Lundy Island Autumn Expedition
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Join OutdoorLads for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as we set sail off into the Atlantic to spend 3 days (2 nights) on the remote Isle of Lundy, 25 miles off the Northwest Coast of Devon! Having ran this expedition in 2016 it was one of the most quickly filled and popular trips of the year - so get in quick!
Lundy Island has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years - archaeological investigations have discovered considerable traces of Bronze and Iron Age settlements. The Dark Ages, following the fall of the Roman Empire, left Lundy shrouded in myth and legend. Marauding Vikings around the 9th century AD contributed the name – Lund-ey, meaning Puffin Island.
In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain. The particular character of Lundy derives from its varied terrain; on the west side, exposed to the Atlantic, there are high and rugged cliffs, on the east, sheltered from the prevailing wind, the coastline is gentler with grassy slopes, trees and many types of wild flowers. This contrast explains the rich diversity of the island's animal and plant life and its attraction to walkers, climbers and divers. The sea is clear, the landscape spectacular, and at night, without competition from street lights, it is truly dark and the stars shine with unfamiliar brilliance.
We are staying in a cosy bunkhouse converted out of one of the old barns, now a hostel at the centre of Lundy life. The dormitory rooms are lined with varnished wood and its large sitting-room has an open fire. One of the island’s best views can be seen from the sleeping gallery.
COSTS
As this event is on a remote island inaccessible to vehicles, you can only reach it by boat (the M.V. Oldenburg from Ilfracombe Harbour) once a day, leaving early morning and returning mid-afternoon. The £64 return fare is included in your event fee, and is non-refundable --> passage information here.
Accommodation in Ilfracombe for the nights before & after we sail is also included at Ocean Backpackers.
PACKING & SUPPLIES - are available in the shop on the island, but are more expensive than on mainland as they have to brought by hand by / from the boat. You can bring one bag with you one the boat, plus each member will be asked to carry one bag of the group food supplies.
PARKING - there is a long stay car park (for the duration of our time on the island) near Ilfracombe Harbour that is £3.50 per day.
What to bring
For the daytime activities, you will need:
Water: bring at least two litres
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
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
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, 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
In addition to the kit lists relevant to the activities, bring:
Bedding: you may want to use your own sleeping bag and/or pillow
Wash kit: remember to include a towel, shower gel and shampoo
Flip Flops: or something similar to wear in the, usually wet, communal shower room
Earplugs: for the shared sleeping arrangements
Food & drink
Food and drink whilst we are on the island is included, however you will need to make your arrangements for the night before and after whilst on the mainland.