Wild Camping UK | Black Combe | Outlying Fells | Lake District

Being visible from not only many of the Lakeland fells but also the Pennines, as well as being prominent as the 'Guardian of the Bay', Black Combe has been on my 'to do' list for many years.

[@cosykitz]

You taught us something new again, hadn't heard about High Brazil before, fascinating. Thanks for helping to keep our aging minds alive ❤

[@ChrisJB]

It's a great story. A little part of me wonders if it has just been overlooked by modern map-makers and it really exists. 🙂

[@cosykitz]

@@ChrisJB We sort of think that too, you can see a dark mass in that area of the ocean, lots of land masses disappear for various reasons, so quite possible it is just a lost Atlantis type island. Looking forward to your next vid.

[@johnd8538]

I enjoy every minute of your films Chris, you are always honest and you're a natural teacher without being overbearing and never boring. You're an intelligent unassuming fella, the type I have a lot of time for. 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks John for your generous comment. I always hope to come across as honest and authentic so am glad you said that as I sometimes wonder if I'm getting it right. ATB mate, Chris 👍

[@benhikescamps]

So well said @John D

[@neilmetcalfe5261]

Cracking post as always Chris. You're right, can't think of another mountain that close to the sea in England. Some fabulous views. Many thanks.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Neil. It's a bit of a one off for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@JenniferLupine]

Hi Chris! Great that you got out for a wild camp even though it was quite cold- and you survived all the adversity that came your way! I like your hat, you seemed pretty well bundled up- I would have about 10 layers on - lol! I also liked the triangle pocket, very handy to have things up off the floor. Thanks for pointing out all the views and talking about the little island that’s not really there. I loved seeing out over the water. I’m looking forward to seeing your upcoming wildflower photos! 😁👍👍

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Jennifer. Yes, I'm not sure why but I wasn't 100 per-cent feeling it on this camp. If I wasn't so far from home I think I might've abandoned it. The wild-flowers are starting to appear but it is still cold here at the moment and we are still getting snow. Brrr!

[@benhikescamps]

Lovely vid as always Chris. You don’t half pick those windy spots!! I know I always say it but I love those big landscape shots you do. ATB from the south! Ben 👍⛺️👍

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Ben. It was nice being by the sea. Hope you are well mate. 🙂

[@michaeldenham9681]

Good to be on Black Combe again, if only by proxy. I was up there a few years ago, but that was the one and only time. I've sometimes thought about repeating it. Thanks Chris.

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Michael. I liked it a great deal, especially when the sun was shining! It would make a very nice day walk. Best wishes, Chris

[@chriswhite2714]

Another fantastic video Chris, with some great history along the way Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🥃

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Chris. Hope you are well mate. 👍

[@seasicksteve8089]

Enjoyed that one Chris. Looks beautiful up there. Keep um coming Chris keep um coming.👍👍👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Steve. Hope you are well pal. 👍

[@seasicksteve8089]

Good thanks mate. Waiting for the better weather. Them hills are calling.

[@MustiDesai-jl6ud]

Excellent, thank you for sharing

[@ChrisJB]

A pleasure. Thank you for watching. 🙂

[@groundbreakerexplore]

What an amazing and entertaining wild camping vlog this has been, do keep up the wonderful work you've been sharing too! Stay safe~

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks pal. ATB, Chris

[@Karen-dq8nw]

I love your expressions! Bloody jellyhead - def gonna borrow that when next time I trip and take a tumble. Lovely flowers - spring is on the way.

[@ChrisJB]

Ha ha! Jelly Head was a character in a comic for grown-ups here in the UK. She had lime jelly instead of a brain! 🙂

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Top video that Chris. Loved the high Brazil reference. Thanks for the shout out, hope it’s providing useful.

[@ChrisJB]

No probs Nathan. A well deserved shout out.....I love it mate. ATB, Chris

[@anthonypayne1]

Enjoyed this one Chris, Black Combe has been on my to do list as well! 👍👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Anthony. It's a very alluring fell. 🙂

[@CountrysideWalking]

Hi Chris what lovely dynamic views in your video. We went to Walney Island nature reserve on break near Barrow in Furness. You looked well wrapped up in new blue jacket, but liked the joke you mentioned of floral arrangement in the shape of pint of beer !!! Agree with comments about Morrisons!! Didn't envy you in weather conditions for your wild camp, but never could rely on weather forecasts for walking.

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Shanita. I've never visited Walney but would really like to. I'm not sure what's going on with Morrisons......it used to be my favourite supermarket. I'm getting very impatient now for some nice weather......this winter has seemed very long. Best wishes, Chris

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

Black Combe is a cracking hill Chris, all the better for"only" being an Outlying Fell! Fantastic views from the summit plateau, shame it wasn't a bit clearer. I've climbed it a few times over the years... including by mountain bike and in a KIMM. Never camped up there tho'! Another great video, thoroughly enjoyed it. TFS, cheers Alistair 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Alistair. Yep, I really likes it....something different by the sea. I'd like to try it in the summer. ATB, Chris

[@22veteranflyfishing]

Love the video just found your channel and subscribed. I wish I had spots like this to hike and backpack on your so lucky.

