With a lovely 4 days spare in August 2022 I decided I’d head back to The Lake District to enjoy some more wild camping. I’d done this trip back in 2021 but with my tent. This time I’d decided to hammock camp instead. I decided to stay over in a hostel in Thirlmere the day before my wild camping started. I wanted to make sure I had a decent rest before the start of my trip. The hostel was amazing, a beautiful stone barn with around 5 bunk beds in. I’d hit the jackpot as I managed to have the whole place to myself. 

Up early and making my way to Derwentwater I managed to find some off road parking. Safe and away from any obstruction. Knowing I’d be gone for a few days I wanted to be as respectful as possible. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me as I got closer to the water. I couldn’t wait to get my SUP pumped up and loaded with my camping equipment. Not a soul in sight. Just me, my SUP and the beautiful Derwentwater.

Loaded up and ready to go I had the most perfect conditions to get across. The water was so still it looked like ice. A gentle paddle across and I was on St Herbert’s Island in about 30 minutes. I felt like I was home. The serotonin was running through me like a river. It takes around 30 minutes to steadily walk around St Herbert’s Island. Doing this I found the perfect spot to have my hammock for the 4 days. Sheltered but still in perfect view of the water. Jetboil on the go, my trusty camping chair and a cuppa by the waters edge. Heaven!

I was extremely lucky on my camping days. I’d been graced with some beautiful summer weather. I spent my days exploring Derwentwater and its many islands. Practicing my headstands on my SUP without the worry of falling in and it being cold. It does tend to get very busy during the day. Families on holiday, tourist boats, people canoeing and paddle boarding over to the island. But as soon as it reached 5pm and places started to close it started to become the quiet, peaceful Derwentwater I know. I’d sit on my board without another soul in sight and feel so incredibly blessed that I get to experience such beauty.

One morning I woke for the sunrise and I was blessed with yet another beautiful day. I decided to paddle over to Catbells and do this steady 3.5 mile hike. The hike took me under an hour which was perfect. Leaving my SUP shaded under a tree I felt safe enough with it being left. 

On my last day I decided to pack up and head over to Buttermere. This place was on my bucket list of places to visit. The drive over from Derwentwater took around 20 minutes, beautiful yet dangerous in some parts.  I purely wanted to see the highland cows. Jackpot, I managed to see them. I was like a little child, all excited and giddy when I saw them. I’ve loved Highland cows for as long as I can remember. 

It was another beautifully hot day and perfect conditions for my SUP. I was even graced with a fly over from an American fighter jet. The noise that echoed after the fly over was incredible.

Derwentwater will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first ever wild camping place and my real first time taking my SUP on a large area of water. I feel blessed that I’ve had the privilege to take my children too. To see them laughing and swimming in the water. Jumping off the jetty with each other, choosing stones to take home as a reminder. All priceless moments which I’ll cherish forever. 

Contributor:

Kelly - Instragram