Nice sentiment or thoughtless vandalism / Helm Crag / S3-Ep07 Hiking the Wainwrights

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments; you're all flippin' FANTASTIC! Did you know that for less than a cup of coffee per month you can get access to exclusive content, advertless videos, our awesome Facebook community group AND your name in the video credits! www.patreon.com/theblackclan

[@johnbell2722]

Dear Black Crag your views about this small tribute plaque to a loved one are quite offensive. Shameless vandalism? Really? I only hope the people who placed the memorial do not come across this video. It will be most upsetting. Your self righteous view is unjustified. Click bait headline as welI. I have seen one or two white memorial crosses on the fells in the Lakes. Are these also to be condemned by you? Have you videod Fleetwith Pike yet? Will you condemn the white cross memorial there as well?😢

[@lostintransit5822]

@@johnbell2722LEAVE NO TRACE!!!

[@MichaelBrewer-g6y]

Wonderful video Wonderful presentation keep the good work up!!

[@MrJoncat13]

Unnecessary vandalism. Leave no trace and follow the countryside code.

[@Nbstevens78]

As promised I've been up and removed the vandalism, said name plate was launched towards seat sandle.... 4 people stood chuckling at me ranting 🤣

[@michaelatkinson8291]

I get the sentiment behind it but I agree that it's setting a dangerous precedent. If more & more people put up plaques for their loved ones at their favourite viewpoints then pretty soon the rocks will be covered with slate/brass plaques to the point where you can't fail to notice them. Scatter ashes & go there to remember them, but is a plaque really necessary ?

[@joeledj]

If Ian himself was a keen walker chances are he'd have dissaproved of this as a way of remembering him.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Re the memorial stone. I couldn’t agree more. These are wild places. It sets a bad precedent.

[@gerardcarson2779]

"Leave no trace" is the simple and sensible maxim. Imagine what the fells (and all beautiful places) would be like if everyone decided "to leave their mark" and in doing so ruin the natural enjoyment for all those who follow on.

[@grahamtowler1761]

I want my ashes on the coffin path between Grasmere and Rydal but at no time would I want a plaque it devalues the beauty of the area

[@rogertatham5608]

Hi, I have to agree with you on the plaque that was left on Helm Crag summit….as a wild camper myself the number one rule we all stand by is LEAVE NO TRACE. And I don’t care how nice a person Ian was or what he meant to his loved ones this is a very dangerous precedent to set. The lakes should be left as you found it, unspoilt. Another great video by the way 👍

[@A-Lamb-Chop]

Tell That To His Mum Dad Sisters Brothers Children........Really???????????????? What youve said actually makes me feel sick you are not a wild camper i would ever want to be associated with........give the familly some respect .

[@rogertatham5608]

If you approve of this your most definitely somebody I never want to be associated with, bye 👋

[@sarahroberts8304]

Totally agree with you- setting a dangerous precedent. Surely a better way of remembering someone who loved the Lake District would be a donation to a Mountain Rescue organisation or Fell Conservation? And Finn is just the most adorable pup!

[@nitsujnagorb7691]

The only place for a plaque in the Lakes is on a donated bench ! Your videos are splendid , keep them coming !!

[@shanemarchant1411]

I think it's great to remember people and pets but stones and plaques are for the cemetery and the views are for all here or gone.

[@John.lakesrc]

I agree with you on the plaque, we don`t want those all over the fells.

[@malajusted1]

I came across something like this on penyghent and called it out on Instagram- only to be attacked by family and friends of the deceased. I hadn’t been outrageously critical- but wow- these called me everything under the sun. You’re quite right- where does it stop? Wainwright said that our time was fleeting- well not if it’s cemented down!

[@deekelley891]

In the US we have the painted river rock trend-defended by mommies who love their kids finding them at various parks or painting them to leave. The parks consider them littering-but try to tell them that and you’ll get an earful of outrage. It’s ridiculous. Great hike as usual-thank you!

