After the incredible success of this event last year, when 30 (thirty!) people turned up for our winter hike, we have decided to give you another excuse to get out of the house and do it all again on Saturday 11th February
We are going to walk from Reeth to Richmond. This is the same route as last year, so we know it’s more than achievable for Scouts, Explorers and parents alike!
Start: Market place car park in Reeth. We will start walking at 9am on Saturday 11th February. Be there a little in advance to get your boots laced properly and the top of your flask screwed down.
Finish: Market place in Richmond. Arrival time will depend on how well we get across the terrain, but we should be there no later than 4pm. We had a strong tailwind last year and were done by 3pm, so that gives you an hour window to aim for. You’ll need to organise your own lift to collect any vehicles left in Reeth.
The route looks like this:
That’s 17.5km of walking. We don’t do miles. Maps are in kilometres and maths is easy in the metric system. Along the way we will brush up our navigation skills and look at some of the useful signs the dales give us.
You don’t need anything extra special to walk, but here are some minimum requirements:
- Waterproof boots that you have broken in before the event. Make sure you can fit your feet inside whilst wearing…
- …two pairs of socks – a thick outer pair and a thin inner pair. Proper, full length socks; no trainer liners.
- Waterproof jacket. Ski jackets won’t keep the rain out for long. Likewise padded jackets with a shinyouter layer.
- Waterproof trousers. A jacket alone is no use if it rains.
- A couple of fleeces to layer and keep warm. Hoodies do not count and will not be allowed on thewalk.
- A base layer. Ideally not a cotton t-shirt.
- Appropriate trousers. Not jeans, obviously.
- A rucksack big enough to carry a drink, your lunch and any layers you are not wearing. For example we would not recommend starting a walk wearing full waterproofs if it is not raining.
We must consider the safety of the whole walking party, and one of the biggest risks is walking with people who don’t have the right gear. They are a risk not only to themselves but to others who they may slow down and stop. We reserve the right to turn away anyone who arrives on the day with apparently inappropriate kit.
We will stop half way at Marske for lunch.
The cost of running something like this is zero. That’s right. It’s a freebie.
If you want to take part, just complete the activity information form on the website. As we mentioned at the start of term we are happy to have parents along to join us, just make a note of any adults joining us in the relevant bit of the form.
If anyone wants us to take a look at their kit before we walk, they can bring it along on Thursday 9th February to troop night and we’ll look it over.
The only thing likely to stop this walk going ahead is adverse weather in the Dales. We’ll check the weather forecast right up to the evening before the event and let you know if there is any likelihood of postponement.
Looking forward to walking with you.