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks for the kind comment. I am pretty lucky to have access to places like this. Best wishes, Chris

[@WyeExplorer]

Sounds like a decent mountain Chris - well near on a mountain. I like them big hills that have surprises in their topography. Protuberances? A lovely word indeed! I'm a b it late in commenting because I have been taking a wide arc at the mo and watching other things. Music mostly - Ren. Check out the tune: Hi Ren by Ren. Awesome as the mountain there. Well, a decent camp and hey sausage roll. Until next time all the best. Mark

[@ChrisJB]

How do Mark. It's interestingly located by the sea. Wide arcs are a good thing Mark.....I do them too. Following your Facebook post I have been checking Ren out a fair bit....he's brilliant! I like Sick Boi....great video as well. Best wishes, Chris

[@WyeExplorer]

@@ChrisJB Alright there Chris, just got back from London so sorry for the delay. Yeah, they are healthy for us. For sure Ren is far out - an amazing talent.

[@Thebluedocful]

Thanks Chris, enjoyed that. As always. Had plenty of camps where there’s little irritating things that impact on the experience a little. Never been up Black Combe before, I always seemed to be pulled into the heart of the LD. But there’s clearly some fantastic views up there. Cheers, Simon

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Simon. It's deffo somewhere a little different. I'm not sure why but I wasn't feeling 100 per-cent on this trip from the off and that might've played a part re the niggles. I enjoyed seeing you on Solo Summiteer's vid. I really like the look up Upper Eskdale. 🙂

[@Thebluedocful]

@@ChrisJB thanks Chris. It was interesting to see everything from your perspective - the vloggers. Loads of things to think about. I’m not comfortable in front of a camera, don’t know how you guys do it! But I’m glad you do because I learn so much from you. This is why I like your videos so much, they’re multi-dimensional. Not just about the hike and the camp (which I also love). Yeah, that area from Eskdale is proper remote when you get deep in it, love it!

[@ChrisJB]

@@Thebluedocful Thanks mate. It took a while before I felt reasonably okay in front of the camera.

[@stevec-b6214]

that misty muck blowing in off the sea - in my local area (whitby) we call it a `haar`

[@ChrisJB]

I love that word 'haar'. I've heard it before but thought it was when I was up on the Galloway coast once....I can't quite remember. I thought it was called a 'fret' on the east coast, but maybe that is somewhere else or something different. You're a lucky chap living in Whitby. Love it round there. ATB pal. 👍

[@Jay-333]

Enjoyed that..well done,see you on the next one..

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Jay👍

[@ronpowell6372]

Aye up Chris lad…me agin…catching up agin..luv these posts of yorn..and love your mithering of a Sumat or nothing. Lol …Keep posting please , that localism and family background n knowledge that you bring is brilliant and honest as well as your natural history understanding too …crack on lad

[@ChrisJB]

How do Ron. Many thanks mate. I wasn't particularly feeling it on this trip so glad I didn't come across as a grumpy old sod! 🙂

[@thewanderingforester]

Nice one that, enjoyed it. So I'm not the only one that gets in a right muddle sometimes - though I don't think I've ever admitted it on camera! Always good to get on the "last hill" of a group, usually makes for really good views and Black Combe seems to be a fine example. We'll be staying in Gosforth in June having a go at the fells around Wasdale so if we can find time might go up and have a look. ATB, Roger

[@ChrisJB]

Oh sometimes I get in a right flap Roger, with lots of teeth gnashing and swearing off camera! For some reason I didn't quite feel 'in the groove' on a lot of this trip and I think that played its part. I think you'd like it if you get the chance. It's quite an easy one really, especially as a day walk. Best wishes, Chris

[@andrewschofield7452]

Nice views over everything there, if you get bored in one direction face another way and it looked just as fantastic. Great video Chris, thanks for letting us come along with you. 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Andrew and thank you. Yes, the views are great wherever you look from the top. 🙂

[@olr1home]

Interesting! My mum lives just north of Askham; it has a good chippy... You can see Black Combe from her village, and from the road over the top from Ulverston. I'm sure with kinder weather it would have been a more enjoyable spot.

[@ChrisJB]

How do Oliver. Typically, as so often is the case, I kept saying I'd visit Askam to see my Uncle Harry but never got round to until his funeral. It's a nice part of the world with a lovely drive along the bottom end of the Lakes.

