Solstice slackpack

After our somewhat longer fortnight of backpacking Mike had suggested a summer solstice slackpack. The plan was simple, head over to Green Bell, in the Howgills and spend two nights camping and viewing the solstice.

We took the path that leads up by Kilnmire and Wye Garth. There was a strong wind blowing and it was decided that rather than camp on the actual top it would be better to set up the tents on a  shelf just below the trig point.We found a lovely wee trickle of water close by and with splendid views over the valley we set up camp.

Mike stayed up late as it gradually grew dark. There was not a total darkness though. It was surprisingly quite light even around midnight. Not the total pitch darkness of the later months. Just before three in the morning I was awake and was content to just sit in the porch of the tent, cup of tea in hand and watch the gradual grey pre dawn light slowly develop in to the early morning light. The mist that had shrouded the valley below dispersed very rapidly. Unfortunately there was no early morning sunrise.

However, it was fascinating to watch wraiths of mist and low cloud scudding through gaps in the surrounding hills and spill out over the valley.

A spot of breakfast and I was happy to doze for a couple of hours. Later in the morning I made my way up to the trig point, had an amble around and returned to the tent for another cup of tea and a bit of lunch.

 In the afternoon we had a stroll over to Randygill Top, lovely views in all directions.

On the following day we walked back down the hill to the car. Heading back we had a wee diversion to visit a hill  Mike had on his little list!

A couple of pleasant days of not doing a lot but just chilling.