Eternal Skies by Gareth Harding

24/08/2026

The Scafell Pike Ascent: From Wastwater to the Roof of England

Tackling England’s highest peak via the classic direct line from Wasdale Head. Rising alongside Lingmell Gill and Brown Tongue into the vast, rugged boulder fields and high-altitude summit plateau of Scafell Pike. Includes full route breakdown, verified GPX data, and photo gallery...

Tackling England’s highest peak via the classic direct line from Wasdale Head. Rising alongside Lingmell Gill and Brown Tongue into the vast, rugged boulder fields and high-altitude summit plateau …

16/08/2026

Capturing the Alignment: Solar Eclipse Over Dartmoor

Capturing celestial mechanics takes patience, precision, and the right gear. Join me for a look behind the scenes at how I processed and blended a filtered solar eclipse sequence into a landscape composite from Dartmoor, Devon. Check out the breakdown, view the raw sequence frames, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!...

Capturing celestial mechanics takes patience, precision, and the right gear. Join me for a look behind the scenes at how I processed and blended a filtered solar eclipse sequence into a landscape c…

04/08/2026

Testing a budget setup in the UK for next week's solar eclipse: a 420-800mm telephoto lens with a T-mount to Z-mount adapter and an ND100000 neutral density filter, all mounted on a Nikon Z5.

Today's test shot successfully captured AR4498, the largest and most magnetically complex active region on the Earth-facing side of the Sun. Featuring a beta-delta magnetic configuration, this region is capable of producing minor-to-moderate solar flares.

WARNING: Never look directly at the sun during next week's solar eclipse without certified ISO-compliant eclipse glasses, as doing so can cause permanent retinal damage or blindness instantly—even standard sunglasses offer zero protection.

20/07/2026

Industry, Slate, and Sky: The Old Man of Coniston & Goats Water Loop

"Ascending through the industrial scars of ancient copper and slate mines straight to the panoramic, windswept ridge of one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks." The Track Up Walna Scar The route sets off along the broad, gravelled track of Walna Scar Road. In the morning sun, the lower slopes are vibrant and green, with early viewpoints looking back across rolling fields toward the blue waters of Coniston Water stretching out in the distance....

“Ascending through the industrial scars of ancient copper and slate mines straight to the panoramic, windswept ridge of one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks.” The Track Up Walna…

07/06/2026

Deep, mossy gorges and ancient abandoned millstones. 🌲⛰️ Checking out the stunning new Padley Gorge circular route over on Eternal Skies UK! Read the full field guide and grab the GPX map here:

“Moving from the deep, mossy dampness of an ancient oak gorge straight up onto the brooding, windswept gritstone edges of the Peak.” The Woodland Floor Our journey began beneath the den…

27/05/2026

Hiking Trails // The Field Guides: Kinder Low & Downfall Circular

Tackling the legendary Kinder Scout loop in a relentless 30°C heatwave completely changes the game. Setting off at 06:50 AM to beat the sun, this route moves from the deep shadow of ancient valley stone-walls to the raw, baking exposure of the high western plateau. With the water low across the massive gritstone shelves of Kinder Downfall and a complete absence of tree canopy, navigating this sun-drenched landscape became an absolute test of endurance under piercing summer skies....

Tackling the legendary Kinder Scout loop in a relentless 30°C heatwave completely changes the game. Setting off at 06:50 AM to beat the sun, this route moves from the deep shadow of ancient valley …

22/05/2026

🚨 PEAK DISTRICT ALERT: Wildfire Risk & Heat Safety
With the weather heating up over the next few days, the Peak District is under wildfire risk. The ground is a tinderbox—please share this to protect the trails and stay safe out there.

🔥 Wildfire Prevention Rules
NO BBQs or Campfires: Portable BBQs are strictly banned across the entire National Park. One spark can destroy miles of moorland.

Leave the Stoves at Home: Pack a hot flask from home instead of using camping stoves on dry grass or heather.

Dispose of Ci******es & Glass Safely: Extinguish stubs completely and pack out all glass bottles—sunlight magnifying through glass can spark a fire.

See Smoke? Call 999: Don't wait. Report any signs of fire immediately to the fire service with a precise location or What3Words address.

☀️ Heatwave Hiking Tips
Double Your Water: Carry at least 2–3 litres per person and hydrate before you start.

Avoid Peak Sun: Hike early in the morning or later in the evening to skip the intense midday heat (11 AM – 3 PM).

Stick to the Shade: Swap exposed plateau walks for shaded forest tracks and canopy routes.

Know the Signs: Dizziness, heavy sweating, or a sudden headache means stop immediately, get in the shade, and cool down.

🥾 Enjoy the sunshine responsibly, look out for each other, and keep the Peaks safe!

👉 For shaded forest trail maps and route breakdowns, head over to the Walking Routes page at eternalskiesuk.com.

19/05/2026

19/05/2026

Sometimes the best view requires getting completely lost in the trees. 🌲🔋 Mapping out the quietest corners of the woods today.
The full route guide, my high-res photography gallery, and the AllTrails map / GPX download for this loop are live on the blog now.
👉 Tap the link in my profile or visit: eternalskiesuk.com