my MSR Hubba tent.
POP tarts and breakfast biscuits make an easy, filling breakfast with fresh coffee and tea. It is something I can prepare whilst still in my sleeping enjoying the view! The only thing to improve on my menu was the bacon bap Richard cooked and brought over to me in the morning, complete with Heinz tomato ketchup.
Two litres of water was enough for this trip – I had planned to have six hot drinks and some water for the walking. This worked out and included using a little water to clean my spoon, pocket knife, plastic mug and teeth. I also used KFC wipes and anti-bacterial hand cleaner for my hands and face.
Star Wars Day
After breakfast we packed away and left no trace of where we camped – inspecting the site carefully for wind blown litter or “lost” kit.
Heading back to the car on Star Wars Day – the visibility only improved once we were below 300m
Other posts about this wild camping trip:
Breakfast
Forest walk
Cream Tea
Sunrise
Backpacking gear I packed for the weekend
Food for the weekend
