What we'll doThere is so much beauty to explore in the Lake District and in this trip, we aim to do that with an introduction to Wainwrighting. The so called 'Wainwrights' are a collection of 214 fell top summits in the Lake District, lovingly described in Alfred Wainwrights Illustrated books. Since those books were published in the 1950's, walkers have set about climbing all 214 of the fells described by the author and in doing so, often over many years, have discovered adventure, awe and wonder, challenge, connection to nature and often lots about themselves in the process too.
This weekend will be an opportunity to hike three beautiful Wainwright fells in the spectacular Buttermere valley where you will be surrounded by mountains and lakes. During the weekend you will also learn more about the Wainwrights and how to 'collect' them, as well as about route planning and safety in the hills. We will be led on the hikes by our own qualified Mountain Leader, Nic Bennett. Nic has hiked over 170 Wainwrights as well as having a wealth of other mountain and hiking experience with plenty of tips and advice to share.
Whether you are motivated to join us to get started with your first Wainwrights, add a few more to your collection, or maybe you just want to have an adventure walking in these beautiful fells with a friendly, supportive and inclusive team, you will find a warm welcome with us.
During the weekend, you can expect:
Friday Evening:
Arrival at the campsite via own transport, between 4-5pm ideally. The campsite is set in the spectacular Buttermere valley, by the river and inbetween Buttermere and Crummock Water. This is all about location! The campsite is basic but has toilet and shower facilities. In the evening, we will spend some time getting to know each other as tents are pitched and camp meals are tucked into. There will be a workshop on Friday evening to share more about 'The Wainwrights', how to go about planning your walks, route planning and safety in the hills.
Saturday:
After breakfast at the campsite, we will set out on our day's hike along the lakeside and up into the fells including Wainwright's most beloved Lakeland fell 'Haystacks'. The walk will be around 14km and we expect to be out around 7-8 hours, including plenty of breaks and carrying a day pack with your own packed lunch, snacks, water, hot drink etc. Saturday evening will be spent relaxing at the campsite, tucking into camp meals and basking in a warm glow of satisfaction and achievement of a day well spent.
Sunday:
We will pack up our tents and leave the campsite in the morning before embarking on a second day of Wainwright walking to collect another 'Wainwright' fell. This will be a walk of around 5km and we expect to be out around 3 hours, including breaks, carrying a day pack with your own packed lunch. We will say our goodbyes and make our own journeys home by 2pm on Sunday.
We hope you can join us on this special adventure and to leave the final words to Wainwright himself.... "Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhileration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is yet time, will be blessed both in mind and body".
A good level of fitness is required, you must be able to walk for a full 8 hour day, carrying your own day pack. Estimated total ascent for Saturday's hike - 840m. Saturday will be a long day, with some steep ascents and descents, as well as a couple of hours walking on more flat terrain lakeside. We will walk at a steady pace for the group and take plenty of short breaks.
This event is for women only. Aged 18+.
Children and dogs are not allowed to attend the event.
There is parking available on site, and there is additional parking at the nearby National Trust Car Park. Standard National Trust Parking charges will apply.
Showers are chargeable by the campsite - 50p per 5 minutes.
Open fires/camp fires are not allowed.
Notes and Cancellation:
* LHW are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that focuses on keeping pricing as low and accessible as possible and our events are run at cost price. Due to this, bookings for this event are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
* Please note that specific hiking routes are weather dependent and we reserve the right to offer an alternative low level option in the event of unsuitable weather conditions such as high winds, snow lying on the mountain or thunder forecast.
What you'll needA full kit list will be shared with Wilders prior to the event but you should expect to bring:
Tent
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Roll Mat
Torch
2 x camp breakfasts, 2 x packed lunches, 2 x camp evening meals for Friday and Saturday evenings on the campsite (boil in the bag / dehydrated camp meals can often be convenient and easy to prepare)
Water bladder/Reusable water bottles - we recommend carrying 2 litres.
Camp stove if required for your personal camp meals or hot drinks
Day Rucksack to take during the hikes
Hiking Boots (trainers will not be suitable)
Waterproof jacket and Waterproof trousers
A limited amount of spare tents/roll mats are available to borrow. Please email fiona@loveherwild.com to enquire, prior to booking your place.
