Lakes Cave option

When the weather in the lakes is bad, it's really bad. So tents are often not an option, too much noise. Youth hostel? Warm but too safe. How about a cave then? If you can find one, then it's almost perfect. Woof Cave is about 300m up the side of Rossthwaite fell, about one hour walk from Stonethwaite. The side of the fell has numerous boulders that have split from the crag (Cam Crag) above. Amidst these boulders lies the cave. We took a bit of time to find the entrance. A chimney tells you that you're in the right place. A very narrow hole down didn't seem right. We were just about to try from a different angle, but then I spotted the entrance covered with rocks.


You needed to crawl through the entrance, but once in, it opens out to an oblong room about 15 feet long and 5 1/2 feet high. There had been many previous visitors and some basic carpentry means there is a bedding area at one end. At the other end, there is a small cooking area and fireplace. It was a hell of a lot warmer than outside and plenty of space for two people.

Kinder's extra protection

I haven't been up to the Peak district this year, but one of its main areas Kinder Scout has received some good news. Kinder Scout will be designated a national nature reserve. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/11/kinder-scout-grouse-moor-protected