[@mickfitzvalleyandhill]

Been wanting to get there for a while mate ... great video ... thanks

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Mick. Hope you are well pal. 👍

[@acedecs]

Enjoyed that Chris.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Dec mate. Hope you are well. 👍

[@Darrenfive0]

Bloody hell mate you picked a blinder there. Fantastic pal 👍👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thank you. It was forecast a nice sunny one! What a disappointment when it all turned sour. 🙄

[@Darrenfive0]

@@ChrisJB it did turn out poor weather wise but the views when you got there were amazing. It’s now on my to do list. Thanks for posting 👍

[@jezwest1727]

Cracking footage , informative as usual Chris we all look forward to your next wild camps Thanks for taking us with you ! 👍👏

[@ChrisJB]

How do Jez. A pleasure mate....many thanks. 🙂

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Hiya Chris, I looked at those fells when I was holidaying near there a couple of years ago. Like you say for the coastal views. Maybe one day. Shame it turned a bit grim Chris. Tek care and ATB 🍻

[@ChrisJB]

How do Dave. It's a very interesting fell. Bloody wind though.....it's such a pain in the arse at times. 🙄

[@titothetroddler]

Really enjoyed that Chris, I fully intended when I finished the Wainwrights to move on to the out lying fells, but never did, but looks like one for the future, I’m ready for some warmer camping, it’s been good getting out, but can’t wait for it to warm and be able to sit out, only another month off the ale and then I can go back to having a slurp when out, keep em coming pal, always enjoy them, ATB Tito 👍

[@ChrisJB]

I've been reading AW's Outlying Fells book a lot recently, there are some great walks in there and when I'm in crowd avoidance mode I'm going to make use of them. Aye, it's great being able to while away the long evenings outside the tent. It's the best bit of wild-camping for me. Hope the training is going well Tito. 💪

[@titothetroddler]

@@ChrisJB cheers pal, the solitude is number 1 on my list when picking a wild camping spot, are the Howgills busy btw? It’s funny but finding a good spot for your pitch really can impact on your enjoyment, I like going to new places so I might have to start on the out lying 😊 training going well, but still hard 😅

[@ChrisJB]

@@titothetroddler Howgills not bad at all Tito. I've never had any probs up there. Really good fells too.

[@paulryan2081]

Ah, Chris, it was such a shame that you didn't seem to enjoy this one as much as you'd hoped. Dashed by the weather I suppose or never meet your heroes, as they say? Nice little monologue about the family. I feel I'm getting to know them 😁 Sorry I was late for class btw, had something on last night. Atb, Paul

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Paul. Yeah, the unforecast weather sent me a bit out of kilter on this one. I think I was expecting more of a springy day and it turned into a crushing disappointment. 😬🙂.

[@radicalwalks]

What a subject

[@ChrisJB]

Yep, a good hill.

[@gainesy_walks]

That sausage roll.... The Beast of Black Combe 😂 great video Chris mate 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Dave. If it wasn't for their sausage rolls, I'd abandon Morrisons altogether. 😉

[@grantswheelstohills]

Another interesting walk and wild camp. Cheers.

[@ChrisJB]

Glad you enjoyed it Grant. Hope you are well. 👍

[@nickarter]

Another great trip Chris. Some of the sub 2000ft locations are often better for wild camps, areas such as the Teifi Pools, Llyn Edno, Plynlimon in Wales spring to mind. I really love your trips, I’ve ordered an Atom Pacs Mo and a Tarp tent notch since watching your channel. My first wild camp this year in April will be Calf Top, Barbondale, I’ve always fancied it and your trip there in ‘alpine’ conditions sealed it for me, and I too had often wondered about The Forest of Bowland, and I think I’ll have a trip up there this year. Like yourself I’ve always been really attached to Cross Fell, ever since doing the Pennine Way in 1993! Many Thanks for the effort you put into these, and for your dry wit, which always makes me laugh! I come from North Yorkshire and I don’t think you sound at all like Mick McCarthy.😂

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Nick and thank you for the lovely comment. I agree, people sometimes seem fixated with camping at altitude and can overlook more interesting spots elsewhere. You should be happy with your pack and tent purchases, I love both of them. In fact, of the two tents I use the Notch is my favourite for its simplicity. Calf Top is an overlooked gem and a fantastic viewpoint if the weather is decent. I'll do that again sometime I reckon. My first Cross Fell experience was on the PW too, in 1990. It was a red hot day. I found the Mick McCarthy thing very bizarre! Imagine getting a Yorkshire and Lancashire accent mixed up! 🤔🙂. Best wishes, Chris

[@DesGreene]

Hi Chris. Enjoyed that👍 I plotted a route up Black Combe last year but never got around to doing it. Looks lovely with the coastal and estuary views! You certainly copped for a bit of weather overnight👍😁

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Des. It's very nice, something a bit different. Yep, the weather was a bit of a disappointment in the end. Bye for now, Chris

[@reluctantfellrunner]

First time watching. Best wishes on the next.

