In June this year, I spent 6 days camping in Great Langdale. This was the first of 3 research trips to the Lake District to gather ideas for a series of new linocut prints. Something that I had planned to do last year until the pandemic put a spanner in the works!
Facing challenges
Solo camping, and in particular solo walking, are way out of my comfort zone. It’s crazy as I’ve independently traveled around the world a lot. But my inner confidence isn’t always quite what it may seem on the outside. I work hard at it and have always had to push myself out of my comfort zone to do things I want to in life.
But I needed fresh inspiration for a new series of prints of the Lake District. Add into that, I’d been struggling with horrible anxiety about a number of things for a few weeks before I went. The last thing I felt like doing was spending more time in my own head!
Once there though, my mind settled. I felt a little self conscious about being on my own at first but everyone was so friendly. I’ve always loved the simplicity of backpacking. Very few belongings, a rough plan, focusing on one thing and being in the moment. The rest is where the magic happens, exploring new places, going off piste and chatting to people along the way. Ok, I had a car and a tent but it was fairly simple.
Great Langdale campsite
The Great Langdale campsite is run by the National Trust and nestled amongst trees beneath Langdale Pikes in Great Langdale. It's not far from the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub.
I’ve popped an arrow on one of my photos of roughly where I was. Sleeping to the sound of nature, birdsong and the rustling of trees is absolute heaven. I slept like a log. I think the digital detox worked wonders too.
The view of Langdale Pikes from my tent at National Trust Great Langdale Campsite.
Time to reflect - Mountains aren't for me?
I love being surrounded by mountainous landscapes. I love the scale, grandeur, changing light and drama of the weather.
I’ve decided to be honest with myself though. I enjoy doing lower level walks, rather than up and down mountains. Going up, I worry about finding my way and the weather changing, coming down, I’m no mountain goat and make it look hard work!
I went up to Stickle Tarn and bottled going up Langdale Pikes. It’s frustrating as I'd planned to do a series of linocut prints of mountainous landscapes but there we go.
I thought I'd share a few of the photos from my waking trip.
Day 1 - Elterwater and Slaters Bridge walk
8 mile walk
I'd left York early so that I could make the most of the weather and get a good walk in before checking into the campsite.
From Elterwater I walked along Great Langdale Beck and the River Brathay to
Skelwith Bridge. On reaching the bridge, I looped back towards Stang End and onto Slaters Bridge. Slaters Bridge is a packhorse bridge dating back to the 17th century.
I loved the views across Little Langdale and Little Langdale Tarn. I returned to Elterwater via Dale End and Sawrey Wood discovering an honesty box and homemade cake at Dale End Farm.
'Slater's Bridge', Lake District, Original Linocut Print
Inspired by this walk I've created this linocut print. A 5-colour multi-block print which is hand-printed using oil-based inks. Available in my online shop.
Day 1 - Blea Tarn, Great Langdale walk
4 mile walk
After I’d pitched my tent, settled in and made dinner I made the most of the longer evening. Walking directly out of the back of the campsite takes you up to Blea Tarn. I did a small loop around the tarn and Great Langdale. The reflections of Langdale Pikes in the still Waters of the Blea tarn were perfect. This had inspired one of my latest prints in my Lake District series. It was such a delight to sit on the hill overlooking Langdale Pikes and the campsite late into the evening in just a T-shirt!
'Langdale Pikes from Blea Tarn', Lake District, Original Linocut Print
Inspired by this walk I've created this linocut print. A 5-colour multi-block print which is hand-printed using oil-based inks. Available in my online shop.
Day 2 - Langdale Valley walk
13 mile walk
Today I’d planned a longer walk which circumnavigates Lingmoor Fell. From the Great Langdale campsite, I walked up to Blea Tarn. Passing through the larch pine forest, the footpath leads towards Ting Mound.
En route I visited Slater's Bridge for the second time. I’d missed Cathedral Caves on my previous walk. I asked a couple of fellow walkers and they kindly showed me the way.
I return back via Sawrey’s Wood, then onto Baybrown Wood and Hagg Wood which runs parallel to Great Langdale Beck. On meeting The Cumbrain Way, I followed the footpath back to Dungeon Ghyll and the campsite.
Day 3 - Stickle Tarn, Langdale Pikes walk
5.5 mile walk
From the Sticklebarn pub at Dungeon Ghyll the steeply stepped footpath follows Stickle Ghyll up to Stickle Tarn. As you walk up the views open out, across the Langdale Valley and towards Lingmoor. A good excuse to catch your breath!
At Stickle Tarn, the peaks of Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark rise behind, reflecting in the water. I sat on the rocks watching people climbing Jakes Rake.
Although I’d chickened out of walking up to the peaks of the Langdale Pikes, the footpath leading towards Dungeon Ghyll Waterfall and Dungeon Ghyll Force had stunning views down the Langdale valley. I walked back to the campsite for a cuppa.
Day 3 - Mickleden valley walk
4.5 mile walk
I’m not good at sitting still for long, so thought I’d explore the Mickleden Valley from the campsite. The Combrain Way follows Mickleden Beck, with the Pike of Sickle on right and Bowfell and the Band on the left. At the head of the valley I returned by the same route.
