Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I thought I had timed this Lake District trip to perfection. Starting from the end of Haweswater, I dodged the morning rain and summited two of the finest fells in the Far Eastern range in glorious sunshine. But as any experienced wild camper knows—the mountain always has the final word.
This solo wild camp takes us up the steep, relentless ascent past Small Water to gain the ridge. We bag Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell, enjoying views over Kentmere and Haweswater that are simply unbeatable.
Watch as a stunning evening meal with an open-door view quickly turns into a battle with the elements. From drone-lit midnight shots to a tactical tent takedown in a total whiteout, this is the raw reality of wild camping in the Lakes.
What’s inside this video:
Strategic Ascent: Timing the weather window from Haweswater.
Summit Bagging: Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell (Wainwrights).
The Perfect Pitch: High-altitude camp with a view.
Storm Management: How to pack up a wet tent in fog and rain without losing your head.
Join me for one of my final adventures before the West Highland Way!
#wildcamping #lakedistrict #harterfell #mardaleillbell #haweswater #solocamping #stormcamping #wainwrights #cumbrianladoutdoors
Video Timestamps
0:00 Introduction, and starting at Haweswater
2:16 The Ascent to Small Water: Early Sunshine
5:19 Breaking the Brow: Kentmere Reservoir Views
5:45 Summit 1: Mardale Ill Bell (761m)
6:52 The Ridge Walk to Harter Fell
7:28 Summit 2: Harter Fell (778m) & The Best Seat in the Lakes
8:29 Setting Up: Tent Door Views & Evening Meal
12:26 The Sunset That Wasn't: Temperature Drop
15:30 Overnight footage, pictures and drone shots to music
19:37 Waking Up to the Storm: Heavy Rain & Coffee
22:53 Pro Tip: Packing Up Inside the Tent (Dry Kit Focus)
23:29 The Takedown: Fog, Rain & LNT Principles
25:17 The Descent: Into the Whiteout
25:46 Conclusion: Why We Do It.
Thumbnail Description:
"A dramatic, pensive composite image set against a sprawling Far Eastern Lake District backdrop under a clear blue sky. On the left, a vibrant blue geodetic wild camping tent is perfectly pitched high on a narrow, grassy ridge, emphasizing isolation and expert site selection. Large, bold yellow text with a heavy black outline dominates the center-top, asking: IT ALL CHANGED AT MIDNIGHT !!!. On the right, the creator (wearing an orange down jacket, a dark beanie, and a backpack) stands in a three-quarter pose, looking toward the camera with a weary but resolved, pensive expression, with his hand to his head, reflecting on the challenging experience. The composition creates a direct visual contrast between the peaceful, high-altitude camp and the emotional reality of the ensuing storm."
I thought I had timed this Lake District trip to perfection. Starting from the end of Haweswater, I dodged the morning rain and summited two of the finest fells in the Far Eastern range in glorious sunshine. But as any experienced wild camper knows—the mountain always has the final word.
This solo wild camp takes us up the steep, relentless ascent past Small Water to gain the ridge. We bag Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell, enjoying views over Kentmere and Haweswater that are simply unbeatable.
Watch as a stunning evening meal with an open-door view quickly turns into a battle with the elements. From drone-lit midnight shots to a tactical tent takedown in a total whiteout, this is the raw reality of wild camping in the Lakes.
What’s inside this video:
Strategic Ascent: Timing the weather window from Haweswater.
Summit Bagging: Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell (Wainwrights).
The Perfect Pitch: High-altitude camp with a view.
Storm Management: How to pack up a wet tent in fog and rain without losing your head.
Join me for one of my final adventures before the West Highland Way!
#wildcamping #lakedistrict #harterfell #mardaleillbell #haweswater #solocamping #stormcamping #wainwrights #cumbrianladoutdoors
Video Timestamps
0:00 Introduction, and starting at Haweswater
2:16 The Ascent to Small Water: Early Sunshine
5:19 Breaking the Brow: Kentmere Reservoir Views
5:45 Summit 1: Mardale Ill Bell (761m)
6:52 The Ridge Walk to Harter Fell
7:28 Summit 2: Harter Fell (778m) & The Best Seat in the Lakes
8:29 Setting Up: Tent Door Views & Evening Meal
12:26 The Sunset That Wasn't: Temperature Drop
15:30 Overnight footage, pictures and drone shots to music
19:37 Waking Up to the Storm: Heavy Rain & Coffee
22:53 Pro Tip: Packing Up Inside the Tent (Dry Kit Focus)
23:29 The Takedown: Fog, Rain & LNT Principles
25:17 The Descent: Into the Whiteout
25:46 Conclusion: Why We Do It.
Thumbnail Description:
"A dramatic, pensive composite image set against a sprawling Far Eastern Lake District backdrop under a clear blue sky. On the left, a vibrant blue geodetic wild camping tent is perfectly pitched high on a narrow, grassy ridge, emphasizing isolation and expert site selection. Large, bold yellow text with a heavy black outline dominates the center-top, asking: IT ALL CHANGED AT MIDNIGHT !!!. On the right, the creator (wearing an orange down jacket, a dark beanie, and a backpack) stands in a three-quarter pose, looking toward the camera with a weary but resolved, pensive expression, with his hand to his head, reflecting on the challenging experience. The composition creates a direct visual contrast between the peaceful, high-altitude camp and the emotional reality of the ensuing storm."
