Bleaklow Wild Camp and Getting Older 

Always wonderful to have a video from you Pat. As said previously your passion for life and the great outdoors is a tonic for those like me housebound by illness. Many thanks

Hi Patrick, Fantastic! Thank you. I am 62 and was fit as a biddy up until I got cancer 7 years ago but thankfully I did come out of the other side, luckier than some other poor people that didn't make it. It took its toll on me however, watching your vids has inspired me to get of my arse and get back out there camping, like you it is somthing I love and nothing will stop me after your inspirational vids and advice, just taking easier routes will still give me the great pleasure I had before and will help build my fitness. BTW, a couple of good ales and a whiskey never hurts 😉 Thank you 😊 👍

So nice to see you out again Pat. This quote from George Bernard Shaw is so true about age “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” 👍

Great Pat ,I’m 61 and not on any medication and still run racing ,and enjoy a drop of whiskey,your videos are brilliant,don’t ever give it up .always look forward to your next adventure.Class ,say no more 👍

Super, Pat. I almost laughed out loud at your description of the old guys social meeting and the ailments. I told our group when we did exactly that in the pub (and it got pretty graphic!) that we really needed a green hospital curtain to pull around us in our grumblers' corner! I'm 70 and I can walk distance but I'm now dreading hills (up and down) due to knees.I remember making cocoa for scouts at camp about 25 years ago; that usually had extra protein from Scottish midges! Couldn't be helped and we were getting our own back.🙂 It's important to do what you can for as long as you can. I now find the bicycle easier ; I'll keep that going until my bum packs in, lol! Keep encouraging us: you might even persuade me to wild camp again! Atb, Terry

Lines from SHAK. "Age I do abhor thee, youth I do adore thee, crabbed age is full of care, youth is full of recklessness." Thanks Pat for the great video, you inspire us all. Peace be unto you.

Great to have you back YOUNG MAN! Pat you inspire many to get out there and enjoy what beauty we have around us during our short time on this earth. You certainly inspire me. I hope to see you doing this for many years to come! Never stop being you Pat. All the best mate. Lee 👍

A very good narrated presentation....old......your pretty good fit in my view. I'm 85 and the past 3 years my health has been very up n down but at the moment it's mainly my legs. They just dont wanna go. I retired at 70 years and did a bit of cycling in Scotland but my legs got tired and lost strength so at 73 I just followed my hobby of trains..I've never worried about age. Life is as it is so ''just get on with it'' that is until you are forced by your bodily functions to give in and slow down. I admire you and what you do and I get great pleasure viewing your presentation. thank you

Inspirational as always Pat. Great to see you up there amongst the stones fighting the good fight .

Absolute pleasure as usual Pat. Thanks so much for all the effort you put into taking us along with you. See you on the next one.

Someone PLEASE make a compilation video of Pat's best moments! There are so many highlights throughout his videos. :)

Thank you for this great video Pat. Quite a reflective tone, getting old etc, but such a positive message to live life to the full. Time is such a precious commodity and we should make good use of it. Look forward to the next one, when hopefully you’ll treat yourself food (and drink) wise! Stay young! ATB Paul

Don’t stop until you absolutely have to Pat. You are such a joy to watch regardless of where you are 🥰

I've just pinged. Pats got a new video out. You just made my day. Legend ⛺🥾😊

Great video, Pat! I always enjoy watching your adventures but the philosophizing is the icing on the cake. I'm 70 now and just started backpacking when I was 67 and, like you, I want to do it forever. It's the best way I know of to feel alive and free!

