More pictures and route info at the bottom of the blog :)
On the 12th June, the girls and I headed up to the Lake District for the weekend, to do a couple of Photoshoots and have spend some time among the mountains before Fume's Lost Dog Tracking Level 2.
On the first day, the girls and I headed up via Yorkshire to stop in on Mandy, who won our Photoshoot Contest earlier in the year, held to make some money to help with vet fees.
One of the pictures we got on the shoot to the side :)
The view on the Walla Crag Hike
Camp set up, and some editing
We then headed over to the Lakes, and stopped by a walk we'd already done previously. It was a long day, and I had to be cautious with Fume's shoulder about not doing anything too strenuous. Walla Crag is a perfect short hike, while not super busy on a Thursday evening, also wasn't too much for her shoulder.
The girls had a lovely time, they always love the hills!
We then headed over to the campsite, where it then proceeded to absolutely hammer it down while I set up camp. I still can't decide if I'd have preferred to set up in the rain or walk in it!
We stayed at Linskeldfield Campsite, and it was absolutely lovely. The host Marion was so welcoming, and had a lovely team. So quiet with absolutely everything you could need, and nothing was too big an ask (thanks Marion for letting me use your freezer!)
Fume at Blea Tarn
Fume in Cathedral Cave
The following day we chilled out in the morning, went for a little nearby river walk and then headed over towards the Langdales for some adventuring and location scouting before our second Photoshoot.
We visited Cathedral Caves & Blea Tarn - the latter being the location of the Photoshoot (and boy, is it the most perfect Photoshoot location! It has absolutely everything an adventure Photographer like I could want!)
Cathedral Cave was fun, a cute easy little walk down. We couldn't adventure much further than the main chamber, as to explore more asked too much of injured dogs (and even if they weren't - I don't think I'd recommend for dogs in general!)
And Blea Tarn.. wow. We arrived to the most incredible sea of cotton grass covering the landscape and well, I'll let the picture speak for itself. Absolutely stunning!!
Pepper at Ennerdale Water (I was being eaten alive by midges here!)
Vibe on top of Blencathra
The following day stormed most of the day, and so we hid in the van and played music super loud. Vibe doesn't do well in thunder these days, so it was rather stressful for her unfortunately :(
On the Sunday, my friend, Scott and his two dogs Pepper and Clover joined us for a morning hike. We went up and did a lovely little loop around Blencathra, and in the evening after some food and rest popped over to Ennerdale Water to get some pictures. The pictures weren't really what I had in mind with a lake location, but I'm still so happy with how they came out.
Campsite 2 Set Up! Holme Valley
Pepper, Clover, Fume & Vibe on top of Bowscale Fell Pike
Monday came, and so it was time for one last adventure in the Lakes.
We did a loop at Bowscale Fell, and it didn't disappoint! Was a tiny bit steep coming down, but nothing with bad footing. (We'll defo ignore the fact that Scott fell over twice)
Then it was down the M6, a quick stop for a McDonalds, farewell to Scott, Pepper & Clover and off to Huddersfield for Fume's course.
I can still remember getting out of the van, thinking, I've only driven 3 hours South - how can it possibly be this warm?! Anyway - I really appreciated the shower I had after setting up!
Fume on Chrome Hill, looking towards Parkhouse Hill
Vibe & Fume on our morning walk at Harden Quarry
On Tuesday, the course started. And of course, I was so mentally focused on everything going on, I didn't take a single picture or video (camera or phone picture!) while actually on the course. So you'll just have to believe me that Fume was her usual perfect self <3
Our last evening up North, and I had to go and check out Parkhouse/ Chrome Hill recommended to us by a couple of friends. It was such a fun photo location, and I'd love to go back at sunrise one day!
Vibe, on our way to Black Hill decided to find a bog (thankfully, after we'd done her video!)
Our last day of the trip, Wednesday, came around and it was time to pack up, have one last good day and go home.
I got up a couple hours early, so I could pack down the tent and go off and take the girls for a good walk before training. It would be too hot to walk until the evening, so I wanted them to have a good leg stretch while they could.
And of course - for literally no reason, it rained for 10 minutes before I put my tent down. Though, I did end up getting it out and drying it off at the training field, so it all worked out.
We then went for a little wander on the route up to Black Hill, which we'd done on our last trip there. I got some cute little clips and videos of Vibe running through the cotton grass - and I don't think you'd ever realise that it ended up being 26 degrees that day!
Training went well, then time for lunch. And then back down South homeward bound! I always get so happy to see my little man, Milo, after time away. I absolutely hate that he can't come with us, but unfortunately it just wouldn't work out.
I hope you've enjoyed this little blog about our time away! Below are some of the hiking/walking routes I did, with a little extra relevant info/pictures.
Walla Crag
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/10838997/walla-crag-andrews-walks
Parking at the National Trust Great Wood Car Park
Time: 2.5 Hours
Length: 7km
I followed the above link. When I'd completed this hike the first time, it takes you up a very steep & narrow trail which I didn't really fancy doing with Fume's shoulder. This was a much better route, super family friendly & suitable for most, with good footing all round.
Note: there are sheep on this trail
Blencathra
Blencathra and Bannerdale Crag Circular
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-blencathra-and-bannerdale-crag-circular-29e48b7?sh=saffy-leyfield&utm_campaign=memory&unfurl=false&showMemory=true
Parking (what3words): ///carver.unusually.whistling
Time: 4 Hours
Length: 9km
A really nice, easy trail to follow. Really nice underfoot, nothing stupid. A bit of a decline at one part on the way down, but nothing major. I just wouldn't want to do that bit when it's wet and slippery! But, I do think that goes for hill walking in general. There's also a tarn on the way up which is always nice :)
Note: there are sheep on this trail
Bowscale Fell Pike
Bowscale Fell Pike Loop
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-bowscale-fell-pike-loop-740a02d?sh=saffy-leyfield&utm_campaign=memory&unfurl=false&showMemory=true
Parking (what3words): ///tagging.owned.scope
Time: 3.5 Hours
Length: 9km
Again, all nice underfoot. The descent was a bit steep, but good footing. Just hard on us humans! A lot of this is grass, so in rainfall I suspect can be slippy! Another nice lake for the dogs to have a swim and humans to have lunch!
Note: there are sheep on this trail
Walla Crag
Blea Tarn
Blea Tarn
Blea Tarn
Blea Tarn
Chrome Hill to Parkhouse Hill
Say hello. Let's work together.
Want to book a photoshoot, or simply have a burning question? Feel more than welcome to contact me :)
