Solo Wild Camp on Fleetwith Pike - Lake District (plus 5 tips for confidence in solo camping)

I did my 2nd solo wild camp on Fleetwith Pike in the Lake District, heading up from Honister Slate Mine.
Another amazing experience - I also share some tips on how to gain the confidence to do your own solo wild camp. Let me know if they help!
My Kit list:
Osprey Kite 66 Camping backpack: geni.us/osprey...
Osprey 2.5L water bladder: geni.us/waterb...
Vango Helvellyn 200 tent: geni.us/vangotent
Anker Power Bank (small): geni.us/powerb...
Anker Power Bank (large): geni.us/powerb...
Charging lead: geni.us/multic...
Rab Sleeping bag: geni.us/rabasc...
Thermarest Neoair X Lite sleep mat: geni.us/therma...
Vango pillow: geni.us/vangop...
Jetboil (similar to Alpkit Brukit): geni.us/jetboi...
DJI Osmo Action Camera: geni.us/djiosm...
Handheld Tripod: geni.us/handtr...
Phone Tripod: geni.us/selfie...
Wireless camera shutter: geni.us/wirele...
Mini first aid kit: geni.us/minifi...
Camping cutlery: geni.us/campin...
Camping penknife: geni.us/campin...
Kindle: geni.us/kindlee
Hand Warmers: geni.us/hothan...
Camping mug: geni.us/hikingmug
Headtorch: geni.us/petzlh...
Eye mask: geni.us/eyesle...
Ear plugs: geni.us/campin...
Thank you for watching!
You can follow my adventures on instagram @graces__adventures :)

[@ggj666]

You are never alone if you have the friendship of a dog with you. I don't know where I would be now without my four legged friend to keep going. Well done for having the passion to do what you do.

[@glennholdom7005]

What a lovely experience. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. You cannot always appreciate the value of these videos for those of us who used to enjoy hiking etc in the Lakes but now medically and sadly I am unable to do so. These excellent videos therefore mean so much.

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy them!

[@nathanchallinor7598]

Hi it Jamie I love video can you get back in touch with me x

[@misterg1157]

5:07: “I tend to find that the higher up I am, the safer I feel because I feel less accessible” just as a stranger walks behind you. That was like a trailer for a horror movie. It is ironic that you climbed high to get away from everyone only to have someone pitch next door to you and to have Tom Cruise flying around. Thanks for the video, Grace, and for encouraging people to wild camp. It is a lovely video and such good photography.

[@joestevens5608]

my thoughts exactly, mad coincidence that

[@mountainmantararua8824]

I know it's more then a year ago that you did this tramp (hike), and that you may already know what I'm about to say, and that is have your pack higher on your back, strap the tent on top of your pack. all heavy gear high up in the pack. Do these thing and you are less likely to tire so quickly. Just speaking from years as a guide and bushcraft instructor (50+ years). Enjoyed the video. Cheers from the mountains of NZ 😀😀

[@rosiereads7934]

Hi, your tips are SPOT ON!!! I've just completed my third solo "wild camp" (8 nights total) and am thinking of heading out on my fourth next weekend. I am STILL terrified to go, but the feelings of terror get tamped down a little more each time I go. I'm in the U.S., Washington State. The first time I can't even tell you how terrifying it was. As I was packing, I just kept telling myself to do just one thing at a time (put the tent in, okay, put the sleeping bag in, okay, . . .) to make it seem more manageable instead of thinking about the whole trip ahead. I told myself to just get in the car and head down and I could always stay at an established campground if I chickened out. Then once I got to the trailhead, I told myself I could still turn around--if I turned around by 2:00 p.m., I could still change my mind . . . and then 2:00 came and went, and I stayed and ended up surviving my first night!! Your tip about hiking somewhere familiar was so great--I did that too. Also, on later trips, I have had an inreach (Garmin) satellite communication/SOS device and that has helped a lot!!!! I have a couple more tips to add: 1--you did this, too, but noting that it really helps to go on a few solo dayhikes first before doing a solo "wild camp" (overnight); 2--you mentioned don't post to social media/great advice. I'd add when you meet other hikers on the trail, especially men, be vague if they ask you about where you're going . . . or you can even lie and say you're meeting up with friends, etc.; 3--this may not be for everybody, but I am super vigilant with my bear spray--I don't take a step without it and I even have it tethered (on paracord) to my wrist at night, which gives me a bit of peace of mind. And on an unrelated note (not to do with going solo), I just took out a urination device and a pee rag for the first time on my last trip and I highly recommend them--it will blow your mind how much easier personal issues become--no more crawling through bushes, getting surprised by passers by, rationing drinking so you won't have to go, or holding it when you really should have gone & no more (or less) packing out toilet paper. Lastly, I still have a challenge for myself on one of these upcoming solo trips--I haven't yet been out of my tent after dark/before light. I really want to get brave enough to get out of the tent and enjoy the night sky. Thanks for sharing--your bolstered my courage and confidence.

