So what are you waiting for? Join our Telegram group and get started now!

1. Sign up to the hikes via this contact form
2. Accept the invite into our Telegram group
3. Join in our car sharing scheme - offer a lift in your car, or join in on someone else's
4. Prepare for the hike using the guidelines below
5. Join in the fun!

Costs:

• Please contribute fuel and parking costs to the owner of the vehicle (approx £20 per person – ask your driver how much you should contribute)
• Bring your own breakfast and packed lunch/snacks
• Money for dinner after the hike
• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – Please raise £5 each so that we can help support a local family for 5 weeks with redistributed food – help others while helping yourself!

Equipment list:

Most important:

• HIKING BOOTS OR SHOES – waterproof. They should be comfortable from the first moment you use them
• HIKING BACKPACK – they should have straps across your chest and your waist to help distribute the weight more evenly
• BASE LAYER (top and bottoms) – cotton will soak up sweat and could cause hypothermia – use a sports t-shirt (dryfit /wicking/Merino wool baselayer)
• SOCKS – thick socks, double up with liners or thin socks – plus bring spare
• TROUSERS – must be comfortable as there is a LOT of walking to do! Ideally waterproof, but anything that does not hold water like jeans. Zips down the side of the leg by the ankles really help to ventilate
• FLEECE/TOP x 2 or 3 – thin layers are better then one thick – its warmer overall and easier to cool down if too hot
• GPX ROUTE and APP – familiarise yourself with the route or an app so that you can lead the way if you get lost
• EXTRA FOOD AND WATER – because you gotta eat!
• EXTRA CLOTHES AND SHOES – to change into after the hike so that other occupants in the car can breathe – bring an extra bag for dirty clothes and shoes too
• TISSUES or WIPES – you never know when nature calls!

If it’s due to be cold or wet, you will need:

• HAT – ideally waterproof, but if not, even when hat is wet it will still be warm while you are moving
• SCARF/Neck Warmer – will keep neck warm, plus will protect face from wind and hail at the summit
• GLOVES – ideally waterproof, but any will do (additional liner gloves would be even better)
• FLEECE – the cold can hit you quite quickly if you’re standing still, so extra layers are important
• WATERPROOF TOP AND TROUSERS – folds up into a pocket in your bag; and makes walking in the rain a pleasure!
• PLASTIC BAG – to protect your phone in wet weather
• BLACK BAG – to line your rucksack and keep everything dry inside

Extra equipment to consider:

• HIKING POLES – they really save your knees on way down, but others find it a hindrance
• POWER BANK – keep your phone charged for all those selfies!
• FIRST AID KIT – include plasters for blisters, lip balm
• TORCH – to look into all those caves

The above list is not exhaustive, nor is everything there necessary or vital. If you would like more targeted advice, please contact one of us in the Telegram group.

How to prep:

Follow these recommendations and you might find that your hiking game improves over time!

• Learn to hydrate yourself regularly – being dehydrated on the mountain will only make yourself weaker and more tired – and you can end up cramping. So make a habit of drinking around 2 litres of water throughout each day. Drink slowly (don’t gulp it down) and enjoy the water!
• Get that step count up – on a daily basis! Consider walking to work, or parking further away from your workplace and do the final leg of the journey on foot. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Or go for a walk after your evening meal every day leading up to the hike so that you’re used to being more active. Take the stairs instead of the lift.
• Get the right equipment! If you’re unsure what to get, ask on the Telegram group and get advice from some of our seasoned hikers. But go for comfort over brand names. And you don’t have to splash out on expensive equipment. Cheap and cheerful is usually fine for a beginner – you can always upgrade your equipment once you get more involved

To be added onto the Telegram group, please contact us directly

Disclaimer

• We are NOT a hiking company – which is why it is free for you to come, as you will be joining as a member of public visiting a public place. Otherwise, you could very well be spending around £35/head to join in on a guided hike.
• We are not qualified Mountain Leaders; although some of us are working towards that qualification. Events like these build up the skill set and confidence of our hike leaders who will do whatever they can to assist you on this hike, should you need it.
• Therefore, we are not insured against anything that may happen to you on this hike. We may have Doctors amongst us, and we have many first aid trained individuals who would be more than willing to help if needed.

Ground Rules

• Keep to the governmental guidelines on social distancing and travelling
• Treat everyone and everything with respect – including passers-by, animals and the environment. This means no littering – even things that will decompose like banana skins (take all rubbish back to your house or car where you can dispose of things properly).
• Help each other – this is not a race to the end and there is no trophy for finishing first. We don’t support the individualistic culture – we are a helpful community that wish the best for others.
• Have a laugh and enjoy yourselves! But please don’t put our reputation in jeopardy. If you choose to do this hike with us, you will inevitably be seen by others to represent us – even though that is not the case.
• Take plenty of pictures and share the best ones with the group! If they’re amazing, they may be published on the website!
• If you’re tired and would like a break along the trail, just stop – you won’t be holding anyone up!
• Don’t wait til the day to download the tracking app as reception is typically poor in isolated areas. Download it at least a few days in advance and familiarise yourself with it. Feel free to ask for more advice via the Telegram group.
• Use your common sense on the hike. If there are any problems or potential threats to safety, please inform a hike leader as soon as is practicable so that someone can take action.