Video summary
The video explores the unique lifestyle and climbing culture found in Keswick, located within the Lake District, highlighting how the natural environment shapes daily life for residents. The narrator shares their personal journey of moving from London to work for Ellis Brigham, a local outdoor clothing retailer, which provided an opportunity to relocate with a job already secured. This transition allowed them to embrace a slower pace of life where commuting times are less of a concern, and the proximity to the hills enables people to engage in full-day outdoor activities immediately after work. The setting fosters a sense of community where everyone knows each other, making it effortless to find climbing partners or join group outings without the pressure often found in larger cities.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the local climbing scene, which is characterized by a relaxed and fun-oriented approach rather than an intense pursuit of high grades or performance metrics. The climbers describe a culture where individuals can choose between easy days to build endurance on real rock or tackle harder challenges based on their mood, all without feeling judged. This lack of pressure allows people to simply enjoy being on the rock, try various boulders, and experiment with different techniques in a supportive environment. The community aspect is further strengthened by the fact that many locals work at the same shops or live nearby, leading to spontaneous group climbs organized through simple messaging apps rather than formal clubs.
The narrative also touches upon the personal growth and inspiration drawn from the region's rich climbing history, noting that one of the speakers got into the sport after working with famous climber Alex Honnold. This background adds depth to their understanding of the craft, yet they emphasize that the current atmosphere in Keswick is about enjoyment and adaptation rather than professional obsession. The scarcity of indoor gyms in the area further encourages residents to venture out onto real rock frequently, integrating nature into their routine seamlessly. Whether running in the fells or scaling a cliff face, the ability to access these activities straight from work creates a fulfilling lifestyle that balances physical exertion with mental well-being.
Ultimately, the video concludes by celebrating the simplicity and joy of life in the Lakes, where the primary goal is to have a good time surrounded by beautiful scenery and friendly faces. The speakers reflect on their successful day climbing Wertsbrook, acknowledging the mix of difficulty and fun that defines their experience, and express a strong desire to return often. They agree that Keswick offers a rare combination of professional opportunity in the outdoor industry and a wholesome, community-driven recreational life. As they wrap up their adventure, the sentiment is clear: staying in this environment allows people to live fully, connect with nature, and maintain a healthy balance between work and play without the stress typical of urban living.
Read the full video transcript
The pace of life is so nice up here. You
can just get out and enjoy the hills
really easily.
>> That one
is like a really good climb.
I'm going to read the guidebook now.
>> We're in Ellis Brigham Keswick and
[music]
I originally worked for Ellis Brigham in
Covent Garden in London. They offered me
the opportunity to move up to help open
these new stores.
Chance to move to the Lakes with a job
already in place. It's just such a great
place to live.
You can do a pretty much full day out on
the hill after work.
You get almost two days in a day.
>> So, which one are we actually going to
do now?
>> I think we're going to look at
Wertsbrook and try that.
Wertsbrook has a boulder.
Which is over
that side?
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah, over that way.
>> Sure.
>> Yeah.
>> Climbing with my mate Stan today and he
works over in another shop in town and a
lot of us just know each other and we'll
message in the group chat and go out
climbing.
>> You going to give it a go?
Oh, yeah, Stan.
Come on.
>> I thought I thought this is supposed to
be the easier one.
>> Apparently.
>> [laughter]
>> This is the easy one. This is the hard
one.
>> We just need to find how do it.
I've been to
swearing on this stuff until you can get
a photo.
I got into climbing actually after
working for Alex Honnold.
There we go.
>> Hey, there we go.
>> Lovely.
>> Now, we'll drop you off.
>> I kind of started working at the store
and everybody worked there climbed and
was mountaineers and all this stuff and
so I just started tagging along with
people that were going to do cool stuff
and then started leading routes and
getting into that side of things.
>> I mean, it's nice cuz you all have
different ideas and sometimes like you
just think outside the box and try
something that somebody else hasn't
tried.
>> Kind of moved up here for more of that
sense of community. You know everyone in
town and you know all the local climbers
and stuff like that. So, it's really
easy to find people to go out with and
have nice days out.
>> I think that is the nice thing about
especially the climbing community
really.
>> Part of up here is it's not people like
chasing grades and and pushing as hard
as they can. It is just going out to
have a bit of fun and get used to being
on the rock and having a nice time.
You can go and have a really easy day
where you're just clocking up the
mileage or you can go for some harder
stuff.
You can just hang around, try whatever
boulders you want to and there's no
pressure to like try and perform.
>> I don't feel like he's supporting me
though.
Come on.
>> Yeah, that.
Yeah.
>> Pace of life is so nice up here. You're
not always worrying about doing things
quickly and how long the commute is
going to take. You can just get out and
enjoy the hills really easily.
>> I think it's also just really nice out
here cuz cuz there is so few gyms, you
just you go out on real rock all the
time.
>> Being able to go running in the fells
after work or go down to local crag just
straight off the work is amazing.
Yeah, I love it.
>> Smooth.
>> Yeah, man.
Nice.
Nice one, mate.
And then I just kind of hug that and go
that way?
>> Yeah, cowboy.
>> Been pretty warm, but getting a little
tired now.
Um yeah, been a long day.
Bye-bye.
We have had a great time having this
day.
Any day we have here is a great time to
stay.
>> Exactly. We should come here a bit more.
>> We should come here more.
>> Yeah.
>> [music]