The Ultimate Lake District Bank Holiday: Aug 22nd-25th

The Ultimate Lake District Bank Holiday: Aug 22nd-25th

Regular price £0.00 £135.00 Sale

Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Blencathra, Buttermere 7 & Skiddaw 7

It’s no secret that The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England. A diverse landscape, ranging from picturesque lakes to craggy fells. The best way to explore this amazing place is by foot and it is absolutely brimming with epic walks. None is more impressive than these 4 classic routes.

Trip Options:

Using the drop-down menu, design your trip by adding walks individually or all together for a discount, along with an accommodation option if you would like to join us for the full adventure:

  • 3 nights twin/single/double hotel room
  • 4 of the Lake District's most epic walking days: choose 1, 2, 3 or all 4.

 

FRIDAY: Blencathra Sunset

One of the Lake District's most famous mountains.

Blencathra, often referred to as Saddleback, because of its iconic shape, is one of the most northerly fells, standing proudly over Keswick. At 868 metres (2,848 feet), it's the 14th highest mountain in the Lake District and commands stunning views down over Derwentwater.

The Trek Day:

17:30 meet outside the White Horse, Threlkeld, Keswick, CA12 4SY.

17:45 Begin trek

20:15 Reach Blecathra Summit  

20:30 Sunset

20:45: Begin Descent

21:30 Expected Finish

 

SATURDAY: Buttermere

The 7 Peaks Challenge:

No walk holds more beauty than this route around the hills surrounding the prettiest Lake in the District. To start this epic challenge we rise from beside Buttermere to ascend the steep climb alongside the majestic Scale Force waterfall to the summit of magnificent Red Pike.

We continue until up to 7 of Wainwright's favourite peaks are bagged, including Haystacks, where he would famously sit beside the tranquil Innominate Tarn pondering life. This the site his ashes were famously spread by his long suffering wife...

Our trek is accompanied by breath-taking views over Buttermere and Crummock Water one way and out into the Lakeland Fells the other. Finally we drop back down past the impressive Scale Force Falls to stroll home along the banks of beautiful Buttermere - a scene pictured in films and TV series, including 'The A-Word'

The Challenge Day:

6:30am Meet outside The Buttermere Court Hotel, CA13 9XA

Suggested parking: National Trust Car Park, Buttermere, CA13 9UZ.
(Free to National Trust Members. £8 for the day to non-members)

Alternative Parking is behind The Buttermere Court Hotel, CA13 9XA in the National Park Authority Car Park, Buttermere, CA13 9UZ (£8 for the day)

Parking is limited, so please car share and arrive in good time to find a space.

Summits on Route:

Red Pike - 755m
High Stile - 807m
High Crag - 744m
Seat - 561m
Hay Stacks - 597m
Dalehead - 753m
Robinson - 737m

Distance: 16 miles (18.8 miles flat equivalent)

Total Climb: 6,017ft

Target Time: 12 hours

 

SUNDAY: Skiddaw

Skiddaw 7 Peaks

The Lake District's most northern giant towers above Keswick, giving the area its legendary backdrop. We start our trek from close to Basenthwaite Lake and make for the might of Skiddaw, one of the most intimidating looking mountains around.
 
Climbing quickly, the stunning views over both Basenthwaite and Derwentwater are simply breath-taking, as we head around a 10mile circuit, ticking of the Wainwright summits of Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Little Man, Skiddaw, Bakestall and Cockup!
 
This a a suprisingly doable route, despite the number of peaks bagged and so a great way to tick so many Wainwrights in one go!

Ullock Pike    - 691m
Long Side      - 734m
Carl Side        - 746m
Little Man       - 865m
Skiddaw          - 931m
Bakestall         - 673m
Cockup           - 505m
 

Distance: 10.7 miles (13 miles flat equivalent)

Total Climb: 3,642ft

 

B/H MONDAY: Helvellyn Striding Edge

Britain’s Favourite Walk

Helvellyn, via the dramatic narrow ridge of Striding Edge, was voted GB’s favourite in 2017. We take the route up from the village of Patterdale, climbing steeply over Birkhouse Moor with amazing views down into the Ullswater valley. Then tackle the Striding Edge Grade 1 scramble all the way to Helvellyn’s wide summit plateau.

After enjoying one of the best views across entire Lake District National Park, we descend via Swirral Edge, another steep rocky scramble, before taking in the bonus Wainwright of Catstye Cam before heading back down the valley back down the valley.