It's a pleasure to watch your videos! I do quite a bit of backpacking here in the states (Colorado). My quilt collection has grown and I rarely use a sleeping bag at all. A cap or my alpha tech fleece with a hood keeps my head very comfortable. I found a nice summer rated 30 degree quilt with 900 rated down in the ZPacks bargain bin. It helps that I'm only 5'4" and can use a shorter quilt, but it only weighs 350 grams and packs down in the bottom of my pack very small. I do love to get my quilts in "wide" so that I can tuck them in around me or under my pad and block out any draft. I have the pad straps that help keep a quilt in place, but usually I don't need them. Check out a US company call Hammock Gear. They make a very nice quilt at a great price call the Econo Burrow. It was my first quilt and again, I went for "wide." I invested in a nice Cedar Ridge Outdoors quilt that is for lower temps and made with 1000 rated down. It was definitely an investment, but very cozy, light and packable. Oh, and I also go with a sewn foot box as it is easy to find where to stick my feet in the middle of the night as the temps get a little lower. I love that you dehydrate such lovely meals. You've inspired me to cook much better on trail. Also, I picked up a new Outdoor Research Alpine Ascentshell Bivy after watching a few of your videos. I have a very light borah dcf bivy that I use under a tarp, but it's not quite suited for use alone if the weather gets a little grim. I love the idea of having a small footprint and quick set up. I bring a dcf 9x7 tarp to cook under or relax with just in case I don't want to crawl into a bivy right away. Thankfully, we don't have midges and mosquito season is finally over! You hit the nail on the head when you discuss "feeling alive" while on a wild camp. It's one of the best feelings we can experience. Sometimes, I think no matter good weather, bad weather or any reasonably challenging environment, getting our for a night or two under the stars is the best medicine for our aging bodies and minds. Thanks for sharing your adventures and wisdom!

So much respect for you Patrick, gave me shivers when you said you only felt old when you see it written down, beautifully said.

Great video good to see you back on the moorland. It's good to have a chat we are all getting older but like you said if you can get out and about do it. You're an inspiration for us all to go and get out and get that bit fitter. I think in these last two years with covid etc we have all maybe not done as much exercise as we should have and after watching your video it's time to get our boots on and just go for that walk especially while the weather is good. Thanks for taking us with you on your camp out.👍

Another beautiful gorgeous video of Bleaklow and Derwent Valley. So peaceful and relaxing. A very nice meal too! Drink the tonic of the beauty of nature! Take it slow when building up your stamina. Dont overdo it too much and take breaks when you need. You will be okay. We are not 20 anymore but age is JUST a number. Dont look at the number and keep going.

Always heartwarming to see a new video from you Pat. When I lived in The States I would go to the World Food Store to get Pataks curry sauces and Bachelors Mushy Peas, now I'm back in Ireland I still enjoy both weekly ;)

Cracking video as always. A relation and great friend of mine died when he was out camping earlier this year. He died on 3rd May when he was camping at his favourite spot on the riverbanks in Durham City. He was 86 years old enjoyed his walking and camping and was considered very fit for his age . He left a very good estate when he died as he left a donation for the local mountain rescue team , £15,000. He did as though he never personally needed their services but was a great believer in their ability and worth for they do . As for sleeping bag use during the summer , I personally use a cheap fleece blanket. It compacts down to the size of a tennis ball . I usually sleep in my boxers as I get very warm , even during the winter and especially during the summer, I don't actually use the blanket much . Keep well and keep up the great work in making your videos. Thanks.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed your videos for years and this one seems even more chilled out, which is a good thing. Great video and chat about ageing. Keep pushing yourself, we do. All the best

The debate is settled............its called a BREADCAKE, Pat said it! Excellent Pat, Thanks for taking the time to share the outing. ATB - Phill

it's always great to see you out on the hills pat and yes old age is something coming to us all but watching you still camping out and still enjoying yourselves bring us all good hopes for the future 🏕️👍❤️

Great video with superb scenery. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on getting older - it's good to to talk about these things. You have the right idea, keeping active, looking after yourself and getting out there. It reminds me of another RU-vid channel I follow called Young At Any Age. I really admire your spirit - you're a true inspiration!

Reflections on getting older, yes. On pills, yes. But enjoying life and do what we like most. Thanks for another fine video

You’re such an inspiration Pat. I hope you continue to enjoy those glorious views for many years to come. The heather is looking beautiful 🌸. Thank you for sharing xxx

Right, I've a good selection of stouts. Time to watch Father Pat do his thing. Love these videos, Sheffield legend.

A recent subscriber to your fantastic channel, I came across your videos whilst preparing for a recent circumnavigation of the Kinder plateau. Keep the videos coming Pat, you inspire me to keep getting out into the hills and keep that fitness up!

