A stunning Cumbrian backdrop, an iPhone 11 Pro, and some chance lighting from a head torch conspired to produce this brilliant image for keen wild camper Stuart Chambers on a trip up Scafell Pike this week.
Here’s the story behind the photo, in Stuart’s own words…
THE day started early at Wasdale car park – in low light with a cool breeze.
We began the route up to Scafell Pike, approaching the river crossing. On the route I turned back, the sun was breaking through the clouds above a beautiful view of Wastwater, and the river was high and very fast flowing, making it a less-than-easy crossing.
Carrying on up the route we came to the fork in the path – left Hollow Stones, or right for Mickledore and Lords Rake? We decided on the right path and, if you know this route, you’ll know it’s not the easiest. It’s very steep, and wearing a very heavy pack wasn’t going to make it any easier.
Arriving at the bottom of Mickledore we decided this would be our route, but first a bit of a boost in energy – Jetboil out, coffee and some biscuits.
After a well-earned rest we took on the climb up Mickledore. Now, I’ve climbed Mickledore previously wearing a 30-litre pack. This time, however, I was wearing a 65-litre pack with a good weight in it! It was a lot harder and a bit more caution had to be taken, but reaching the top we were met with an unbelievable view and the sun beating down on us. We could not believe our luck – mid-November and the weather was beautiful.
A few high fives and pictures later we carried on to the top of Scafell Pike. and the weather did not let us down. Once at the top there were even more beautiful views and clear skies.
A good 30 to 45 minutes were spent at the peak, then it was time to make our way down the corridor route, again this wasn’t the easiest of tasks wearing a heavy pack, the weight almost pushing you down the steep craggy parts, stones under the foot were moving very easily.
After a few good climbs and some beautiful views, we approached Styhead Tarn which we had originally chosen as our camp for the night. However, from the distance we could see other people enjoying the wild and camping for the night, so we tracked back on the path and found the flattest area out of the way. We set up camp and cooked some food which is where this awesome picture came from.
The memories stay forever, the whole experience is so good for the soul especially in the beautiful Lake District.
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