Adventures in the UK: From a Terrifying Trek Through Morecambe Bay to Scaling Cumbria’s Renowned Rock Faces – Join our Summer Series
Accompany seasoned traveler Kevin Rushby on picturesque, daring journeys across the UK, packed with cliff climbing, deep diving and enlightening encounters with world-class adventurers.
Embark on an adventurous exploration across the UK with Kevin Rushby, our expert guide through treacherous Morecambe Bay, the profound heights of Cumbria’s landscapes, and the tranquil depths of Wastwater. This provocative summer series invites you, an adventurer at heart, to venture beyond the ordinary, engaging with gripping tales from yesteryears and immersing in the thrill of modern exploits.
Starting indoors in the cosy dining room of Wasdale Head Inn, your journey takes an unexpected historical turn. Wander alongside revered explorer and climber Leo Houlding as he investigates relics of mountaineering from a time long past. Get a close-up glimpse of the hobnail boots, ice axes and canvas haversacks used by pioneers of mountain adventure (view in fullscreen here).
Marvel at the faded yet captivating black-and-white photographs of predecessors dressed in tweed, who first embraced the delightfully irrational idea of rock face and mountain climbing for sheer enjoyment. Houlding, a man who’s battled some of the globe’s most formidable rock walls, is a testament to their enduring legacy, passing the touch of marvel to his children. Reflections on their achievements, reached without advanced gear, resound within all four walls of the timeless inn.
Next, prepare for an adrenaline-filled encounter with the world-renowned Napes Needle, an impressive 18-meter high, igneous rock formation that plays an invincible role in the history of adventure. Tag along with Houlding and his eager nine-year-old Freya, and six-year-old Jackson, channeling the spirit of Walter Parry Haskett Smith, who in 1886 kickstarted the climbing craze by ascending the Needle alone.
This pioneering act, once commemorated by a figure atop the rock formation in a London shop window, sparked a trend among thrill-seekers, just as Houlding and his book “Closer to the Edge” continue to do in the modern era (view breathtaking shot of Wast Water here). This tale is a testament to the endearing excitement and inspiration inherent in adventure.
Exploring the UK in this series, you’ll discover there’s more to active breaks than mountainous endeavors. Equip yourself with a kayak paddle, diving suit, or a good pair of hiking boots and explore the possibilities that lie in scrambling, kayaking, walking, and swimming.
In this never-ceasing quest, you’ll rely on the wisdom and courage of past pioneers like mountaineer Haskett Smith, the advice from Ken Wilson’s 1978 anthology, Classic Rock, and the modern insights from the series of Wild guides. Venture through four distinct regions across the UK to discover new experiences and invigorating ideas. Embrace the prospect of discovering your land in an adventurous light, feeling the undeniable allure of the outdoor life.
The Walk
Step into the dangerous yet breathtaking landscape of Morecambe Bay, as we encounter wildlife, negotiate unpredictable terrains, and immerse in centuries-old traditions.
Before venturing on a daring rock climbing mission, we decide to journey through a route never for the faint-hearted – across the treacherous yet mesmerising Morecambe Bay. The bay, spreading over 120 square miles, is a notorious terrain famous for claiming lives due to its unpredictable terrain, yet with the guidance of fisherman and pathfinder Michael Wilson, it becomes a thrilling and rewarding experience.
Join us as we team up with Ali Pretty, the driving force behind Bay Lines – Beach of Dreams, a creative endeavour celebrating the unique tales and breathtaking pathways of Morecambe Bay. With Ali and Michael at our sides, we delve into a walking adventure through Morecambe’s shifting sands (view image here).
In our expedition, we encounter a range of surreal experiences. We wade through channels, water lapping at our thighs and making the sand beneath us quiver. Observe as a flat fish darts away in fright, leaving a trail of quicksand in its wake. In parts of our journey, the sand beneath us seems to bounce, in others, we plunge into it, breaking a hard crust as we sink into the depths below.
Upon reaching Arnside, we are met with the sight of approximately 500 enthusiasts, eagerly following Michael’s safety briefing which he delivers through a loudhailer. The syllable of his stern warning, “If anyone gets stuck, leave them,” echoes into the chilling silence, shortly caught off balance by a loud burst of laughter. However, the trains of tractors that loom alongside us paint a more profound scene, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
These veteran machines are Michael’s “boats”, instrumental in his fishing expeditions. He lays nets overnight, only to return at the mercy of the ebbing tide to collect fish. This practice has learned him an unparalleled expertise of the bay’s erratic sands. With this knowledge, alongside a line of pre-planted branches acting as markers, Michael navigates us safely through.
The tradition of guidance through these unpredictable terrains goes back to the 16th century when guides used to lead monks safely to Cartmel Priory. Michael is the 26th guide, succeeding Cedric Robinson who held the post for a staggering 56 years. As we delve deeper into the bay – wading, spotting fish, losing boots in the quick sand and finally enjoying the panoramic beauty from a sandbar while having a picnic – we realize the richness of Michael’s narrative.
The sensation that engulfs us as we journey through Morecambe Bay is powerful and surreal. A walk teeming with the thrill of unpredictability, yet finished off with a calming stroll into Grange, replete with a railway station and a lido under modern refurbishment. The experience is not just an introduction to Lakeland, but a magnificent testament to the wild and wonderful spirit of UK’s adventurous landscape.