[@shroomiestshroom3655]

i think it would be scarier in USA to wild camp, mainly just the bears and mountain lions, much better mountains and scenery though, and more secluded, im rarely alone on any hill or mini mountain in the uk, even today in a storm with 80mph winds i went up the cheviot, and passed quite a few people.

[@nickmunns6008]

Hilarious timing from that guy walking by just as you said you felt less accessible 😂

[@GracesAdventures]

Haha I did actually know him but yeah funny timing 😂

[@ichwillschoki]

Yeahhhh ! 😂 „Don‘t tell anyone! It’s dangerous!!“ tadaaaa ! Hello Hello young lady !! Here I am !! The bad guy …..

[@frankiesinclair61]

I screamed at the phone 😂

[@p4ttl344]

Then someone pitches a tent right next door lol

[@tararuaman]

Hello from New Zealand, as a bush guide, when people want to go solo and are nervous, I prepare them by taking them bush with a 2 way radio. I give them 30 minutes start, this means that they are on their own but I am behind as back up. A bit different from what you're doing as we are in dense bush. a friendly tip from me. If you put the tent on top of your pack and keep the pack as close to your back as possible it will make it easier. ( all heavy gear to the top of the pack ) When you are climbing loosen the shoulder straps and the weight goes onto your hips, when you are coming down loosen off the hip belt and the weight will go on to your shoulders and save your knees. Hope I don't sound to 'School marmish'. Like your videos.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Another lovely video, Grace. Thank you for sharing. Where’s the Nemo? I assume the Vango came out as you had your dog with you? That was also slightly awkward & I hope that nearby camper asked if you minded them so close. Etiquette for me would be to move out of your space & sight. Look forward to the next Adventure 😎

[@robinrobertson3598]

Beautiful scenery! Amazing to camp somewhere where there are no wild animals that can kill you 😜, from a Canadian viewer 🇨🇦

[@vickiball1]

How cute is your dog when the paragliders start!! Love your videos 🤩

[@GracesAdventures]

Haha he was going crazy I had to cut the sound of the barking out 😂 thanks so much x

[@nickjones3222]

This is a really good channel. Get so sick of all the macho stuff and gear nerding. This is real walking, enjoyable, unfussy, fun and at a sensible pace. Look forward to watching more. Big thumbs up.

[@iainsonofjohn3514]

Ha ha I loved watching the wee dog going mental for the paragliders 😄✌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kerrycolson4705]

Another great clip Grace. Loved it 😊

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

Just came across this vid randomly, can't believe I've not seen your channel before, subbed! Great to see a fellow female wild camper 😁 ATB 👧&🐕

[@acedecs]

Missing the lakes so much right now, because of work I’m not back till Christmas holidays but watching videos on here keeps me going. 👍

[@wolfe1970]

We are so blessed to have this on our doorstep, and so many spend thousands to sit on a beech lol

[@garrygreen3210]

Superb spot, probably my favorite viewpoint in the Lakes. Cheers.

[@milesfromanywhere.]

