Autumn on Derwentwater
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Join us this October as we stay at an exciting new venue for Outdoorlads. Located on the shores of picturesque Derwentwater, at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley, this is a traditionally built stone cottage in the grounds of Hawse End Centre.
The bunkhouse is more basic than a regular YHA, but cosy, comfortable and situated at the foot of Catbells (Alfred Wainwright described as "one of his favourites, which while modest in height, offers splendid views").
This is a truly stunning location that offers a choice of lakeside walks, boating/SUPing, or easy access to the Derwent and Newlands fells! So bring your walking boots as the mountains will be calling. However, October in the Lakes ranges from mild to wild, so we'll offer a range of activities to suit the weather conditions at the time. This is the Lakes though and local walks likely to involve steep and sustained climbs!
The famous Lake District town of Keswick is not too far away and can be accessed by a short boat ride on Derwentwater, and the launch stop is conveniently close to the bunkhouse. It's also only a 30-minute walk (or 10-minute drive), so if you fancy relaxing and pottering around town rather than hiking fells or mountains, then that's a great option.
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Images
YHA_Hawse_End_Exterior courtesy of YHA and used with permission.
View from the summit of Catbells
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/5898110
Newlands Valley - taken by ex_cowboy and used with full permission.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- OutdoorLads’ Covid-19 Policy for hostel and BIG events applies to this event. On arrival, we will need to see evidence that you are fully vaccinated, or have registered a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours, or have Covid-19 antibodies. Evidence of this can be obtained via the NHS App in England, with equivalent schemes available in Wales and Scotland. Our full policy and more details can be found here.
What to bring
Bedding is proivided but you will need to bring your own:
- towel
- wash kit
- ear plugs and/or eye mask
- a power adapter
- Medicines if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
As well as standard walking gear, see below
- Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
- Water: bring capacity to carry at least two litres
- Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
- Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
- Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
- Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
- Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
- 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: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
- Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
- Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
- 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
- Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
- Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
- Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
- Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
- Swimming gear/old trainers for splashing about in the lake
Food & drink
The event cost includes the following: breakfast on Saturday & Sunday; dinner on Saturday night; tea and coffee throughout the weekend.
You will need to bring:
- A contribution to a Friday night buffet dinner.
- Packed lunch for Saturday (and possibly Sunday).
- Other drinks for the weekend.
The property has only a domestic sized cooker, a standard fridge which has a small freezer compartment so please bear this in mind when bringing spare food.