Keswick to Barrow 2017
12 people attending
2 places left
8 - 14 hours
The aim will be to raise money for the OutdoorLads Foundation.
The Walk
The walk starts between 5:30 - 6:30am on Saturday 6th May and finishes in Barrow-in-Furness. This 42 mile sponsored (details in the drop down below) charity walk makes its way through some of the most spectacular and challenging locations that Cumbria has to offer. Starting from St John’s in the Vale, close to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, you will make your way past Thirlmere Reservoir, through the Pass of Dunmail Raise and down into Grasmere Village (12 miles). You will then make your way towards Elterwater via the daunting Red Bank hill, continue onwards through the Coniston and onto the northern end of Coniston Water (20 miles). From here you will head along the quiet east bank of the lake towards Lowick (29 miles). The highest and most challenging part of the route is encountered as you make your way up Kirkby Moor before descending into Marton (36 miles) and finally Barrow-in-Furness (42 miles).
Further details about the walk and its history can be found here at www.keswick2barrow.co.uk
This is a very popular annual event, attracting in excess of 3000 entrants, so you will not be short of encouragement and banter along the way. The route is mostly on tarmac/hard surfaced roads as we weave through the Cumbrian countryside. The K2B organisers provide regular water stops throughout the route plus a lunch stop around the halfway point at Machells Coppice. In addition, there will be OutdoorLads support cars providing much needed additional food, water and clothing changes.
Accommodation
We will be staying in Barrow-in-Furness over the course of the weekend. You will need to organise your own accommodation, the town is well provisioned with hotels and B&Bs.
There are decent public transport links (with connecting services from Lancaster, Preston and Manchester). Barrow is ~45mins from the M6 motorway.
What to bring
The walk is mostly on hard-surfaced paths and tarmac roads, lightweight "running" shoes/ trainers/ walking shoes (as opposed to heavy walking boots) and walking shoes are recommended.
Weather dependent, light clothing is recommended (t-shirts, shorts/ walking trousers, sweatshirts/ hoodies that can be carried). In the case of adverse weather, it is important to have a light waterproof jacket. It is also useful to have spares (especially socks, t-shirts and shoes) available for a change or replacement.
A light rucksack suitable for carrying water and snacks is recommended. Walking poles can be very useful, especially towards the end of the walk. Blister plasters are highly recommended, even if only to have on hand just in case. First aid is available en route for more complex problems.
Spare items can be stored in the support cars for collection when required at support points.
Food & drink
Further details will be provided once we have a team confirmed.