New Year in the Lakes - 3 nights

Hostel and Camp Event icon - Jewel Created with Sketch.
Hostels and Bunkhouses
Dec 30
2022

29 people attending

1 place left

Your price
£119.00
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Easy Moderate Very Hard
This is a proper mountain environment and all walk options will be strenuous but achievable for anyone with reasonable fitness and the right kit

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 2023 with our own festivities including a big celebration dinner and merrymaking!

The accommodation: The Chalet on the Ennerdale Scout Centre, which 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.

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. 

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.

 

A path with fences either side leading through the misty frost-covered bottom of Buttermere Valley, with sun-covered green mountains rising in the background
A view from the summit of Pillar looking out over surrounding dark green hilltops. Rocks and grass lie in the foreground, with cloud snaking through the valley between the mountains in the background and brilliant blue sky in the top third of the picture.
A walker standing with his back to the camera, standing on the grassy knolls of a hilltop, looking out across the mountains, with brilliant blue sky in the top half of the picture.
A campfire made of ember logs on the shoreline of a still blue lake in the twilight. Embers are blown from the fire leftwards out of frame, tracing orange lines across the picture.
A room with white linoleum flooring and chairs lining one wall, with sofas in a seating area at the far end of the room.
A bedroom with two bunkbeds
A path with fences either side leading through the misty frost-covered bottom of Buttermere Valley, with sun-covered green mountains rising in the background
A view from the summit of Pillar looking out over surrounding dark green hilltops. Rocks and grass lie in the foreground, with cloud snaking through the valley between the mountains in the background and brilliant blue sky in the top third of the picture.
A walker standing with his back to the camera, standing on the grassy knolls of a hilltop, looking out across the mountains, with brilliant blue sky in the top half of the picture.
A campfire made of ember logs on the shoreline of a still blue lake in the twilight. Embers are blown from the fire leftwards out of frame, tracing orange lines across the picture.
A room with white linoleum flooring and chairs lining one wall, with sofas in a seating area at the far end of the room.
A bedroom with two bunkbeds

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 Friday night.
2) Packed lunch and snacks for Saturday's and Sunday's walk. 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 on the Friday. The nearest shops will involve at least an hour's round-trip by car.

We'll provide:
1) Breakfast on Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings (cereal, toast and jam, etc.)
2) Dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights
3) Tea and coffee throughout the weekend

Meeting & times

Dec 30 - pm