The First Wild Camp of the Year

The first wild camp of the year is always such a special one, filled with joy and hope for brighter and lighter days ahead. After what felt like a very long winter, with lockdown and an abundance of snow (which we loved by the way!), then moving house and becoming pregnant, it took us until May to finally sleep outside under our tent canvas once again.

We chose one of our favourite valleys in the Lake District for our wild camp. I’m 18 weeks pregnant now and definitely have a little bump and find walking up hill considerably harder than before. Given it would be the first time I would be carrying a heavy bag, I didn’t particularly want to do a 3-4 hour walk in, but we knew we wanted to head somewhere remote. The area we chose was around a 1 ½ to 2 hour walk in from a small parking area; initially walking through a stunning valley alongside a river with an abundance of swim spots, before climbing to a large basin surrounded by fells, where we set up camp. It was actually the perfect distance for the first camp in a while, and we enjoyed the beautiful evening light while setting up camp.

The first thing we always do after setting up camp, is make a warming hot drink. It’s a chance to just take in the surroundings and really settle into our home for the night. There was no phone service in this spot, which can sometimes make me anxious when I’m solo wild camping, but when I’m with Harvey I’m perfectly content to just be… Oslo was absolutely fascinated by the surroundings, with sheep roaming the distant fells, he couldn’t keep his eyes off them and refused to go in the tent, despite the fact he was clearly cold as he was shaking a little (we forgot his coat!).

For dinner, we cooked Orzo (lightweight and packable, quick to cook and delicious!), with some pesto, mackerel and sweetcorn that we had mixed together at home and brought in a little tupperware. We always eat out of the pan to save on washing up, which used to mean Harvey would always get more than me, but not anymore while I’m pregnant! I was actually really exhausted at this point and just wanted to get cosy in the tent, so I wrapped up in my sleeping bag and read my new book while Harvey made an Ovaltine for the two of us. It was around 9.30/10pm when we both decided to go to sleep and Oslo finally settled in between the two of us in the tent. Oslo slept on our PACMAT and I did put my down jacket over him, but it was warm in the tent so I don’t think he needed it.

I woke up first the next morning, mostly due to not sleeping very well! While I was warm, comfy and felt safe and content, I often struggle to sleep on the first wild camp of the season. Though in hindsight I must have slept more than I think as the night seemed really fast, while sometimes when I’m solo and never sleep, the night lasts forever. The sun was warming the tent first thing in the morning, and I opened the tent door to see a cluster of sheep roaming past our door bleeting loudly.

The sun was warm and lovely, so we spent the morning just taking it all in. I usually follow the ‘arrive late and leave early’ principle, but there really was no one around (it’s a very secluded section of the Lakes), so we spent a little longer than normal at camp that morning. Breakfast was porridge with jam and a cup of tea, then after packing everything up and ensuring that nothing got left behind, we rambled back down to our car - just an hour or so and all downhill on the way back!

I’ve been using poles a lot more while pregnant to help me for when I get bigger and need the added stability

Though just an overnight adventure, I find I get so much peace and clarity from trips like this that really allows me to go back to normality with a sense of calm and presence. I’ve also been really loving doing little hikes, trip and adventures while pregnant as I feel as though I’m taking baby with me and letting he or she experience the fresh air, movement and calmness with me. I’m not really sure how much they can sense in there, but I imagine its mum feeling happy and calm, with a good dose of fresh air, is more than good enough.

We are already looking forward to our next wild camp and we’ll be sure to take you along!

Athena, Harvey & Oslo x