Hogmanay 2018
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Pitlochry SYHA
Saturday 29th December 2017 - Wednesday 2nd January 2019
We're heading to the Perthshire Highlands for our next Hogmanay event - a fantastic location where the mountains start to rise up from the landscape, but there are plenty of wide glens with glorious views - a place that Queen Victoria loved to visit.
We will be staying for FOUR nights in a SYHA hostel that is located in the town, and is just a short walk from the railway station, so is easy to get to from most of the country. Join us for an extravaganza of a hostel event for fun, friends, laughs and see in 2019 with a bang!
WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
Saturday evening:
We have the ODL buffet and this is also an opportunity to catch up with other ODLers you may have not seen for a while or meet new guys. If this is your first event, don't worry as you will be made very welcome.
There will also be a briefing around 9pm to let you know what activities are planned for the coming three days.
Sunday:
A day of getting out and about is planned, if the weather and underfoot conditions allow we can get up a mountain, otherwise there are many lower options available.
Monday:
We should have a full days walking planned, with high and low level options to cater for differing abilities. We will get you back to the hostel by around half 4 to allow you to relax before getting ready for the traditional Hogmanay celebrations, and it will be no surprise that the party goes on well into the wee hours of the morning.
Tuesday:
An easier day will probably be planned to allow the headaches from the night before to calm down, again there should be a couple of options of activities.
Wednesday:
Time to clean the hostel and head home. There may be a short walk of an hour or two duration in the area for those who are in less of a rush to get away.
EVENING ACTIVITIES
We will have a themed night, this year's theme being children's TV characters. This is surely a treasure trove of memories - Bagpuss to the Teletubbies to Basil Brush to Zippy and Bungle to Bugs Bunny to Mr Benn to Postman Pat..... the list is pretty endless!
On Monday night we will have the traditional ceilidh. For this we get smart, kilt optional!
GETTING TO THE HOSTEL
Public Transport :
Pitlochry is easily reached by train - Scotrail operate regular services from Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley throughout the day. The hostel is a 10 minute walk from the station.
By Road :
From Glasgow head east on the M80 and join the M9 at Stirling, which becomes the A9 and continue north to Pitlochry. From Edinburgh head NW out of the city on Queensferry Road and join the M90 across the Queensferry Crossing and follow it north to Perth, where it joins the A9 for Inverness - follow this north to Pitlochry.
On reaching Pitlochry follow the A924 road into the town and look out for a right turn onto Bonnethill Road after the first few shops in the town centre. Drive up the hill for about 200m and turn right immediately after Scotland's Hotel onto Toberargan Road. After 150m look for a small left turn onto Well Road, and the hostel is on your left after 200m as the road curves round to the right.
FACILITIES IN THE AREA
Pitlochry has a good sized Co-op supermarket just a short walk away from the hostel.
For last minute outdoor gear purchases there is a Tiso Outdoor store at the Inveralmond roundabout at Perth - adjacent to the A9 north to Pitlochry.
What to bring
The main activity planned for the weekend is to explore the area, good walking boots are a must along with clothing for any weather. Packing additional layers is recommended as average daytime temperatures usually hover about freezing point. There will probably be snow on the tops of the mountains, so you need to prepare accordingly if you want to join this activity.
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: A good comfy pair of walking socks is essential really; they keep your feet warm and drier than normal socks.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg. They are not essential to have but you will feel the difference if you have them when walking through muddy or boggy ground - which is almost guaranteed in Scotland.
Walking Trousers: You should have a suitable pair of trousers for walking in, jeans are not suitable as they take on water when wet and will make you cold. The same goes for jogging pants/tracksuit clothing.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in case of wet weather. They are also good to be worn as a second layer as they can act as a windproof barrier, keeping the legs warm.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top, as cotton T-Shirts can become damp and uncomfortable when climbing a mountain.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top can sometimes be good. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
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 but they can be expensive unless you shop sensibly, don’t forget your OutdoorLads discount for Full Members at Cotswold outlets.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months, 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. As an option you could store your items in waterproof bags inside just in-case or ensure the bag has a waterproof bag to pull over the top.
Emergency Equipment: The leader of the group will normally carry some emergency items, but you are welcome to bring your own such as spare energy food, survival bag, personal first aid kit, head torch and a whistle. It is not essential that you bring all or any of these items but it will do no harm if you do bring.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area. If you are not sure which map to bring, just message the leader. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Mobile Phone: If you choose to bring your phone, then you are well advised to buy a waterproof bag or if that is not possible a simple food/freezer bag will suffice.
Food & drink
Saturday evening - please bring an item for the buffet
For the customary Outdoorlads buffet, please bring something to feed 2 or 3 people. Be imaginative with your offering... You could bring a selection of meats or cheese, some pasta salad, fancy bread or even do a bit of baking!
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday breakfast and dinner along with Wednesday breakfast are included in the event cost.
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday lunch - you will need to bring with you.
Tea & coffee is available throughout the weekend.