The Trek Day:

9:15 meet outside the Patterdale Hotel, Patterdale, CA11 0NN.

  • Pay & Display car park opposite hotel.

9:20 Kit check and walk advice

9:30 Begin trek

10:00 Reach Start of Striding Edge ridge  

11:30 Expected Helvellyn Summit

12:00: Begin Descent via Swirrel Edge

13:00: Catstye Cam Summit

15:00 Expected Finish

The toughest climbs lead to the best views

IMPORTANT INFO:

  • A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
  • Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity.
  • Walk Rating: Challenge - attempting all 3 walks - explained here
  • Parking: Please note you may need to pay for parking.
  • Transport: please car share where possible, as parking is limited and for the good of the environment. Transport available from OX5 1RR leaving at 7:00am on the Friday and returning around 9pm Sunday. This can be added to your booking above.
  • Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
  • While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
  • Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
  • Dogs: are welcome, but are entirely the owner's responsibility and must have a lead and be under close control at all times. If booking accommodation with the group and you wish to bring a dog, please let Get Outdoors know.
  • Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
  • Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
  • Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
  • Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
  • Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing up and complete the following:

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you haven't already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the applicant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.

 

Mountain Kit List:

Review the Kit List below to help you decide what you need for your adventure. The walk will go ahead even in strong wind/rain and only cancelled if conditions become what we consider too dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to be properly equipped! Tried and tested clothing only - don't want to find out something rubs once you've started the challenge and it's too late to change! 

  • Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
  • Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
  • Double layer walking socks.
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers.
  • Base layer top – breathable.
  • Warm fleece and spare fleece.
  • Walking trousers - NO jeans!
  • Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
  • Post-challenge clothes.
  • 3 litres of fluid per peak.
  • Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
  • Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
  • Head torch with spare batteries.
  • Whistle for sounding the alarm.
  • Toiletries, towel.
  • Mobile phone & waterproof case
  • FULL LIST HERE

Fitness:

We have lots of other walks coming up that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming challenge and meet other members of the team. So please browse our website www.getoutdoorsuk.org and come join us soon! We're adding new dates all the time. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push your fundraising page if you are supporting a charity and update supporters about your challenge journey via social media, etc.

If you aren't able to join us for a walk, then great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains. There's also the Malvern Hills, Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds, which have lots of hilly walks. There may be other hilly area near you.

The level of training needed depends totally on where you're starting from. Completion is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.

As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as possible prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 15 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.

Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain needed for ascents.

Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.  

Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. It takes more than 7 days for muscles to recover, rebuild and benefit from any exercise you do. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that WILL slow you down during the challenge.

  

We only regret opportunities we don't take

 

IMPORTANT INFO:

  • A WhatsApp group will be set up to share info and photos. Please send a quick email with permission to add you to the group: info@getoutdoorsuk.org
  • Transport: please car share where possible, as parking is limited and for the good of the environment. Transport available from OX5 1RR leaving at 8:30am on the Saturday and returning around 8pm Sunday. This can be added to your booking above.
  • Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
  • While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
  • Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
  • Dogs: are welcome, but are entirely the owner's responsibility and must have a lead and be under close control at all times.
  • Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
  • Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
  • Styles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
  • Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
  • Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing up and complete the following:

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you haven't already (or if personal circumstances have changed), please complete the applicant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.

Selecting Accommodation

Accommodation is available to book in shared houses with other members of the group and can be booked by selecting from the drop down menu near the top of this page.

You can book walks without any accommodation; book walks with your own single occupancy room; book walks with a room that you share with a partner friend or another member of the group. Booking a shared room relies on another person also making exactly the same booking in order that you have a roommate. Please let us know if you do have a particular person you would like to share with.

As the houses are reserved for the duration of our stay, it is unlikely we can accommodate anyone wanting to pay for a shorter period (might be worth checking with us by email/message). However, if you would prefer, please feel free to book your own accommodation and join us for the walks you would like to by selecting each one and adding them to your cart from the the drop-down menu.

The accommodation is self-catered, so no breakfast or other meals are included. However we hope everyone will join the group for dinner on at least one evening.

     

    Future Walk Info:

    Submit your email address below to receive information on future walks.

    Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Brecon Beacons, Cotswolds, Malverns, Chilterns, Peak District, Oxford...

    Perfect way to start your training for a challenge like the 3 Peaks or simply to get out into the countryside, while being sociable.

    Please "Like" the Get Outdoors Facebook Group for even more updates!

     

    Booking form

    Kit List

      

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 1 review Write a review