Solo Lake District Wild Camp: Holme Fell (and kit list)

One of the things I was looking forward to most when moving to the Lake District, was being able to get out camping after work. Having so many camp spots on the doorstep, was a big draw of living here. When I was down in Cornwall, I felt quite restricted in this sense, as unless I camped on the beach, I had to drive pretty far to get someone slightly more remote.

Holme Fell:

For this camp I wanted to be within walking distance of home. This was partly because I was time restricted, as I was going after work and needed to be back in work the next day, but also because I want to explore more of what’s on my doorstep.

After a quick google of good camping spots near Coniston, I found several different blogs recommending Holme Fell. Thankfully for me, it’s only 5km from my door. The fell is set between Coniston Water and Little Langdale and is a nice amble at only 317m.

The weather wasn’t too pleasant when I finished work, but the forecast had said it was due to stop raining and should be dry overnight, so I decided to risk it. One of the great things about it being so local, was that if I got there and changed my mind or the weather was too grim, I could just walk home again. As there had been pretty heavy rain for a few days previously, the ground was a tad boggy in places, but I was hopeful about finding a dry camp spot.

I had also been told that there were several quarry pools nearby that were good for a dip, but I didn’t get chance to check them out this time as I had to get back for work – definitely on the list for another day though.

The Route:

I hadn’t really planned out a route in detail, I’d just used komoot to find a path from my door to the top of the fell. It turned out to be a lovely walk which I’d recommend, whether you’re planning to camp or not. You can check out the route here – which I’ve plotted from the nearest parking spot.

There was a nice mix of track along the valley bottom, woodland, streams and some open and beautiful views from the top. The initial track is one that I have previously gone running along, however I hadn’t ventured very far. It’s a really beautiful area and definitely somewhere that I’ll be spending more time exploring.

Solo Camping:

This is only the second solo camp that I’ve done (you can read about my first here).

Before my first camp, I was so nervous about going out alone, but this time I didn’t feel that at all. My confidence is rapidly growing and I trust myself more in terms of ability and knowing what kit I need to pack. I’m also getting more used to using my kit, such as setting up my tent and where are the most practical places to store certain things.

I still find it strange that I don’t get any kind of anxiety when out camping on my own. There’s just something about being out and surrounded by nature that is so calming. I love the feeling of being able to switch off completely and just read a book by torchlight, with no other distractions.

Being ok in my own company is something that I’ve been working on a lot over the past year, Though I don’t like big, social situations, I also often get in a negative headspace when I spend too much time completely in my own company. I’ve found that getting out and doing something like going camping can really help with where my head is at. The space gives me thinking time, but I don’t seem to put the same pressure on myself as I sometimes do when I’m at home feeling like I’m not achieving anything.

I hadn’t seen a single person the whole time I was out, but in the morning as I was heading back down, there were 4 tents pitched up just a little bit lower down the the fell.

I’m excited to get out and do a lot more camping this year. I’m also really keen to finally get out in my hammock and bivvy bag – so watch this space! I recorded quite a bit of footage whilst out on this camp, with the hope to finally getting around to making my first youtube video. I’d really appreciate any support over on my (currently vary bare) channel.

Kit List:

Camping, and outdoor kit in general, can seem really expensive. I have slowly built my kit up over the last three years and have invested in pieces that I hope will last me for a long time to come. As I am hiking the Dales Way later this month, I have recently upgraded a few bits of kit and wanted to test them out before going. I also haven’t really hiked with a heavy bag since my DofE many years ago, so I’ve been keen to try and get in a bit of training with some weight on my back.

Tent: MSR Elixir 1

I’ve had this tent for a couple of years now, and I love it. Though it’s not the lightest of the MSR tents, it’s still pretty lightweight and it fits in my rucksack nicely. Two key features for me are that it has a porch and that it’s tall enough for me to sit up in comfortably – my previous tent had neither of these and it drove me mad.

Sleeping bag: OEX Fathom EV 300

This is the one piece of kit that I am still wanting to upgrade. I bought it around three years ago and it’s done me well, but it’s quite bulky so not ideal for taking on longer distance hikes.

Sleeping Mats: Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite and Alpkit EZ Sleeper

These mats were my big treat to myself with my first paycheck from my new job. I’ve been wanting one of the Therm-a-rest mats for quite some time, but they are pretty pricey. It’s around half the size and weight of my old mat though, so I feel it’s definitely worth the investment. I decided to buy one of the Alpkit mats as well, partly to protect the Therm-a-rest, but also just for general use when out camping to sit on and rest my stuff on. It barely weighs anything and easily straps to the outside of my bag.

Rucksack: Osprey Renn 65l

When I was first researching which bag to buy, I found it so mind boggling. I received very mixed messages about what size bag I needed, and have ultimately realised that it’s a very personal thing – some people pack super light, and others like their home comforts.

Stove: Alpkit Brukit

I absolutely love this bit of kit. It may not be the lightest of stove options, but it’s just so easy. When I camp, I try to only take food that needs hot water for both ease and to save on washing up. I have invested in a lighter stove from Alpkit, but haven’t put it to the test yet.

Headtorch: Klarus HM1

A recent purchase to replace my old, bulky one. This one is much neater and lightest than my previous one and no issues so far. I was keen to get a rechargeable one, rather than one which needed batteries.

Powerbank: Anker 325

This was another recent upgrade after having been recommended to me by quite a few people. It’s slightly heavier than my previous one, but should hold much more charge. I’ll have a better idea of how well it holds out after the Dales Way later this month.

This was a pretty ideal ‘between work’ adventure. Finishing at 4pm one day and starting at 1:30pm the next, gives me plenty of time to get out for the night. I’m still in the process of getting used to shift work, but knowing I can do mini adventures like this on a workday makes it all worthwhile!

If you want to follow along on my everyday adventures, then check out my instagram – lisa.outdoors

Happy Adventuring x

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