[@VinnieRM]

I'd of chiselled it off the rock. Hate environment graffiti.

[@HikingFamilyMan]

I agree with you about the plaque it’s vandalism and there is no place for them up on the fells.

[@janehodgett959]

Leave only footprints and take only photos best way to show the deepest respect and honouring for our precious planet 🙏🏻🌸✨🤗

[@mountainmantararua8824]

Over here in NZ it is frowned upon to do this, but people do. It's the thin edge of the wedge and can take away the feeling of isolation. A memorial seat (bench) would be better. On one of our popular beach's plaques were put up by families that had lost loved ones to the sea and soon the rocks looked like a graveyard (I'm talking in the dozens). It was getting out of hand and the local council removed them all. You are correct in what you say, pretty soon the rocks will be covered in them. Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺

[@mjkoehler73]

Ohhh, greenburn round! That was one of our hikes in May, just we did it anti-clockwise. And yes, that is vandalism

[@steph-hikes]

Brillaint as always! I'm making my way through the central fells at the moment so finding your tips handy! Saved me from the swamp of despair last week in the rain 😅

[@Fost_UK]

Yeah that's vandalism. By all means scatter ashes but don't spoil the place for others.

[@stonestreaker]

No, don't scatter ashes where people frequent.

[@burrianaUK]

Shame I have done it already this round… or I’d take a chisel with me. Nice sentiment ill thought out 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@briankeogh2635]

I came across a pile of ashes on Blencathra a few years ago. Poured out rather than scattered on the summit. My honest feeling was, how selfish is that. Lots of people up there that day wanting to reach the summit and most probably not aware of what the ashes were, some walking in them...doesn't seem respectful to the living or the dead.

[@catshoemike]

I did hear someone's opinion that when you're on the summit of Ben Nevis, you're mainly crunching across human remains, albeit burnt

[@colinboxall2692]

Great watch. That’s a great circuit. Can get boggy around that pike of carrs turn on the plateau the leads onto Steele fell. What a view. Those jets just add to everything that is the Lake District. Just love watching. The in memory plaque is a no from me. Put it in a deep tarn or off the side of the Ullswater steamer but to cement into a rock on the summit. Who thought that would be a good idea / acceptable. Someone in the winter with an ice axe will accidentally remove the plaque.

[@fullyloadedred]

Another great video, thanks buddy. I agree with you, spreading of ashes doesn't do any harm but plaques shouldn't happen.

[@CouncilOfWolves]

Another great video with beautiful shots. Finn's just lovin' life, but looking a bit tired at the end lol. The Fells are a great escape for some of and we don't want people leaving their personal marks all over them. It's a nice sentiment for some but an eyesore for others.

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Glen and Finn,nice to see Finn with you today, beautiful scenery thanks for taking us along on your walk, stay safe

[@pedrothewise2584]

funny that,a similar thing happened at a moorish fuente near me. things just stuck on the rocks, looked wrong.didnt last too long, no trace now.amazing place, i love your enthusiasm.

[@paulradford7290]

Clearly leave no trace means nothing to some people. Love the Greenburn round. Did it a few years ago in some strong winds. Met a family of Geordies on steel fell doing a poetry recital. One I hope to walk with my daughter soon (she loves Finn by the way)

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

A carousel of wonderment! 😁 love it! One of my first fells Helm Crag. Lots of woodland places I’ve noticed name plaques and doorways chipped into the tree, drives me mad! Especially memorials, can you not remember which tree it is! So how many people go up Hell Crag, could you imagine what a junk yard it would become if everyone left there mark. You know me and my fear of heights, how does it fair coming off and down Steel fell? As always Glen, a very enjoyable watch bud. 😍👍

[@paulcooper9187]

Fantastic walk description thank you. Agree fully on the position regarding memorials on the hill. From what I remember its also against the National Trust policies and the National Park, although I don't think Helm Crag is in their portfolio, but I might be wrong there.