Nice one Grace, lovely spot that. Good point made by not sharing photos until the next day. Enjoyed that, a big thumbs up from me. Atb, Dave

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

How cool that you were there so close to tom cruise!! Awesome! So here's my experience: Me and my bf were supposed to meet in my city, (him flying from another continent after over a year if waiting with pandemic) for my birthday where we would have had a holiday and and we would go wild camping in dartmoor!!! Ling story short, he let me down and couldn't come at the last min, we broke up and I just decided I'm going on this solo hike alone! I decided I wasn't going to let myself sit at home after preparing for so long for this on my birthday. So I went to a place I didn't know before! Never trained for it, and it was for a week long hike! Not just a day! It was the adventure of my life! Bitter sweet but I still really enjoyed it at the end! Now I want to do it all the time!

[@thesudipians6470]

One of the best video I have ever watched on KZbin..

[@ge1ertjones540]

Excellent tip about not publicly sharing until you've left. So many people share 'live'. Lovely video, Grace. G. 👍⛺

[@GrizzlyGaz]

Your face when you saw the sunrise is what it's all about! 😁 You really can't beat that feeling!!! Great video and it's a sub from me 👍

[@darren25061965]

Nice video. Great that you shared such good advice about sharing location, and tips to keep you safe, particularly for Females who would otherwise miss out on a wonderful pastime. Great idea to take the Bertie along too, bet he loved every minute of it. My last dog (17 years a soul mate) used to love camping with me. You now have an extra subscriber.

[@anthonycraddock6739]

Did that via buttermere and haystacks in June . Certainly a steep climb and scramble and would have been challenging with a heavy load on . I came down fleetwood pike and it’s really steep . The view of buttermere and crummock water are one of my favourite in the lakes. Certainly to solo wild camp is my next step and I’m 60 next week so need to hurry up and do it !

[@GracesAdventures]

Yes i did the same walk previously - amazing route. Good luck!

[@anthonycraddock6739]

@@GracesAdventures you should try sour milk gill via borrowdale seaithwaite farm to Great Gable...I can.only liken it to Jack climbing the beanstalk and getting onto another level in the sky !

[@adrian_baker]

Great video pal! Really enjoyed watching some of your videos today! It truly is a sad day if you're feeling unsafe to post your plans for fear of some people. Hope you're always safe and keep enjoying our beautiful UK!

[@bjornjansen5266]

Great video Grace! The dog's reaction to the paragliders is priceless haha. Happy hiking:-)

[@YsterbergZA]

Hello to Doggo as well 💕 That place is busy, but at least you had a fly past. Great on the safety tips, especially sharing a live location. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@vangrandad8295]

Brilliant sunset 👍 great video

[@Sherpysherpz]

Cracking little spot for sunset and sunrise 😍 your wee dog did not like those paragliders 😂

[@symboh6492]

Love the timing of the guy sneaking up on you just as you're talking about safety and vunerability!

[@GracesAdventures]

Haha I actually knew him so all good but very funny timing 😂

[@ozpom4556]

You've captured Fleetwith Pike so beautifully, absolutely loved watching what you got up to!

[@LongNThickWithEase]

Cute dog and owner, 😊very good advice to grace. Go out and enjoy but always be aware and safety is number 1. Keep up the excellent contents grace. It’s good to see a new starter making videos,

[@johnaldred6864]

Enjoyed the video ..some great tips....One day...yes one day I'm gonna get out there in my tent..! .

[@chrishart7073]

Sunset over buttermere from the top of fleetwith pike. What a great spot to wild camp. Thank you for sharing!

[@fraserconnell21]

Lovely film and your dog is so cool! To see it kicking off at para glide human was priceless 😊. Good advice for female wildcamping confidence boosting though were sure in 99.5%of cases women and girls will be totally secure etc . Good job😊

[@hikermikem8]

😁 Hi Grace always watch your vids via my amazon firestick so can't like or comment. So on my phone to say congrats, great video with tips and awesome location. I bought the tent during lockdown and not had chance to wildcamp with it yet.. But seeing yours up and in use I know mine will be a OK 👍 Takecare, have fun keep the vids coming 😁

[@GracesAdventures]

Ah thanks Michael appreciate it 👍🏻

[@north.by.northeast]

Well done Grace for lumping that big bag up, and well done Bertie the cutie for moral support :) Great tips for wildcamping, for everyone not just first timers. Lovely views of Buttermere from there. Reportedly The Cruiser and Simon Pegg are filming the next MI film - did you see a film crew?