Patrick great tô see our generación has a great adventure spirit .

Yet another great video Pat. Im starting to get into walking now and it is because of your inspiration. Im not the lightest person in the world and it gets hard work in the hills of North Wales but im loving every second of it and the sense of achievement. Thanks again Pat. 👍

I've enjoyed watching your old videos, midges in the milk did make me laugh, thank you.

warms my heart when pat is on screen. legend!

The eternal problem Pat, I'm not sure I needed you adding to my conundrum of always buying new kit! Great video, thank you.

Fantastic video! Oddly enough I was at Bull Stones (and onward to Crow Stones) last week when up in the Peaks. I think Crow Stones / Crow Stones Edge have some of the most epic views in the Peaks. We approached from Kings Tree and ascended the hill next to Cranberry Clough to get onto the moors. It’s easy to lose some of the paths on the Howden Moors but in good weather it’s never a problem. I especially appreciate not being able to hear traffic at all out there. Just the breeze and the birds. I think you are right regarding ageing - keep pushing yourself and keep the fitness up. I will never forget my Chiropodist when I was a young boy in the 80’s, Mr Cummings ran marathons and did cycle races well into his seventies. Very inspirational! I use my holidays to go on more extreme hiking and scrambling beyond what is on offer locally in Kent and Sussex and this usually means the Peak District. I love it and I can really unwind from the stresses of my work. I really enjoy your videos and passion for the outdoors. Keep them coming!

Hi Patrick you have the right attitude to old age. Its like Dylan Thomas said "Do not go gentle into that good night. \ Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Excellent video this one as simple and back to basics. Thanks.

It's a good day when a new Patrick Dickinson video pops up in my feed 🙂 Do you ever consider doing anymore climbing videos, Patrick?

old or not pat , your mindsett is perferct . its great to see you out again buddy, keep on keeping on . i too am feeling the pinch a bit now at 67 years old but life is still great. love your videos Pat, thank you.

I love your vids Pat. I was a paratrooper when I was a lad, I'm 51 now and I've never forgotten how fit I was at 19, and I think even though we know it's just inevitable, you can still fight it and keep going. You keep climbing upwards

Hello old man! (I am allowed to say this because I am 2 years younger than you! 🤣) I share your insights on the topic of "We will all grow old, even if we don't like it" - but ... ... I think it is important to have a "Plan B" for the phase of life in which you will be physically limited. As a student I started with an aquarium - quite special, because I created a real biotope with fish and plants of a certain area that were a perfect match and I had a very lucky hand with it. I enjoyed it a lot. But as the workload increased and the free time available (that is less than "free time") I had to give up this lovely hobby because caring for the plants and fish in a species-appropriate manner takes a lot of time. Even back then (I was only 25 or so) I had the plan: when you get old and frail, you can take up this hobby again. Since then I have looked forward to it and am much less afraid of reaching this stage in life. Until then, of course, I want to experience as much as possible outdoors in nature (hiking, cycling, kayaking) so that I can live off these memories later - without regrets because I did "everything". Yes, of course I could have done this or that and also... but as long as I can say at the end "I experienced (almost) everything!" (100% is never possible...), I have done everything right. And then it's good and I'm satisfied. New activities await: in my case, my aquarium. And ... maybe there is more that I don't know about yet? Exciting... 😊 P.S.: I went hiking in Scotland once (1986) and one morning I was eaten alive by midgets... they had made it INTO my sleeping bag (despite the protection of a Hilleberg tent)... I almost went mad and fled to the top of a hill in the cold morning drizzle (it wasn't even 6 o'clock) because up there was a bit of a wind. It didn't take long before my travel companion followed me... Since then I've known: that's my weak spot - psychologically I can hardly cope with such attacks from mosquitoes/midgets... Fortunately, that was only the experience of one single day. The rest of the holiday was great! Since I was travelling with a school friend and we had a joint budget, we had to do a final calculation: - 1/3 went for bus/train/ferry, - 1/3 for food... - and we simply drank the last third... Cheers to Scottish whisky 🥃and stout! 🍺 🤣

no good man always fight it yes it's harder when you're getting older but good on you keep going mr ❤

Patrick your awesome love your camping trip’s and glad to hear your thoughts on getting older and how you are getting on with it fair play my friend.