[@celestenova777]

Great walk, such beautiful scenery and a well earned pint at the end! Love little Finn, a true walking companion 🙂🌿

[@dt8ustotten285]

I LOVE HIKES WITH YOU! You are too funny.. you talking a little less. Big reason I watch you. Your voice is very relaxing but more than that is your enthusiasm for EVERYTHING. I think it would be hard for me to not take a million shots of sweet Finn. She is living the life with you. Love from the USA!

[@gailknowles3804]

What a beautiful video! I truly envy your access to such gorgeous views. I agree with you about the plaque. It does, indeed, set a bad precedent. Perhaps certain authorities should investigate and if possible have the guilty party go back and remove that thing. I'm just saying. I don't think I've ever heard anyone admit to literally tripping over a blade of grass but that's why we like you so much. The temp. here in North Florida, USA, has averaged 100 F this whole month. I think that's about 38 C. It's hot here, dude or bloke, whichever you prefer. Anyway, keep up the great videos and God Bless.

[@mjkoehler73]

And you ain't kidding about how steep Steel Fell is. The way you descended is how we went up and talk about a lung blower of a walk up. We were put to utter shame by an octogenarian who flew down that scrambly false summit and blinked and missed him as he flew down to the gates. People there are just built different.

[@matts74895]

Just caught up with this one. Great vid as usual. I think 'leave no trace' is the best approach.

[@jerryrandall9251]

While I wouldn't have done this myself, I'm glad the issue was raised as I feel its a more nuanced issue than some of the comments imply. In reality there is no such thing as leave no trace. The erosion from foot prints, the disruption to ground nesting birds from dogs off the lead, the pollution from cars in the valleys etc. We should put more energy into worrying about minimising our own impacts, and less worrying about other people, especially when they are so clearly well intended. The hills are there to bring joy and peace, and need to be respected, but let's keep questioning our own opinions as to what exactly that means and where the compromises lie.

[@BlackCrag]

Should we turn a blind eye in that case? That's a genuine question. Based on the other (very important and valid) issues you mentioned, should we simply allow this to continue without any kind of push back. Eroded paths, pollution and litter are all issues we're trying to tackle and personally I think this something that should be included too. I think the permanent cementing of the plaque compounds the issue further. But that is just my opinion and I'm open to hearing others' opinions and suggestions 😊

[@madcow71]

Completely agree with you on the named stone, a plaque on a bench beside a lake is fine but the fells should not be interfered with in any way, it is (as you say) setting a precedent to open floodgates. Great video as ever....thank you

[@antheaczarna2878]

Another brilliant video, thanks Glenn. As you say in the description, this is a route that I, as a novice walker in the area, feel would be achievable and truly magnificent. Think it’s gone to the top of my list for September…. Thanks again for providing such inspirational content.

[@barralass352]

Just watched this on my big TV, loved the footage, loved the photos, and a big fan of Finn ❤

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Such stunning scenery - what a privilege. Love your dog to bits ❤

[@simonmundy5387]

Brilliant video yet again Glenn, even better with Finn! Both my parents died a few years ago, they have no graves. Their ashes were scattered in places where they spent time in their lives. I remember them when I visit these places, I remember them in my heart, I don't need a plaque or a slab of stone to remember them by. Keep doing what you're doing Glenn, simply brilliant stuff. simon, Somerset.

[@itsjustme9318]

In this crazy screwed up world that we are now all forced to live in your videos are a breath of fresh air. An excellent way to decompress from all the stress of life . well done sir!!!!!!

[@stonestreaker]

I've lost count of the number of memorial plaques, stones and plastic flowers I've removed from mountain tops. There's a long tradition of quietly removing them, no fuss, like picking up litter. The worst was a funeral urn full of ashes on Inglebourgh.

[@BritishCoastline]

Exactly

[@stevemozzie6497]

What about ww2 crash sites?

