Wild Camping in the Ennerdale Valley, Lake District.

Three days trekking through the beautiful Ennerdale Valley in the Lake District. The aim was to have a bit of an adventure and grab some images that would have only been possible whilst wild camping. The stunning Lakes delivered without question. Walking up the valley we then headed straight up to Red Pike and along the ridge separating Buttermere valley and Ennerdale. With night closing in and temperamental weather at our backs we made good ground along the ridge before setting up camp for the first night. Finding a sheltered spot we bedded down between High Stile and High Crag on top of the ridge.

After a night of gusts and hail we headed for Haystacks. What a special place to stop for lunch and fresh water. With views over the Western Lakes, Haystacks is such an incredible place and holds great significance for Wainwright fans. Next phase was the traverse to the foot of Great Gable and find our spot for camp 2. Through the power of positive manifestation we reached the saddle between Great Gable and Kirk Fell with a good couple of daylight hours left. The site was great, there was shelter, water and we were rewarded with an incredible sunset over Wasdale. With views towards Scafell Pike, we watched the sunset over the far West of the Lake District.

A good camp site, a hip flask full of whisky and much improved weather set us up for a better night’s sleep. We were straight up Kirk Fell the following morning then dropped back down into Ennerdale past the iconic Black Sail YHA. The walk back down the valley may have been slightly longer than anticipated but the views were spectacular, with constant comparisons to Canada. Totalling 5 peaks and just under 20 miles this was a route I would highly recommend.