Patrick wow. I typed in wild camping older and you came up.67 and an inspiration to many.i am 62 and let myself go a bit ,I watch wild camping blogs but feel go old .my son said get a tent and we will go so I will .was always fit one time. Also nice to see a 45 minute vlog. That explains everything about camping g anx your experience xxx

Thanks Pat, You're an inspiration mate

Nice one Pat. Can't be fun getting old sometimes. I'm 60 in a couple of weeks, apart from a few aches and pains still enjoying life. Still have a motorbike even though I have down sized . Enjoy things while you can and remember every thing in moderation.

Guaranteed Pat quality again. You probably will still be in good shape 10 years from now, but from there age tends to start limiting what you can do. Some are still in good shape at 90, but that's much more rare. Of course none of us know, if we get a stroke today. One just has to take reality as it is and adapt when necessary.

Well you are an inspiration to this 65yr old. Thanks for sharing.

We are all getting older pat ,keep on doing what you love ,it shows you're lust for life being outdoors and yes maybe just shorter camps might do the trick🤪🛌

Hi Pat another great wild camp and great little area too. You must know all the best spots for wild camping. I've always thought age is just numbers and that's all as age doesn't mean anything to people. A doctor once told me eat all your vegs and fruits to stay healthy and I prefer fruits like oranges blueberries and I like orange and carrot juice. Also one of the best things is walking as that keeps you healthy. Best thing about camping is the sounds at night and rain hitting tent. The worse thing is the midges especially in the Highlands of Scotland and windy nights is great. Winter camping is better than summer because there is no midges around but it's colder. I'd would love to see a sunset from your drone footage as that would be wonderful using your drone to get a sunset view! Really enjoyed this video and I'd say keep on camping and having fun all the time is so good for you and health too. Take care and always go camping!

Patrick your great! We admire you and all you do. I'm 60 in November and not really looking forward to it but you are an inspiration. Keep up with the good work. Great video. We've recently bought a campervan and it's keeping us fit. Enjoy your adventures. 🙂

One of my favourite videos yet Patrick. My 3rd wild camp was up at Crow stones and I felt in complete solitude. Couldn’t find the spring but then again I didn’t look for long as wanted to get set up before sunset in a place I’d never been. Thank you for your inspiration as always and on getting older. I’m 40 next and I’m inspired to get fitter and walk longer just like you said, I’ll pluck up the courage and gain experience and confidence to camp in the colder months because we miss so much being sat shut inside homes xxx

Honestly love that you do these .....and they even inspire me to get out and go look at these places

Brilliant and humorous Patrick. Keep on doing what you love best and share it with your viewers.

I like when you pop up in my notifications. I look forward to going to my shed/pub in the garden to watch your latest video!

Hey up Pat, Great to see you back with a wild camp. I was getting bored seeing you drunk in your shed (man cave)😜🍺🍺🍺 love your down to earth, no fancy gimmicks approach etc. More Peaks to explore for you yet sir. Don't even think about slowing down. 👍

another great video love watching your videos your about the only one on here that doesn't have new gear every week telling us how good this is and how good that is when they only use it once and then get something else given them to promote. met you up on houndkirk last year a truly nice guy keep it up

Only just found your videos amongst all the clag, absolutely loved watching and good on ya!! Your still doing what most most half your age would struggle doing! Keep it going!

Thanks for a great video! You old?! ( I self 63 ) .You who climb trees, dance with your LADY and drink a few pints of beer, to the beat of good music and understand good food, set up camp in the beautiful nature, even in bad weather! Oh no ! Don't be fooled by either numbers or any cramps! There is still plenty of time. Then when you really can't bear to climb the mountain ridges anymore, you get a VAN, drive around and camp like that...and let the young people at the campsite listen to "real" music and hard! Enjoy every day! Greetings from a windy islet out in the outer reaches of southern Finland! 😀👍💚

Great video Patrick. I'm 67 too, and just as you say, it's only when you look at the numbers - 67 - that you think, 'Heck, that's getting on a bit.' But I'm up and down hills and probably fitter than I've ever been. You only have to look at the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney - who played on stage at the age of 80 - to see we're really just youngsters with a good few years left in us yet.