[@grahamherbert3612]

So others memoriam is litter? You need to take a long hard look at yourself.

[@stonestreaker]

@@grahamherbert3612 yup

[@duncan1821]

@@grahamherbert3612yeah it is

[@preese5573]

Seeing the top side of those planes flying by was really neat. Excellent content as always!

[@jh9911]

I think you are correct. A plaque isn’t needed in a place that is timeless. RIP IAN

[@JayM108]

Just watched your Old Man of Storr video recently - great to see another relatable reaction to that serene place. Look forward to your videos, hope all is well. Take care and keep trekking!

[@ownerofphonebarbedwire1832]

Finn is like a computer mouse white arrow clicking on scenic spots.

[@paulyoung5393]

Really enjoyed this one and great to see Finn again. Not sure about the memorial stone on Helm Crag, a sponsored stone like the ones at Grasmere Church would be more to my liking.

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

No need for permanent memorials on the fells. We bought some daffodils for the church yard in Grasmere and our parents' names are in the book in the church 😊

[@doverjaquesfineartphotogra4050]

Hello. Just found you and love your vids. Really feel that I am on route with you and dear little Finn. I love that you look for light first, me too. Light is everything, well generally the most important. Great photography, and I used to be a Wedding Tog myself pre-Covid. Thank you for sharing your walks. I so want to visit Lakeland soon. Oh yes; unnecessary plaque laying. Cemented too, oh my goodness. Gina.

[@POVGuide]

Really well made video! Interesting to watch without a ton of crazy editing. For sure an inspiration for me. As for the topic of this video, it's something I haven't noticed over here in Norway. However, I believe that nature should stay as untouched as possible.

[@johnnelson6315]

That plaque is desecration a real shame.

[@harrythehikerne]

Doesn’t matter how much my dad loved the lakes, how much I love the lake or how much I love him, neither of us would be selfish enough to cement his name into one of the fells. As you say, dangerous precedent. Thanks not what the fells need.

[@johnnyg834]

Vandalism 100%. Cracking video though fella.

[@JustSteve247]

Absolutely loved this one ☝ This is going to be our next walk. Many thanks as always. Steve

[@ragingbull9940]

It's everybody's not a private graveyard Great video great photos as usual Always like the pub finish

[@richardl7161]

I agree with you and the others, we shouldn't be permanently defacing the area with plaques like that. I love your channel by the way. I can't get up there myself these days, but I really enjoy doing the walks with you from the comfort of my armchair. Also, I have to mention Finn. She's a real character and it's great to have a dog that ignores the sheep.

[@charliemcconville]

Looks like another great hike. The plaque seemed over the top, they could of done something less permanent to remember him. The worst vandalism I've seen in nature is kids spray painting graffiti on the trees in the beautiful nature reserve near me, its sickening.

[@dispLock]

What a beautiful view! Stunning area to explore.

[@Merritt7278]

Really enjoyed that video, as for Ian spread his ashes by all means but the plaque stays at home.

[@Dagrdottir]

Bit late in coming across this episode. I have been everywhere you have walked but didn't know any of the peaks names as I am a bit hopeless in the memory department. We visited the Lake District on every holiday because it was such a privilege to be there. Everywhere is stunning and although I am very well travelled worldwide there is nowhere as beautiful and unspoiled as the Lake District. As far as the 'Ian' plaque is concerned I have to send my condolences to his family, assuming he has passed away. Having said that I think it absolutely warrants criticism for what has been done. The Lake District is special because it has been almost completely unspoiled by man, if people start to do this then it will lose it's untouched appeal. Again I am sorry for the families' tragic loss but it is wrong to ruin the very place that your loved one enjoyed for it's unspoiled nature. Just want to say that I have never seen such breathtaking photographs, my goodness you are sooo talented.