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks mate. Best wishes, Chris

[@adge_ventures4915]

Enjoying your stuff more and more Chris. Myself and B settled in with a brew to watch this one 🙂 Great mix of interesting things/knowledge that frankly we knew nothing about and good old wild camping which I know plenty about 😂 Stay safe and well, Adge

[@ChrisJB]

How do Adge. I'm glad you liked it. Sometimes when I'm not quite 'feeling it' on a camp I wonder about what sort of film will come out of it. I'm probably over-thinking things a bit though! 🤔😉. Best wishes to you both, Chris

[@seanmurphy6139]

Great video, thanks Chris. Lived on the West coast of Ireland all my life and it took an Englishman to enlighten me of Hy-Brasil. Had never heard of it until now! Could it be a mirage or possibly my mate big Paul out for a swim? Cheers to your Uncle Harry. Looking forward to your next video.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Sean. Yep, Hy-Brazil is a fascinating myth. Where on the west coast are you Sean (apologies if you've already told me)? I've been to Galway and Kerry and absolutely loved it.

[@MrJud62]

the weather certainly turned from what it was like on the way up chris,the sausage roll as made me go to morrisons,lol,take care pal.

[@ChrisJB]

How do Ken.....deffo recommend 'em pal. 👌

[@MrJud62]

@@ChrisJB they’re on the shopping list.😂

[@craig3401]

Haha sounds like you had a grumpy old man camp I've had a few of those lately lol but the last cpl camps I've been using those silicone ear plugs and I've found them why better than the foam earplugs

[@ChrisJB]

Oh it was doing my head in Craig.....loads of little things going wrong. I'll check out the silicone ear plugs. Thanks and best wishes, Chris

[@BorderRambler]

A hill I have yet to conquer Chris , lost count of how many times I have drove past on the train to and forth from basra… I was at walney the other year with my zoologist mate doing a water beetle survey . Think we are back again this summer. Some stunning 360 views from the summit tho , it’s normally clag bound when I pass. It’s a lovely route by train down that Cumbria coast although rather slow 😂 another wild night , roll on the better weather atb Dave

[@ChrisJB]

How do Dave. I recommend it pal, though someone else said it's nearly always in cloud because of the Irish Sea. It's been a few years since I last visited that part of the world and I'd forgotten how nice it was. When I was 17 I did the Coast to Coast walk and caught the train to St Bees and I remember how nice the journey was. Interesting re the beetles......can you remember the name of them? ATB, Chris

[@BorderRambler]

@@ChrisJB think we were looking for the Dyticus family of diving beetles but plenty of others I don’t remember , we also did Drigg dunes looking for the northern dune tiger beetle which were in abundance , think I will plan a trip for springtime when it warms to do black coombe

[@ChrisJB]

@@BorderRambler Ah right okay. I remember once finding a bloody huge Dytiscus sp larva at Leighton Moss, it had massive jaws.....proper scary 😬. I'd like to see a dune tiger sometime.....never seen one. 👌

[@siegfriedschlag4353]

Guten Abend 👍 vielen Dank für das tolle Video 👍 Gruß Siggi & Marianne ❤️ schönen Donnerstagabend 🔔 Abofreund🔔

[@ChrisJB]

Glad you liked it Siggi and Marianne. Hope you are both well. 🙂

[@craigmorris6306]

Great vid as always ,really uncanny not 10 mins before your vid popped up I was just thinking about you in that scarp ,and with these winds,wondering if you had gone out tonight lol 😂 cruel i know but you know I’m a diehard hilleberg fan take care Chris …

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Craig. It's blizzarding here tonight so I'm stopping in and I've lit the fire 🙂. No camping for me this weekend, though might do a local snowy walk on the moors tomorrow. Thanks for watching and commenting pal. Cheers, Chris

[@Solohikeruk]

Always wanted to do black combe chris, never got round to it, I believe you can see blackpool from there ? Is that true ? Bloody job getting tent sorted 😂, not just me then lol, did you park near the church? Think it’s st thomas ? Absolutely hate the wind myself ,be a nice camp in the summer, definitely doing it in early summer myself Take care pal

[@ChrisJB]

I'm sure you'd see Blackpool Tower on a clear day. It said no overnight parking near the church (though I'm sure that's aimed at camper-vans etc, I reckon you'd be fine) but there is a lay-by just on the main road nearby which I used. The tent was doing my head in! I wasn't really feeling it at times on this trip and I just wonder if I was being a bit of a numpty🙄 ! Best wishes, Chris

[@Solohikeruk]

@@ChrisJB thanks chris

[@stevencummings2395]

Definitely see Blackpool with ease yes, and vise versa from the tower. The black combe massive is something else.... Its a must 👍