[@GracesAdventures]

Thank you! Yes I had a full birds eye view of the field they had hired out with trailers and crew etc - gave me some entertainment haha.

[@thewalkingcook6525]

Yes I agree we’ll done for lumping big bag!!!

[@SimonOutdoors]

Great video Grace, really enjoyed it :)

[@johnywaffle1365]

What a lovely place with great views. Good work

[@handmadepottery2135]

I smiled and said awwww out loud when you reached the summet and picked your friend up, priceless ;0)

[@davidjohn316]

You’re a very courageous young woman … well done - kudos to Berti too. Enjoy your videos very much … I really miss hiking around your country especially the Peaks and Lakes District … stay safe … Happy Trails!

[@iiam_Ed]

A CAN of wine? ....a CAN? 😂..... Awesome video Grace, Ive just started preparing for my first ever solo camp too, and I cant wait.

[@lamlash123]

Go ghirl, good for you. Solo camping in the wild is on my bucket list and can’t wait to get my first one under my belt.

[@stewartwilson1]

Fantastic effort mate well done , ive just completed 13 miles of the pembrokeshire coast path , only another 175 miles of it to go haha , Im sure you would love the Pembrokeshire coast

[@GracesAdventures]

Thank you! Ah wow go you - sounds amazing, definitely something I want to do some time.

[@NigelDanson]

I just watched to your the dog in the dog pouch! ha ha. Seriously though, great vid Grace and top tips for Solo camping. It is never good when somebody camps next to you on a huge mountain is it!!

[@mrp2309]

Fantastic video, Grace. 🙌💜

[@simonweaver2096]

Thanks for giving me the inspiration to try solo camping. Something I’ve allways wanted to try but never had the balls.

[@craigstewart5062]

Beautiful spot👌 one tip, use a pump sack or small electric pump to blow your mat up. The moisture in your breathe will lower the R value and cause mould to grow inside your mat 👍

[@martypemberton6970]

Hey Grace... Love your videos. I'm an experienced hiker and a dog lover. And one thing I've learned, is that unless you have a big dog (black lab, etc.,) dogs are not always best hiking companions. I mean no offence... Like I said i love dogs, and have camped with dogs before. But not all dogs were made for hiking! Please keep sharing your videos.... they are wonderful to watch and learn from.

[@b11480]

Only recently stumbled across your channel but I’ve been watching through the videos. Enjoyed them all, very inspiring to get out there and do what you love. Keep it up, looking forward to the next one 👍

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks Barry, appreciate it!

[@andyg4082]

A perfect place to wild camp Beautiful Great video 👏👏👏

[@peterbudd44]

Enjoyed watching that , some really important tips too ... bit late to the party but Subscribed .Thanks.

[@adge_ventures4915]

Confidence shining through now Grace and it's great to see ☺️ Brilliant video. Looking forward to sharing your journey with you ☺️

[@brianwalker9207]

Dogs like, OK mum you can take me home now 🤣

[@howardpotts5763]

Camped in almost same spot lot quieter in the week . Best views ever

[@petergreen540]

Skin so soft (avon) is good to stop midgies and that looked awesome and so beautiful

[@andym2869]

Just brilliant 😁,I always take at least one of my dog's with me when I go camping,I've even spent many a night with three dogs in the tent with me ⛺..I live in the Lake District & Fleetwith Pike was actually the 1st mountain I ever summited..when the weather is good it's a stunning area that's for sure ⛰️

[@GracesAdventures]

They’re great company arent they! That’s awesome lucky you. Thanks for watching 😊

[@tunicoutdoors8768]

What a beautiful place the lake district is, I love it there! 💚✌

[@bennevis21]

A favorite view of mine is looking down Buttermere. I had a sore fall when running a fell race as I was admiring the view. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.

