An anonymous daredevil has become the first to BASE jump from two iconic low-level crags in the Borrowdale valley.
The courageous leaps from Troutdale Pinnacle, on Black Crag, and from Shepherd’s Crag were captured by Lake District extreme adventure photographer Tom McNally.
BASE jumping is the recreational sport of jumping from fixed objects, using a parachute to descend safely to the ground.
BASE is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennae, spans, and earth.
Participants exit from a fixed object such as a cliff, and after an optional freefall delay, deploy a parachute to slow their descent and land.
The man who leapt from the Borrowdale crags is known only as Josh who fronts a collective of elite jumpers known as Mountain Man BASE.
“I am finding it difficult to find the right words to describe today,” said Tom.
“In my experience BASE jumpers are quite the opposite of the reckless stereotypes often portrayed, making every preparation and allowance possible to minimise the risks and maximise success.
“I suppose it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my job to work with athletes operating at the very cutting edge of their chosen discipline particularly on my home turf in the Lake District.
“Many rock climbers will be familiar with these two iconic locations and appreciate just what a bold proposition it is to leap of these worryingly low crags.”
Tom has co-produced a coffee table book, Extreme Lakeland, showcasing adventure sports in the Lake District.
The book, which is now available for pre-order on Amazon, is a collaboration between Tom and Scottish photographer Nadir Khan.
The official launch will be at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival on November 19.
“The Lake District fells hold a rich history of adventure, being at the cutting edge of ‘extreme’ sports for some 150 years, I think its nice to see that this is very much still the case.
“Many rock climbers will be familiar with these two iconic locations and appreciate just what a bold proposition it is to leap of these worryingly low crags.
“Both have been scouted previously by some very talented jumpers.
“I’m inspired by the fact that the Lake District has always been a forge of adventure, with figures such as Millican Dalton, the Abraham brothers and George Mallory at its heart,” said Tom.
“Today their legacy is perpetuated by a vibrant outdoor community operating not only at the cutting edge of traditional activities such as climbing and kayaking, but also more eclectic pursuits such as BASE jumping and slack lining.
“This project seeks to document these amazing sports and the people who undertake them in all their diversity”
