Christmas Quantocks Wander
14 people attending
11 places left
Too much turkey over Christmas? Auntie Marge on the sherry driving you insane? Then join me for a hike around the Quantocks to burn off a few of those calories and to take a break from the Family drama on the Christmas Bank Holiday Tuesday 27th Dec.
Starting at the grimly named 'Dead Womans Ditch' this walk we'll head across Lady's Coombe towards Dowsborough Fort before then turning to the west to end up walking back along the main spine of the Quantocks Hills between Weacombe Hill and Black Ball Hill.
The Quantocks is a narrow ridge of hills, which means you have spectacular views on either side of them as the land drops away across to the Somerset Levels to the east, or across the Doniford Valley to the west towards the Blackdown Hills and Exmoor.
This hike will be 7 miles and have a total ascent during the day of 1,400 ft so shouldn't be too punishing if you've over-indulged.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
- Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
- Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
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.
Photo Credits: All photos taken by OutdoorLads members and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
What to bring
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least 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
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
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 add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
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
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Please bring a suitable packed lunch and snacks and drinks for the day.
As it'll be December, it's likely to be a bit cold and possibly wet, so I would recommend a flask of something hot to drink during the day as well as the usual sandwiches etc.
Bonus awesome points for most creative use of Turkey for your packed lunch.