Cave Life, Sunday 30th - Monday 31st May 2010.

I had read and heard about a "secret-ish" Priesthole cave, hidden somewhere amongst the crags and fells of the Lake District where it was possible to spend the night in relative comfort (?). So Stevie and myself set off with rather heavy packs (due to lager and bbq stuff!) up and over Striding Edge from Patterdale, over Dollywagon Pike and down to Grisedale Tarn where we stopped for lunch and to collect some extra water. From the tarn we headed up to the summit of a very busy Fairfield, probably lots of folks doing the "Fairfield Horsehoe" from Ambleside, and then on to Hart Crag.
I'm not going to give much more details from here as it is more rewarding doing a little homework yourself to find the cave, and to avoid too many selfish people finding it and dumping their rubbish there!

The obligatory shot of Striding Edge looking back from the easy scramble up to the plateau.

Looking back at Striding Edge as we headed for Dollywagon Pike.

Stevie in our home for the night!

"Do you think anyone can see us?"
The wall provides a little protection but as the wind was north westerly it was blowing across the mouth of the cave and then in and out again.  A south westerly is the ideal situation!

Everything set up; just need to get the B-B-Q on! Note the ammo box which contains a slightly tatty visitors book, and axe and a dodgy looking bottle of whiskey!

A short video of our luxury accommodation.

The view of the evening sun on the fells, although it was actually a bit nippy!

After a fairly chilly night, the forecast drop in wind took longer to happen than we would've liked, we had a nice sunny morning and less wind and a chance to enjoy breakfast on the terrace!

Chris, the only other cave dweller that night, and myself, just before we left and headed back for Patterdale.

Unfortuneatly, Chris lost his wallet en route from Helvellyn - Dollywgon - Grisedale Tarn and Fairfield. So if by chance you found a blue wallet in that area and you are reading this, he would be grateful if you could pass it on via myself and this blog :)

     

One last view of the cave before it goes out of sight and we head back to the car.

PLEASE - if you do find and use the cave , take all your rubbish with you as there already is a pile of stuff in one corner that could easily have been taken away by whoever left it!