[@GracesAdventures]

Incredible isn’t it. Thank you!

[@thomascaldicott7755]

Have fun Grace!

[@markbphilip]

Great vid looked a stunning location. My tip I would add is to carry a powerbank or two to keep your devices topped up - not only for taking pics but in case you need a phone in emergency.

[@janmccann9471]

I love the beautiful views and edits on your videos, it has really inspired me to get back to the Lake District! Love your cute doggie too

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks Jan 😊😊

[@tobywan12]

Jesus, talk about camping on your doorstep.. I cant believe someone pitched that close to you. Great video :)

[@NORTHERNEXOTICS]

I was out for my first solo wild camp Monday night! Blown away. Ogwen Valley will always make me smile . I need to explore the lakes a little more. I've only ever done helvellyn

[@TheQNSzzz]

Excellent tips Grace. I haven't wild camped yet, but am keen to try it. Last tip - vital 😆

[@GracesAdventures]

Thank you! Haha yes - necessity!

[@theoutdoordom]

Lovely video Grace. As a father of three daughters who loves to wild camp (me) I thought your tips were very good for when hopefully I can encourage them to join me and eventually be brave enough to try it solo for themselves. Great work

[@mariumrajah]

Girl your amazing.. Lovely watching your video Excellent keep it up 👍

[@janeevans1309]

Stunning scenery, thank you for bringing us along to share the experience. Bertie looked like he had a great time too!

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks so much Jane 😊

[@janeevans1309]

@@GracesAdventures you’re welcome ☺️

[@jasonbray1622]

Great vid. Bertie now needs to be a mascot in more videos!

[@GracesAdventures]

Haha agreed!

[@outdoor_spirituality]

I was camping in the lake district last week, on the way to Scotland, I have stayed near Ullswater Lake and swam there for few hours :D Such a lovely and refreshing stop, especially that priors to it, I have been walking 3 days in Breacon Beacons, failing to really find any decent water spot to refresh myself, but that was a treat! The more I see videos like those, I really would love to live outdoor or/and travel around! Sitting at home or staying at work, what a waste of time!

[@frankhayes1135]

Great videos Grace - very motivational!

[@marcusdosh408]

Video so well put together... hope you do more...

[@Wolfman2984]

Tom Cruise being thrown about the mountain?! That is just bad luck, at least you had a lovely view in the morning. Loving your vids, along with the tips and tricks you add in... Very helpful for the new hikers / soloists out there (like me). I need to get out and do a wild camp soon!

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks a lot Dave!

[@Wolfman2984]

@@GracesAdventures can I just ask, are you just lucky enough to have wild camping areas available to you, or is it an unwritten agreement with the landowners near you that they'll allow it if you're respectful. I've seen a lot of conflicting info on this so am not sure on the dos and do nots if that makes sense. I only ask as I'd love to go wild camping down here in Essex, but there are bugger all places really as most of it is Woodland Trust, Farmland or Nature reserves...

[@GracesAdventures]

@@Wolfman2984 definitely not near me - it’s a 4hr drive to the lakes for me! Wild camping is technically illegal in most places but I feel if you’re respectful and leave no trace you’re not doing any harm.

[@Wolfman2984]

@@GracesAdventures thank you! It's nice to have some reassurance from someone who does it! I defo need to get to some of the places you've been. I've only hiked Snowdon once before and have been dying to go again. I look forward to seeing more of your travels dude!

[@whoflungdung1046]

Great stuff... Makes me wanna get out there.

[@ProjectTriz]

Nice. We stayed in a bothy just below fleetwith pike. A fella camping on the top pointed us in the right direction : )

[@stejames83]

Another great video and some great tips 👍

[@unfi6798]

Great info on security & informative. Yeah...always have some wine for warmth.!! I'm a new subscriber & definitely will be getting more tips from you. Cheers mate. A new fan from Christmas Island.

