BIG20: Winter Camp (hostel)
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Join Outdoors as we celebrate our 20th Birthday at Winter Camp in the heart of the Lakes District, back to where it all began in 2006. Whether you have been around since that time or joined us recently, all are welcome. Winter Camp was OutdoorLads' first EVER event back in 2006 and the perfect place to kick off our year of celebratory events! This year we are making it bigger and better than ever, with a choice of tents, pods, campervans or a hostel to bring together as many members as possible to launch the celebrations!
There are four accommodation options for this event, please ensure you book on to the correct one:
- Tent pitch
- Motorhome/Campervan pitch
- Pod
- Hostel (this event page)
For anyone who doesn't want to camp in February but still would like to join in the first of our 20th birthday celebration events, we have a limited number of places available in this great little hostel, three miles (12 minutes drive) from the main group at the campsite. This is an opportunity to join in with the walks and fun planned for over the weekend whilst still having a warm and dry bed to come back to, for those for whom camping in February doesn't have the same appeal. To note, you'll need to sort out your own transport between the campsite and the hostel - the plan is to be down with the group on Saturday evening to celebrate OutdoorLads turning 20!
On the Saturday there'll be a range of walk and activity options of varying difficulties. They will vary depending on the conditions at the time, but in this part of the country, every walk is a stunner and there are lots of options - very likely there will be a harder mountain walk and something a bit easier, but there will still be lots of ascent involved - this is the Lake District after all.
On the Sunday we hope you'll stay around for another, shorter walk. We aim to be finished around mid-afternoon.
Depending on the conditions, there may also be the opportunity to learn/improve your winter walking skills as we have three great winter walking leaders on hand to share their knowledge and experience.
Breakfasts both days are included in the price, as well as tea and coffee all weekend, and on Saturday evening, catering is provided down at the campsite with the rest of the group. This is all included in the event price. We will have the regular "hostel buffet" on the Friday night at 7pm (with an event briefing just beforehand).
Birthday Celebrations
On the Saturday evening at we plan to visit a nearby pub who are preparing us dinner, and a private space for a bit of a social evening. The food is included in the event price, and there are options provided for those with dietary requirements, don't worry! (You will need to have your dietary requirements up to date on the event page please, or we cant guarantee to be able to cater for different needs on the night.) Obviously drinks are at your own cost that night.
This is a great chance to relax with your OutdoorLads friends, reminisce over the last 20 years, laugh about the good times, the bad fancy dress decisions and the challenging climbs!
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs.
Photos: Taken by event leaders and used by OutdoorLads with permission.
What to bring
You'll need your own towel, and all your bed linen - only pillows are provided, but you need your own pillowcase. We suggest a sheet, a pillowcase, a duvet and duvet cover or a sleeping bag.
If you will be walking with us during the weekend, again, bear in mind the likely weather - in previous years we have had sun, rain, snow, ice, fog - basically anything can happen in February! Therefore, you will need to be prepared. The mountain walks kit list below will help you, but again, feel free to ask any questions about what you might need.
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
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
Food & drink
Tea and coffee are provided all weekend, as is breakfast on both days, and a meal on Saturday evening. There will be the regular ODL Hostel Buffet on Friday evening (or feel free to head to a local pub!) and bring a packed lunch for Saturday.
Located nearby are three pubs; The Old Dungeon Ghyll, The New Dungeon Ghyll and The Stickle Barn, all within a half to just under 1 mile walk on tarmac road. All serve food and a great selection of ales, wines and spirits. We will confirm our planned pub for meeting each night in so that everyone knows where we will be.