Our First Backpacking Trip

August Bank Holiday saw us finally put all our shiny new gear into use. We had recently sold the big tent and bought ourselves a small lightweight tent, fancy new sleeping bags, sleep mats and big rucksacks.
We decided that the Lake District would be good, despite it being a bank holiday. Sam and Penny were 'up for it' and together we decided that Ennerdale would be a good place to start. Sam had completed the 'Coast to Coast' walk earlier in the year and had camped at a small farm site (Bradley's Farm) which he recommended for our first night at Ennerdale Bridge.
So Friday night we all met up at the camp and enjoyed a night of 'Old MacDonald' noises (galloping horses and barking dogs included!!).
The next morning was a bit grey and drizzly but we weren't put off, after breakfast we packed up our sacks and drove to a car park at the end of Ennerdale. We decided to walk up the valley to the Black Sail youth hostel before climbing up into the hills as the weather was quite poor, with low cloud. This was accomplished quite easily and we stopped for a brew at the youth hostel.
We climbed up to pitch camp below Haystacks at Blackbeck tarn - we named our first hill camp 'Pussy Camp' (don't ask - but it wasn't rude!).
A pretty wild and woolly night with lots of strong wind making the tents flap. We were warm and toasty in our new sleeping bags but poor Mo decided that he'd had enough of sleeping at the foot of the tent on a pile of discarded clothes and flopped down on Isabelle's head half-way through the night!!
Sunday morning dawned much better weather, the cloud had lifted and the sun was coming out. We had a good breakfast and set off for our 'big walk'. The first summit was Haystacks, we paused by Innominate Tarn and then decided to go for High Crag via the direct route which was very strenuous and really tested the old lungs and legs!!
We reached Seat summit next then pressed on for High Stile - what a corker, very strenuous but incredible views. By the time we had admired the views we all decided that we had had enough and agreed to exit off the ridge to the valley. The descent was still very hard work on the legs carrying heavy packs. By the time we reached the newer youth hostel in the Ennerdale valley we were all pooped and in need of water.
As a first venture into backpacking it was superb, great route, excellent gear and wonderful company! Can't wait for next year! Watch the slide show for all the piccies....