A Cheshire civil servant who wrote of an amazing Lake District experience has won first prize in a contest for adventure seekers.

After scaling 899m Great Gable, Julie Camm, from Cheadle, watched in awe as mist lifted in the valley below, unveiling Wastwater in all its glory.

And when the Lake District National Park’s website invited people to enter a virtual treasure hunt and share their best adventure in the world renowned landscape, regular competition contestant Julie decided to have a go.

As well as answering a series of questions correctly, Julie’s description of a Wasdale wonder won judges over and she is now the proud owner of two atmospheric Lakeland books by photographer Jon Sparks.

“I’ve won quite a few competitions but I really appreciate this prize because I love the Lakes and the books will inspire me to continue to visit as often as I can,” said Julie.

“I’ll be bringing them with me on my next trip in April. I usually visit two or three times a year and always go walking. I particularly enjoy the area around Wastwater.”

Web editor Helen Reynolds said the e-treasure hunt brought to an end last year’s Year of Adventure.

“Contenders shared some great Lake District experiences and Julie wasn’t alone in capturing our imagination,” explained Helen.

“We heard from a woman who discovered she was pregnant during a stay in Ullswater, about a picnic in the rain on Derwentwater, the thrill of eagle watching at Kirkstone Pass and from Mark, who said the national park was the Great in Britain.”

The competitors were part of a million visitor brigade that flocked to national park website www.lake-district.gov.uk last year, a doubling of keyboard customers since 2006.

Helen said: “We are constantly introducing new technology and material and it’s great when people respond so positively to competitions. Who knows, we might break even more records in 2009.

“There’s certainly plenty happening and the adventure theme continues with a whole raft of exciting opportunities. Watch this space!”