[@davidburgess9058]

Named plaques is a big no, no for me. I've nothing against the off-path scattering of ashes where it's unlikely to offend people. After all it was good enough for the great man himself Mr. A.W. In the meantime it was great to see the little Finnster out again. Really enjoyed the walk. It had great views all round. Which in your opinion is the best way round having done it in reverse last time round. Cheers David

[@nickcuthbertson1538]

Love your enthusiasm, loving the still atmospheric shots in this, plus shots of the jets, awesome. Hope you're getting sponsered by the lake district tourism board.

[@davidmarshall5596]

Lovely seeing The Finnmeister 🐶🐕❤❤ scattered ashes should be 'discreet' enough said!!!!!!!!!❤

[@paulmcnee2429]

Very much enjoy these less adventurous route videos. Probably relevant to many folk who are not likely to walk more remote or exposed rambles. Video editing showing off the grand views of your walk really well.. and easy relaxed style …good job again . Yep, your small companion steals the show …

[@tonystrange3893]

I took my kids up pen y fan when they was small and a family had just laid a plaque and flowers on the summit, I told them to crack on and touch the top they put the effort in to get up there ,the family got upset and told them to go away ,,l didn’t react we just left without a photo which is no problem, we went back in the evening and it had all gone ,,but I think take only memories leave only foot prints ,good to see the pup out again ,,take care x

[@rodhepplewhite9722]

A classic Lakeland horseshoe walk, that one Glenn. I've walked it both ways quite a few time but prefer the clockwise route as you walked it this time. Great to see Finn out with you again.👍 BTW, the cemented in plaque is wrong, totally wrong, end of!

[@paulclare1524]

Very enjoyable video Glen and some epic light to. I have to agree with you regarding memorial plaques totally unnecessary.

[@adrianh9375]

Totally agree, well done for speaking out 👍👍👍

[@martinthody9335]

Vandalism. Leave only footprints, take only memories!

[@onthetrail202]

Great video and will definitely do this same walk one day soon. But today it’s rainy and horrible outside so a great day to sit and watch this with lots of coffee 👍🏻👌🏼

[@jonm4989]

Looks a cracking walk Glenn. I’ve walked up to Helm Crag a couple of times, but hadn’t realised we could have walked this fantastic horseshoe. I agree with you fully about the Ian sign; it just feels very wrong. Personally I also don’t see the point of the ‘money trees’ where people hammer coins into fallen tree trunks; these areas should look as natural as possible. Many thanks as always 👍

[@nickkilgallon3268]

agree with you Glenn.. It was only a small memorial stone but shouldn't be cemented into place! Great video .. thecshot of the jet below you..amazing!!

[@Peter-Lindsay]

I camped upon Gibson Knott a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful scenery looking back over to Tarn Crag, Easdale Tarn and Blea Rigg. Great video.

[@lilbird4198]

Regarding the plaque, it is quite possible that 'Ian' may have perished at that spot. That plaque may be a tribute to Ian, and a quiet warning to others to take care and respect the nature. Here, in south-western Ontario, Canada, there are regularly maintained roadside tributes, dedicated to those who perished there, due to excessive speed/alcohol related tragedies. Serving as a reminder to all that travel those roads, that they ought to respect the speed limit and weather conditions. Thank You for another amazing video, BC and Phinn!😊💚

[@stubloggs6358]

Sensible comment lilbird, it looked pretty discreet to me and the cement will will dissolve very quickly up there.

[@garyk8115]

Very good video. Good to see Finn. I agree that it is vandalism. It should be removed.

[@climbhikeswimbike]

Vandalism. Maybe someone should accidentally “remove” it with a hammer and chisel? Sets a dangerous precedent, though there are other monuments on mountains in the lakes but from years ago.

