An OutdoorLads Christmas on Dartmoor
31 people attending
9 places left
6-8 hours
Come and enjoy a very 'Merry Christmas' in Devon with OutdoorLads this December! YHA Oakehampton, a beautiful converted railway station, is nestled in deepest Devon on the very edge of Dartmoor - that brooding, mist swept landscape of stunning views, impressive tors, wooded valleys and wide open skies.
Our South Wales & South West Christmas events have a well-earned reputation for great outdoor activities and festive fun. In the day we'll be getting out on to the moors and valleys of Dartmoor, an intriguing and unworldy space known for its myths and ghost stories - not to mention its ponies! This is the setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', inspired by the 'black dog' that is said to haunt the area - but dont fret! Your OutdoorLads family will be close by with a string of sausages to hand, just in case...
The high point of the weekend will of course be the legendary three course Christmas dinner, a welcome feast at the end of a long day spent admiring the surrounding winter wonderland!
And after that, there will be secret santa, pantomime and party games! But we'll also celebrate the soulful side of Christmas with some warming mince pies and carols, as we gaze up at the glowing stars from the edge of this particularly magical landscape - a memorable moment to truly awaken your Christmas spirit.
What to bring
You hardly need anything special for hostels. Okehampton provides full bedding, but you always need a towel and washkit. A couple of nice to have items is a torch (so you can get into the room when everyone has gone to sleep, without turning the light on) and ear plugs.
Bring your normal day walking kit* for the Saturday - but do bring comfy relaxed clothes for wearing around the hostel! You'll need to bring a packed lunch for the Saturday and of course any drink you may want of an evening.
Please bring a gift for the Secret Santa - this should be wrapped, and to the value of about £5. Santa's sack will be ready and waiting for you to fill him up on arrival :-)
Please also bring a contribution for the Friday buffet (see food & drink)
*Please note the winter weather on Dartmoor can be unpredictable. It could be cold and windy, or even snow (yay), and the weather can change rapidly. So pack for changeable conditions.
If you are unsure about anything please message the Event Leader.
Food & drink
Friday night: Please bring one item for the group buffet, something small and tasty to feed 2-3 people (and that doesn't much require prep other than heating on arrival - as the kitchen will be full). Go easy on the onion quiche, we'll all be breathing the same air...! And remember, home-made stuff will gather you much admiration !
Saturday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Saturday lunch: Please bring a packed lunch.
Saturday 3-course Christmas dinner: Saturday evening will bring an amazing three meat (or veg) roast. Turkey, gammon, beef, all the veg you might expect. And who knows, Simon's famous cauliflower cheese may make an appearance.
Sunday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Tea & coffee: Included throughout the weekend.
Alcoholic drinks: You'll need to bring these with you, but Oakehampton is not far away where you'll find several shops.
Allergies: If you have any diet related needs not specified in your account information, please do let the leader know directly.