Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Can a first-timer handle 4 Wainwrights, a grueling 10kg+ pack, and a high-altitude summit camp? Today, I’m taking Madeline on a wild camping experience she’ll never forget, starting at the bottom of Kirkstone Pass and heading into the heart of the Lake District.
We tackle the steep and relentless ascent of Middle Dodd, where the reality of hiking with a full camping pack hits home. From there, we bag Red Screes, Little Hart Crag, and finally our home for the night: High Hartsop Dodd.
Along the way, I share the hints, tips, and tricks I've learned over years of mountain travel—from pack weight distribution to choosing the perfect pitch.
After a windy start, the mountains gave us a gift: a perfectly calm night and a sunset that turned the sky into fire. Watch until the end to hear Madeline’s honest summary of the trip and why she recommends this life-changing experience.
What’s inside this video:
The Reality Check: Climbing Middle Dodd with a 65L pack.
Peak Bagging: 4 Wainwrights in one continuous loop.
Expert Mentoring: How I help beginners find their feet in the wild.
The Perfect Pitch: Setup and sunset at High Hartsop Dodd.
Link for Nightcat 70 ltr rucksack- nightcat.com/products/night-cat-internal-frame-hiking-backpack-70l-lightweight-travel-backpack-with-rain-cover-for-men-women-hiking-camping-backpacking-black
Garmin map for this route - connect.garmin.com/modern/course/442595099
Interested in your own Wild Camping Experience?
Private message me on Instagram- instagram.com/acumbrianlad?igsh=dG5mZzRudGJhdXBk
or email woodlandsview@yahoo.co.uk
or message me on WhatsApp here wa.me/c/447919920698
Support the channel:
merchandise store- https://share.google/4MeQGjgBC1SQHk23U
To really support me check out my new members options 🙏
New A Cumbrian Lad Outdoors Facebook page- facebook.com/share/1AHnUbbpLn
#wildcamping #lakedistrict #wainwrights #hikingtips #mountainmentor #highhartsopdodd #middle dodd #campingexperience
Video Timestamps
0:00 The Plan: 4 Wainwrights & A First Timer, Starting at Kirkstone: The Steep Reality of Middle Dodd
3:19 Pack Weight vs. Day Packs: Madeline’s Lesson
5:43 Summit 1: Middle Dodd Views
8:46 Crossing to Red Screes (Summit 2)
10:27 Navigation & Grit: Little Hart Crag (Summit 3)
12:33 The Final Push: High Hartsop Dodd (Summit 4)
19:19 Pitching the Tents: Stability & Wind Tips
24:08 The Golden Hour: Sunset Dinner & overnight timelapse/photos
29:18 Morning in the Clouds: Sunrise Breakfast
33:43 Packing Up: Leave No Trace and descent
34:15 Final summary & Madeline’s Verdict: Can You Trust the Process?
Thumbnail Description:
"A dramatic, high-contrast Lake District landscape. On the left, Madeline (in a blue/grey jacket with a strained expression) is determinedly struggling, sitting on a scree wall. On the right, the creator (in an orange jacket and beanie) stands powerfully on a grassy ridge, pointing decisively toward the massive, steep profile of Middle Dodd mountain which dominates the background. The central yellow text with a black outline reads: DID SHE MAKE IT !!!."
Can a first-timer handle 4 Wainwrights, a grueling 10kg+ pack, and a high-altitude summit camp? Today, I’m taking Madeline on a wild camping experience she’ll never forget, starting at the bottom of Kirkstone Pass and heading into the heart of the Lake District.
We tackle the steep and relentless ascent of Middle Dodd, where the reality of hiking with a full camping pack hits home. From there, we bag Red Screes, Little Hart Crag, and finally our home for the night: High Hartsop Dodd.
Along the way, I share the hints, tips, and tricks I've learned over years of mountain travel—from pack weight distribution to choosing the perfect pitch.
After a windy start, the mountains gave us a gift: a perfectly calm night and a sunset that turned the sky into fire. Watch until the end to hear Madeline’s honest summary of the trip and why she recommends this life-changing experience.
What’s inside this video:
The Reality Check: Climbing Middle Dodd with a 65L pack.
Peak Bagging: 4 Wainwrights in one continuous loop.
Expert Mentoring: How I help beginners find their feet in the wild.
The Perfect Pitch: Setup and sunset at High Hartsop Dodd.
Link for Nightcat 70 ltr rucksack- nightcat.com/products/night-cat-internal-frame-hiking-backpack-70l-lightweight-travel-backpack-with-rain-cover-for-men-women-hiking-camping-backpacking-black
Garmin map for this route - connect.garmin.com/modern/course/442595099
Interested in your own Wild Camping Experience?
Private message me on Instagram- instagram.com/acumbrianlad?igsh=dG5mZzRudGJhdXBk
or email woodlandsview@yahoo.co.uk
or message me on WhatsApp here wa.me/c/447919920698
Support the channel:
merchandise store- https://share.google/4MeQGjgBC1SQHk23U
To really support me check out my new members options 🙏
New A Cumbrian Lad Outdoors Facebook page- facebook.com/share/1AHnUbbpLn
#wildcamping #lakedistrict #wainwrights #hikingtips #mountainmentor #highhartsopdodd #middle dodd #campingexperience
Video Timestamps
0:00 The Plan: 4 Wainwrights & A First Timer, Starting at Kirkstone: The Steep Reality of Middle Dodd
3:19 Pack Weight vs. Day Packs: Madeline’s Lesson
5:43 Summit 1: Middle Dodd Views
8:46 Crossing to Red Screes (Summit 2)
10:27 Navigation & Grit: Little Hart Crag (Summit 3)
12:33 The Final Push: High Hartsop Dodd (Summit 4)
19:19 Pitching the Tents: Stability & Wind Tips
24:08 The Golden Hour: Sunset Dinner & overnight timelapse/photos
29:18 Morning in the Clouds: Sunrise Breakfast
33:43 Packing Up: Leave No Trace and descent
34:15 Final summary & Madeline’s Verdict: Can You Trust the Process?
Thumbnail Description:
"A dramatic, high-contrast Lake District landscape. On the left, Madeline (in a blue/grey jacket with a strained expression) is determinedly struggling, sitting on a scree wall. On the right, the creator (in an orange jacket and beanie) stands powerfully on a grassy ridge, pointing decisively toward the massive, steep profile of Middle Dodd mountain which dominates the background. The central yellow text with a black outline reads: DID SHE MAKE IT !!!."
