Midweek Hostel: Autumn in Little Langdale
5 people attending
9 places left
This event is a 3-night midweek retreat! (During half-term for many people.)
Nestled in the central fells of the Lake District, our venue is a mountaineering cottage in Little Langdale. Whilst basic, the cottage provides a great opportunity for a couple of days in the Lakes. We are a stones throw away from the famous Slaters Bridge and Cathedral Cave. This will be the third time we've used this fantastic, intimate venue.
From the cottage are the nearby summits of Wetherlam, Swirl How, Lingmoor Fell, Pike O'Blisco, Cold Pike and many more. For those wanting shorter or lower walks, the fantastic Blea Tarn and small Little Langdale Tarn are both nearby. If you're not a fell walker then take a day trip to Ambleside where there are shops, tea rooms and Windermere ferries across the lake.
This event is a 3-night midweek retreat! Rich will be leading mountain walks on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The walks will be decided based on weather closer to the time, along with the ability of the group, and availability of any other leaders coming or nearby. This is a great opportunity to practice or contribute to route planning, if you would like to get involved.
If you don't fancy the mountains both days, then other options include: lowland walks (without a leader), trips to nearby Keswick, Grasmere and smaller villages, or hang around the house reading!
Monday night will be the usual OutdoorLads buffet, please bring something to share. In order to reduce food waste, and to maximise space in the small kitchen, the event leader will send out a buffet sign up sheet before the event. Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be a shared meal, cooked by the leader. There isn't quite room for us all to sit around one table, so expect a lot of street food / finger food! Fridge space is very limited!
The cottage is basic, but they often provide the best memories! Conversation and community will be key to a great weekend. The mountaineering club have a good relationship with the cottages attached either side of ours, and we are keen to keep working with the club, so members are asked to keep noise to a suitable level (there won't be any loud music). Don't let that put you off - you'll have a great few days of hiking, chipping in with cooking, and being part of a cracking group of welcoming people.
The hut has two dorms, one for 6 and one for 10. There are two hot electric showers. From memory, the hut has wifi.
Parking is (frankly) a nightmare due to the cottage's location. It is much easier to park in the village and walk down. There is room for 4 cars, however Rich will need one space to unload the food.
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs.
Photos: Used with permission from Rich Laverick and Fylde Mountaineering Club
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.
What to bring
You will need your toiletries, a towel, clothing and food (see above), plus any drinks you would like. Power sockets are limited - please use power packs.
I have copied below the standard kit list for mountain walks:
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
Please bring something to share for the buffet (a sign up sheet will be sent in advance to maximise space). Breakfast on Tuesday, Wendesday and Thursday will be provided, along with Tuesday and Wednesday evening meals. You will need to bring any snacks, drinks and packed lunches. Fridge space is strictly limited (non-existant), so please plan ahead.