New Year in the Lakes 2023
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THREE NIGHT break for New Year!
Ditch the over-priced bars and crowded house parties to see in the New Year instead on the shores of the most remote lake in the Lake District - Ennerdale - with big mid-winter mountain walks thrown in!
The place: Rising abruptly out of the coastal plain of West Cumbria, Ennerdale is one of the most remote of Cumbria valleys and has a distinctive character of its own. There is a sense of tranquillity, ruggedness, self-will, wildness, a feeling more of Scotland or Scandinavia.
The activities: This is a new year for people who love to challenge themselves getting up the epic fells of the Ennerdale Valley that include Pillar, Red Pike and Haystacks. This is very much a new year for walkers: there isn't much else to do in a remote location like this, but of course we will be saying hello to 2024 with our own festivities including a big celebration dinner and merrymaking! We will do our best to provide a range of walking levels however, depending on the leaders who attend.
The accommodation: The Chalet we'll be staying in is basic but comfortable with plenty of showers, kitchen facilities and a large indoor area for socialising - You will need to bring bedding.
Dogs: This venue is not suitable for dogs.
OUTDOORLADS FOUNDATION Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
WANT TO PAY IN INSTALMENTS? You can arrange to pay in instalments if that helps. Please contact the office on support@outdoorlads.com who will help you to secure a place and set up paying in instalments. The event must be fully paid up a week before the event takes place.
Photos: Photos of the centre are used with the permission of the Scouts. Other photos are licensed through Shutterstock and/or used with permission of the event leader.
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
Bringing the right kit is a matter of safety as much as it is comfort, since we will be going onto high ground in winter in a proper mountain environment.
The standard kit list is pasted below, but in particular please ensure you have good waterproof boots (must be boots with ankle support, not trail shoes), warm clothes including appropriate walking trousers (not jeans), a good quality waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers, gloves and a hat.
Remember also to bring bedding (unlike hostels, this is not provided by the centre) and a towel.
For walking...
Water: we recommend 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
Waterproof trousers and/or gaiters: gaiters can be good for wet weather or boggy conditions when you don't want to wear full waterproof trousers
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, an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Walking trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking; breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice.
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 can be useful
Food & drink
You need to bring:
1) An item to contribute to the bring-and-share buffet dinner on the first night
2) Packed lunch and snacks for the next two day's walks.A flask for a hot drink can be great if you're someone who feels the cold.
3) Any drinks you would like on each evening, like wine, beer, alcohol-free alternatives, soft drinks, etc... or something bubbly for NYE!
We recommend you bring all the provisions you might need for the weekend with you. The nearest shops will involve at least an hour's round-trip by car.
We'll provide:
1) Breakfast on all three mornings (cereal, toast and jam, etc.)
2) Dinner on Sunday and Monday nights
3) Tea and coffee throughout the weekend