Thanks for the video, one of your best. Very inspirational !!!

Hopefully we get to see your home made oven again on a wild camp. Worth the extra weight ! Glad to see you uploading as always mate !

👍🏻 I used to climb the hills around saddleworth moor.Indians head,pots and pans etc.These days I stick to the valleys as I’m 57. Lyme disease and hips can’t take the hills or much weight in backpacks.Keep doing what you love as long as you can.👍🏻

I usually find it is only the person in the mirror that appears to get older (Inside my head nowt has changed) except from when I hear youngsters like you starting to harp on about getting old it makes me think. I avoid the tablets by steering clear of the doctors. My mate from Oughtibridge; who has been carbon dated as being well over 80; took me from his house, over the Cutgate coming up from Langsett, down to Fairholmes and back via the Nags Head (Loxley?) and Worral on the bikes a couple of months back whilst it was still dry. You've years left and keep the trips coming but the garden pub is good as well. Best of the Outdoor channels! Binging on them at the moment to take my mind off having finished the last of my Henderson's Relish. Cheers from France

I'm only 35 but my goodness, some days my knees and back tell me I'm older! Working with kids doesn't help at all! I have the mentality of a 3 year old, so I'm hoping that might help as I get older!! Always nice to watch another of your videos, I don't think my husband quite understands me watching blokes going camping!!!

Well done Pat another great video and entertaining as usual. Yes we’re all getting old I’m 60 in October and I keep fit by walking 🚶‍♀️ 5 miles day plus a couple of mile at night with the mrs. Your as old as you feel and if your fit enough and like you say have targets you set yourself there’s no problem but we do have off days where we have to force our selfs or otherwise we get in a rut and you soon lose the fitness to carry on what you like doing. Look after yourself Pat keep fit and we will be in for more years of your wild camp videos plus shed pub 🍺🍺🍺. Cheers Pat till the next one 👍👏👏👏🍺

Glad the midges didn’t carry off your supper. The mosquitos haven’t been a big problem this summer-so hot and dry there’s hardly been any standing water for them to breed this year. I like the idea of the quilt, but I’m a pretty restless sleeper. Great video as usual.

Age is just a number Pat keep going whilst ever you can and you enjoy it, good stuff

Cheers Patrick…..really enjoyed this one, what a wonderful spot…….👍🇮🇲

Hi Patrick, I have to begin by saying, you certainly know the best picturesque wild camping spots - I’m convinced you have camped those spots before LOL! As for getting ‘old’ - c’on dear chap, you’re only six months younger than me, and I go out walking every day - setting a minimal goal of 12,000 steps each day, no booze, one main meal a day, seven hours sleep each day, and up to two modest size sticky puddings each week. I flatly refuse to give up my amateur radio, and vintage radio restoration - those two indulgences will remain as they have always been whilst ever I have eyesight to see small circuit boards LOL! So, I agree with you my friend, getting old is not an option for at least the foreseeable future. Loved watching this video, best regards, Phil. P.s, a very strong possibility I will be returning to live in Sheffield. Cheers buddy.

No worries about rambling on about getting old... old guys tend to do that! LOL. Anyway, it makes us feel like a friend, so Chat on! I will miss hoisting a brew with you in the Pub Shed. Lord those are some funny videos! but, healthy ways first.

Great vid Pat.. We were so pleased too see you pop up and watched it last night..well done on doing what you do best.. regards Ali/R x

Great video Pat. I am an old guy too. I'm 65 and still a scout leader. Enjoy life.

Hi pat, I am the same age as you and agree with what you are saying . As I said to some one the other day as long I can pick up my rucksack I will keep going . Like your videos it brings a smile to my face

Thanks for sharing Pat as always a great video nice to see your pack a little smaller.

i heartily agree! You have to fight against surrendering to 'old age'. It is not the time to start acting your age!

great to see you enjoying life Pat, keep it up lad........67?, that's not old.

