Alpine Lakeside Hiking Challange in Northumberland
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In one of the most remote, scenic and tranquil parts of England, join Lee for a 43km (27 mile) (ish) walk in one of his favorite hiking spots. This challenging walk takes us through forests and pastures on gravel tracks along the waterside of Kielder reservoir offering tremendous views!
So, if you think you can manage it...what are you waiting for!
If the event is fully booked: please join the waiting list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place on the walk.
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If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads website.
Image credits: all images provided by event Leader. OutdoorLads has permission to use them.
What to bring
The ground conditions are gravel and tarmac paths.
Essential
- Water: bring at least two litres
- Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
- Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry (we are exposed and the weather could change quickly)
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
- Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
- Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain (...and then there's the chafing!!!!), breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
- Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
- Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
- Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Optional
- Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions but not critical for this walk
- Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
- Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
- Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
- Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Please note that the café at Kielder Castle at the start of the walk is currently closed for refurbishment and not open until the summer.
The first half of the walk (approx 20km/13 miles) is along the north of the reservoir, where there will no shops, cafés, toilets, etc to buy any food or drink. Therefore, please bring food for dinner (FYI this is what Geordies call the meal around midday), snacks and water/drink to have en route.
The second half of the walk will take us via Tower Knowe visitor centre and Kielder Waterside (both where there are shops, cafés/pubs and toilets).
When we get back to the Kielder Castle, if people want to stay for tea (that's Geordie for evening meal), there is a restaurant, The Anglers Arms, a short walk away. Alternatively, we can drive to Kielder Waterside or The Pheasant Inn.
Note, for those going through Bellingham, there is a small Coop to buy food too.