The Climb
Voyaging beyond the mundane, a thrilling climb sparks curiosity and active engagement as an unusual family entertains audiences on their exploratory adventure up the Napes Needle.
Kicking off at Wasdale Head, merely an hour on, adventure junkie Leo Houlding and his wife, Jess, emerge as genuine trailblazers, capable of inspiring even the most reluctant children to persevere in our uphill journey. Their secret arsenals: capturing imaginations with captivating stories and invigorating games, withholding the reward of chocolates till the way seems hardest. This particular day, the Sun’s scorching embrace and the path’s lack of comforting shade makes the lure of adventure even more imperative (view image here).
Leo offers his wisdom – children might find hill walking monotonous, but the moment the real action starts, their interest gets ignited. Our backdrop for their interest: the climbing path of Great Gable that can be a hands-on scramble, demanding coordination of both hands and feet. As Freya and Jackson enthusiastically join the game, the need for distracting stories, games or treats miraculously disappear. We are now engaged in our own immersive adventure.
Tracing the climbers’ path between Sty Head and Beckhead Tarn arouses curiosity about the allure of climbing. Immerse yourself into the activity to experience the thrill of returning to our four-legged origins, triggering new stimulations in the mind while simultaneously pushing you to ‘disconnect’. This path provides an enticing option, offering gripping scrambling without the compulsion of ropes, all while being engulfed by vast, breathtaking panoramas.
The climb to the needle isn’t regarded as an extreme challenge today, especially not for Leo, who can comfortably reach the pinnacle within two minutes (view image here). Leo then fastens ropes for us to follow, making a path on the well worn rock that appears as glossed as a kitchen counter.
Although not advised for beginners, with a certified guide, following Leo’s steps is an achievable goal. Expert climbers can search for badge holders from the Association of Mountaineering Instructors with organizations like Lake District Mountaineering and UKClimbing to assist in their ambitious endeavor.
Our journey introduces us to a broad ledge that further thrusts us to the final rocky crag. How Haskett Smith dared to challenge this last step, comes across as a perplexing mystery. Similarly, as we ascend to the top, the imminent task of descending looms menacingly. During those few moments of reprieve, we bask in the enchanting views of Wasdale, only to come to the startling realization that the summit can only accommodate two people, nudging us to the next perilous mission: heading downhill.
Safeguarded by Leo’s vigilant assistance, we start our descent. Witnessing Jackson artfully creating a new, more challenging route while striking up a conversation, lifts our spirits and distracts us from our daunting task. Upon reaching the valley base, the Houlding family, true to their adventurous spirit, decide to turn it up a notch by sprinting down the scree slope, adding a thrilling climax to our extraordinary adventure.
Incapsulating, the narrative of this climbing expedition may tantalize audiences at home with a taste of the unexpected, upping the ante of entertainment while embarking on an unorthodox family outing. This tale not only paints a vivid image in the minds of the reader but invites interactive discussion, opening audiences up to the joys and thrills of exploring the outdoors, climbing mountains, and creating their own thrilling adventures.
Refreshing Swim in the Depths of Wastwater
After a sunny day of climbing and scree-slope tackling, find restoration in a revitalizing dip in England’s deepest lake – Wastwater.
Engaging in a sunny outdoor expedition we add a bit of bravado with an adventurous climb and battle several hits on the scree slopes. This adrenaline-induced experience leaves us yearning for a soothing, cold plunge. Our destination? The north shore of Wastwater, known as Lakeland’s most secluded large lake and, at 79 meters depth, holds the title as the deepest in England (view image here).
There are ample approachable spots to gain access to the water – a truly engrossing journey, designed for those who dare to challenge the norms. The real test, however, is mustering the courage to dive into the cool embrace of the Wastwater lake. Even during summertime, the body of water maintains its crisp, refreshing temperature.
As we submerge ourselves, the biting chill washes over, a momentary discomfort which gradually pales into insignificance. Fully immersed in the frigid depths, we find ourselves overwhelmed by tranquility as we swim towards the immense scree slopes beneath Illgill Head. The experience crescendos as we navigate through waters graced with the jumping spots of emerging fish. It’s a spectacular symphony with the likely lead roles by trout, although, one cannot rule out the potential appearance of Arctic char, known inhabitants of these waters.
This extraordinary swimming expedition provides a fantastical finale to an exciting day of adventurous climbing. It combines the best of both grounds – the thrill of heights and the serenity of vigorous underwater exploration.
A comforting night’s stay was offered by Wasdale Head Inn, with camping packages starting from as low as £6, while double room accommodations beginning from £140. The writer partook in the adventure as an honored guest of the Bay Lines – Beach of Dreams project on the Morecambe Bay walk. Enthusiasts can join similar spirit lifting walks across the sands through charitable donations at Guide Over Sands Trust.
This compelling story of day-long adventure and immersive exploration opens up spirited discussions around the beauty and excitement of outdoor activities. With vivid descriptions and relatable experiences, it urges the reader to consider diving into their own epic adventure, thereby elevating the entertainment quotient and appealing to an audience of adventure enthusiasts who appreciate thrill and rejuvenation in equal measure.
