The ascent of Helm Crag by Captain Joseph Budworth / Palmer (1756–1815)

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What a fantastic weekend was had by members of Liverpool PRA, who were hosted by the Beacon Counselling Trust and the Wordsworth Trust, Grasmere.

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Members of the Liverpool branch re-enacted the ascent of Helm Crag made famous by Captain Joseph Budworth who was a disabled war veteran, having lost his left arm during the siege of Gibraltar 1779 – 1783 while serving as an officer in the 72nd Royal Manchester Volunteers.

 

On returning home in 1783 he accepted a cadetship in the Bengal artillery, however, due to health reasons, he did not long remain in India and subsequently retired from the service; However,  not long after his retirement, the French Revolution began in 1789, he volunteered as a captain in the North Hampshire militia.

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In 1792, the soldier-turned-writer wrote an account of a short walking tour in the Lake District,  he was accompanied on the walk by his good friend William Noble.

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He published this account to serve as a light-hearted guide to tourists who wanted to avoid travelling through Europe on the Grand Tour due to instability in France.

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On our arrival, one of our party Ian Whiteside (ex-4 Para and member of the Beacon Counselling Trust) was asked to take part in the reenactment, he swiftly volunteered to stand in for one of the actors who was to play William Noble, fortunately, Ian took to the part like a duck to water and it seems obvious, that he missing his true thespian calling.

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We began the day by eating the hearty meal that Captain Joseph Budworth and William Noble ate before attempting their ascent of Helm Crag, this was faithfully re-created for us by the wonderful team of Wordsworth Trust, Grasmere, led by Museum Curator Jeff Cowton MBE, who also acted as guide and host.

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The hearty meal consisted of,

Roast pike, stuffed.
A boiled fowl.
Veal cutlets and ham.
Beans, bacon with Cabbage,
Peas and potatoes.
Anchovy sauce.
Parsley and butter.
Plain butter.
Wheat bread and oat cake.

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Desert.
Three cups of preserved gooseberries with a bowl of rich cream in the centre.
(Priced in 1792, for two people, at ten pence a head).

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Shortly after we’d eaten our fill, we set off from Dove Cottage, which was once the home of the great English poet William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850).

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Helm Crag lies at the northern end of Grasmere Valley, standing at 405m, and the weather was absolutely glorious as we made our way towards the church and tavern that the intrepid pair had visited before attempting their ascent.

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We also stopped on a couple of occasions during the ascent, as an actor playing Captain Joseph Budworth read excerpts from Bedworth’s book, ‘A Fortnight's Ramble to the Lakes, in this he was ably assisted by Ian Whiteside as William Noble.

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Our party consisted of various ages ranging from 30 to 70, and with varying levels of fitness, some like myself found it a struggle at times especially nearing the top, but others more experienced walkers took it all in their stride. It must be said we were accompanied by several experienced mountain leaders who were on hand in case anyone had difficulties, they were very helpful and a reassuring sight, as it is very easy to into difficulties with the changing weather and physical effort in ascending this very steep ascent.

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The event was being filmed by Rob Grange and a short film will be shown at Kendal Mountain Festival in November.

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Also on the same ascent was a French film documentary team, they were making a documentary about Catherine Destivelle a world-renowned rock climber and mountaineer, Catherine was very obliging and had her photo taken with nearly everyone.

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On reaching the summit the views are breathtaking with views in every direction from the Helvellyn and Fairfield range and looking over Grasmere Village.

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Whilst at the summit some more filming was done and photos were taken, then we began our descent, which was quite precarious due to the steepness and loose rock underfoot, but eventually, we all made it down safely and we headed straight to our accommodation which a local youth hostel for firstly tea and cakes which had been laid on for us, then a quick shower, shave and rendezvous at Tweedies Bar and Restaurant, were the Beacon Counselling Trust had also arranged for a slap-up meal and drinks, a great time was had. 

Also, we must say a huge thank you to our driver, the ever-reliable Alfie Brennan.

 

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These types of trips are to be very much recommended, the feeling of achievement and wellbeing from being in the outdoors, with fellow veterans cannot be underestimated.

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There are more on this link. Photos