[@lessismore83009]

Agree with you, it shouldn't happen. Imagine if every hill was covered in these? Be like a massive graveyard 😢

[@AndrewPaulK80]

I am still mesmerised at how you recognise and remember each and every mountain and the previous walks you’ve done as well. They all look the same to me 😂 you obviously have a deep passion for it all though. Fair play to you 😊

[@burrianaUK]

I was like that a year ago - this Friday will be my 25th trip over since and I’m now not bad, I can recognise most, so it will come 🙂

[@ILoveMontana0708]

Love love love...what else is there to say. Wow just stunning!!❤❤😮

[@Garncec]

Mate I cant type anything except, QUALITY!

[@johnterry6594]

great fins back 😃😃

[@chriscunningham1348]

Leave only footprints and take only memories

[@carolinemason4210]

Just to say i agree with your sentiments regarding memory plaques

[@bradauto]

Bingeing your videos at the moment, and love your photography. Bit of deja vu when Finn jumped up beside you then. Our patterdale chased a bird off a cliff on a beautiful bank holiday walk and I stupidly climbed down to rescue her. All turned out ok, she had broken leg and ribs (nothing that an emergency vet and £1500 wouldn’t sort out 😢) but I was really annoyed at the risk I took to get her back. My point is the heart often rules the head, maybe that’s how that stone ended up there. Anyhow thankyou for the inspiration, stay safe.

[@CollierCraig79]

Great video, can't wait to do this one. The scrambles look real fun. Totally agree with the signs left on the top, people are generally like sheep so they will also think this is acceptable and it's not. Atb

[@kates5856]

Lovely to see Finn back with you ❤ looking forward to getting back to the lakes in September myself. Great video as always 👍 and totally agree on the plaque that's not on just needless behaviour

[@danielcargill8019]

Finn has no fear, a very nice hike.

[@JackovdaBoro]

Man, finn reminds me so much of my little jack russell, God rest him. Love your videos.

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely brilliant, what a majestic scenery my friend. Cinematic art as always!

[@kennycunn1]

Totally agree with you. Person that put it there probably thought it was a nice sentiment and harmless but it's just blatant vandalism. Noticed it more in the Scottish hills as munro bagging has become more popular stuff like this and also indiscriminate cairn building and litter. Keep our wild places WILD people.

[@regmoore4349]

Cannot believe that anyone would do this on one of the best and most popular part of the Lake District. This is how it started with the locks they put on bridges. Pure vandalism and it should be removed asap.

[@neonMETEOR]

When I hiked busteni in Romania, there were SO MANY crosses and plaques the entire way up

[@europa1387]

I agree with you about the plaque mate. Another cracking video.

[@marpop99]

Another fabulous VLOG. The plaque needs removing.

[@benscott7004]

Looking forward to the Scotland vid when it comes! This is a great series. Really enjoy it

[@jamieb741]

Wow , fantastic walk and views - thank you so much. I subscribed a few months ago and look forward to your videos.

[@lindamcbride6753]

Another fabulous walk and video.

[@zygone723]

Agreed. The Lake District is my heaven on earth but when I leave this mortal coil I certainly do not want my relatives cementing a plaque anywhere other than in a cemetry. I can just about cope with ashes being scattered on the fells but not on or in the vacinity of a summit. As much as you loved the one who died no-one wants to sit and eat their lunch with someone's ashes grating under their feet. Slightly off topic, in the last couple of years since the end of lockdown, I have encountered 1, Several people walking up the higher fells who have't got a clue where they are. 2. Folks who maintain that the high fells are dangerous because their are no safety rails near edges with drop offs. 3. In the same vein as No.1 compaints that there are no sign posts on the high fells so how are they supposed to know where they are to go? 4. Moans that where a footpath crosses a road there are no pedestrian crossings. Perhaps these folks should bring their mother with them. Keep the videos coming. Having completed the Wainwrights it's good to have reminders and in many cases tasters of routes that we are to follow in future.

[@willbo2000]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, excellent mate 👏😍

[@andrewroland]

I agree, sets a bad precedent. Same as road side memorials.