High Summer Hiking in a Remote, Lakeland Vale (St. John's in the Vale)
23 people attending
1 place left
Join us at the old Church House, now a youth centre, in St. Johns in the Vale, one of the most stunning valleys in the Northern Lake District. Though only a few miles outside Keswick, the area is tranquil and unspoilt with great views of Blencathra and the Helvellyn range.
IMPORTANT: The event price includes accommodation, tea, coffee, and OutdoorLads breakfasts ONLY. For the Staurday meal, you can choose to cook for yourself, eat out OR enjoy the wonderful home cooking of our host, Pauline, whom some of you may know from her time as warden at Mounthooly, Northumbria.
St John’s in the Vale, named after its famous church, is actually a glacial valley in the heart of the northern Lake District and is surrounded by many of the most striking of the Lakeland fells. This is a beautiful, remote and rugged but accessible location. Keswick is only four miles away with the M6 just a 20min drive.
Within the vale are a number of farms and small settlements, in addition to several disused quarry and mining works. St John’s Beck meanders northward along the floor of the vale, and is the main outflow from Thirlmere reservoir, which is located to the south.
The youth centre is ideally located for days out on the back-side of Helvellyn, Skiddaw, or Blencathra, or simply bimling about some of the the lower hills around Thirlmere, exploring the old church, or Castlerigg stone circle.
We will be staying in the old School House, now converted as a youth centre, which has a decent kitchen and common room. It alaso has wifi, so no need to panic! Lads must bring their own sleeping bag, pillowcase and towel etc. Apparently, there's no loo roll either, so the leader will have to remember to buy some.
Provided that there is no objection from the group, there is the facility for us to bring up to two dogs - by arrangement with hostel - at an cost of £10 a dog. Contact event leader if you have a dog you'd like to bring.
Also, a mini Orienteering course has been set up in the vicinity of the Centre, suitable for all ages and can be used as a daytime or evening activity #mapreadinggains!!
What to bring
As well as your hill-walking kit (see below), Lads should bring sleeping bag, pillow-case, and towel, as well as comfy clothes for the evening. A head torch is a good idea too.
It's summer, so there's always the chance we might get to use our swimmers too, so bring em!
For Walking:
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Friday Evening: Arrive, meet the group and socialise. We'll be having a traditional OutdoorLads buffet for the evening meal, followed by a welcome meeting and a possible evening activity.
Saturday Day: After breakfast (which is included in the event cost), we’ll head out into the local hils for a good walk, perhaps with a stop off on the way for some refreshment in one of the local pubs, depending on the walk route!
Saturday Evening: You are very welcome to make your own arrangements OR enjoy top class cooking of the hostel warden. Cost £15 per head for 3 courses. Let the event leader know if you would like to catered option. Special dietry requirements catered for.
Sunday: After breakfast (also included in the event cost), we’ll tidy up the hostel and then you are free to head out for a second day in the hills, or just a lazy Sunday lunch, before heading home.