[@TP-dt7gy]

Grace! Inspired by your channel I just did my first mountain last week, The Cobbler! It was amazing and since I followed all your tips I felt super (maybe a bit over) prepaired! Keep up the good work!

[@rickfox4710]

Love Fleetwith as is short enough with all the additional weight for wildcamping & the views are unbelievable 👌

[@cw7422]

Great vid. Rules: 1-go with someone;2-let people know where you are going, what route you are taking and when you will be back;3-don’t deviate without telling someone. In the US I always carry a pistol or rifle or with.

[@barryroberts2196]

Thank you for that Grace, wonderful stuff & what amazing views.

[@GracesAdventures]

Cheers Barry!

[@tinytrekkervlogs]

Awesome video, beautifully edited too. Xx

[@Cucerescmunti]

Smashing hike and well filmed.

[@chrisc4636]

Love it grace,I need to get more time in wild camping,and how cute is bertie atb 👍🏻

[@garymartin557]

i give all the congratulations possible. i personally could not do that in that heat. i used to love wild camping in early winter. the prospect of waking up in the morning with snow on the ground and the lack of people always appealed. the downside was being high in the cold for long periods of time due to short days. 30deg plus though, you did well, i would have melted.

[@craig4599]

These videos are inspiring me to get out and do more in the UK, who knew the beauty we have on our doorsteps! Thanks for sharing Grace, really building everyone’s confidence for that first wild camp 😁

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks so much Craig glad to hear that!

[@Brian-om2hh]

Craig, you do need to bear in mind that much of the "beauty" we have on our doorstep is actually owned by someone.......and that the Lake District National Park Authority regulations forbid wild camping without the express permission of the landowner.

[@mcnivsruns7984]

Yeah…. Thanks for all these vids I’m doing my first solo when my daughter and wife are off to see Calvin Harris… ( free nights are rare ) so all your tips are really good for me. I do some crappy wee vids myself running in the hills and getting lost on scafel pike.. ( mcnivs runs) maybe you could check it out and give me some editing tips…. 😆 Can’t wait for my solo, fingers crossed for good weather. Plus…… all these comments above not one have mentioned how smoking hot you are …… apologies no harm meant but had to be said. 🙏

[@haggishunteroutdoors]

Good video just stumbled across your channel. I like your wee dog my dog always goes along with me in my videos. Just subbed all the best. Sam

[@harrysophocleous606]

Love your videos Grace, really inspire me to get out there! Keep it up! Also Bertie is so cute!

[@travelarfilms]

I love your outdoor activities. Keep safe always

[@davidcox2264]

Bertie looked like she enjoyed it too. Give her a big hug from me.

[@richrowley8355]

Fantastic views. Guess not as solo as you could have wished for

[@GracesAdventures]

Not on this occasion but worth it for the views!

[@wey_aye_adventures]

Awesome video Grace 👍🏻

[@tracybartlett7103]

Brilliant and fab tips for solo camping. Thanks for sharing xx ❤️

[@GracesAdventures]

Thanks Tracy 😊

[@urkan1000]

Great video, with some good tips for solo camping. And you seem very apt for someone calling them self a novice, great gear selection and whatnot 😊

[@AndyWardle]

Camped there many times. Last one (on my channel) we got half naked and danced the night away 😂. Possibly beer played a part 👍 nice vid as per. Popular place though. That bloody tom cruise gets everywhere

[@ogladaczyt]

You're amazing!! Great video, beautiful views, i love your energy and smile. Well done Grace!

[@mantoskeeee]

I went to Fleetwith Pike for my very first night camping. Actually, I was inspired to do that after watching you first solo camping video. So thank you for that! The sunset was amazing! Loved the night sky, which in fact wasn't THAT clear, even though it wasn't cloudy (probably clearer in winter because of Sun movement). Overall, such a wondeful experience! :)

[@Julian-pj2zi]

Enjoyed the video Grace, good stuff!

[@Nathan_jones20]

Great video and tips! Would love to try camping in wildness one day, but probably together as a couple now 😊

[@bikes-life-hikes]

Haystakes............... love this walk...