Good for you Pat...that's a fantastic attitude! As you say 'Use It Or Lose It'! 👍

Enjoy all you vids especially your wild camps and your back garden pub

Stay young pat, you are a legend, a brave one too to camp out on the pitch black moors alone.

Always nice to see your films Pat

Just what the Doctor ordered!! 👌

Thank you for this wonderful video. I love listening to you as you are so confident in front of the camera:)

Yet another cracking video Patrick. Keep going fella. I do miss the fells and walking , when I come on holiday. And walking in general. Waiting for a hip replacement. Once it's done I can ashore you I'll be getting fit so I can start walking and enjoying them amazing views as I used to . As as for feeling old. I honestly still feel like an 18 year old, but my body tells me otherwise. But you said you've got to keep going. And enjoy life as best as you can.

Much as we all love watching you enjoy/work yourself, Pat, I bet if you got into painting landscapes we'd all love that too. Try to find a starting point, carve out a space in which to set up easel and palette and sit or stand and make the marks. I have to do the same. may start a channel just for it. not Bob Ross so much as Paul Cézanne. ~Stever

Nice one Pat you keep on going,do not go gentle in to that good night, rage away my friend

Great stuff pat, I'd be super interested in seeing your dehydration process from start to finish. Thanks for sharing

First time i am commented on your videos Pat, loved watching the culverts, ladybower etc, but felt i had to comment here, you really are an inspiration absolutely love the the views, if it was not for your videos i would not see these spectacular places on our doorstep due to ailing health, thankyou so much for posting them, I pray you do them for many many years to come.

Always interesting videos please keep up the great work, always great entertainment too

Well Done Pat on the Talk , feelin' those Years , as my Hips packed it in recently and a week Later Good as ever .Once we get out it feels Great . Lovely Rolling Hills and love a few Rocks to climb on Cheers Shane 🏃✌️🦘🤠

As a Yorkshire man far from home I love these. Keep tramping the hills, we all get older but the heather calls us.

Fancy that, I am 67 myself.Next week for the first time I plan on doing my first solo wild camp (on crown land) in Canada. Although its a short bike ride from home I’ll bring the car and walk in. Just some place to leave my food as bears are a thing here. Never too late, never too old.

Very good film Patrick. My advice to you would be to walk with a pole. I am 61 and made one from a stout garden cane approx 50 inches long. I've wrapped and glued on string at the top for a handle. It's nice and light and really makes a difference for getting up the hills. Joss sticks will keep those midges down too. All the best to you.

Hi Pat, another great video, and so honest. My own take on aging. When you are younger, you can get very fit, and if you stop training, let's say, because of injury, your level of fitness will remain for about 6 weeks, give ot take. When you are older, you might go on a mega walking holiday, or something like it. You will get fitter by the end, but when you go home, your fitness will drop off within days, because an older body can hold the conditioning. To use an analogy, its just like a battery, even a lithium battery. As batteries age, they can't hold the same charge, so it's the same as you age. It's really good that you've raised this topic, because as Clint would say, 'A man's got to know his limitations.' 👍🍷

Really enjoying these videos pal. I was born in Buxton and lived in Chinley before emigrating to Australia with my parents and brother. I've been back quite a few times for extended periods and love the Derbyshire countryside. I still have family in Buxton, Tideswell, Bradwell, Chapel and Hayfield. If things improve there, I might come home for a few years before I get the pension. Keep up the good work.

Good chat Pat. Keep going as long as you can. Sometimes you don't have a choice unfortunately. My problem but you try to do what you can within your boundaries. Love it up there, my country. I live in Dronfield.

Hi Pat. Sounds like the wife is going to be wearing a few extra layers this winter. I envy your mobility. Keep making the most of it, as it could end tomorrow. You never know... That image of you silhouetted against the sky was only missing one fine detail. You should have used a cup and saucer! 🤣 All the best. Nils bastardus carborundum.

Good on you Pat. Another cracking video. I was in Sheffield over summer visiting my family, from Australia. Loved the scenery near Bamford / Hope Valley. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers 👍

Glad to see you are enjoying life patrick

Bloody Marvellous Pat ! .............thanks for the video ! ....................... all the very best, Ant.

U had me laughing again! Cheers pat 🍻