Hay Bluff & The Cat’s Back
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3 people waitlisted
Join us for this 18km circular walk along the border between Herefordshire and Wales.
We’ll start with a short steep climb up Hay Bluff (677m) to join the Offa’s Dyke Path for a few miles following the border. We’ll then drop steeply down into the secluded Olchon Valley before climbing again on the other side and onto the Cat’s Back - a stunning ridge taking us up to the summit of Black Hill, before a leisurely descent to our cars.
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
We cannot guarantee that this route is dog friendly - there may be styles to carry your dog across.
Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group.
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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.
Photo Credits: All photos taken by the event leader and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
What to bring
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 and good grip
Gaiters: recommended for wet and muddy conditions (it’s likely we’ll encounter both)
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 (avoid cotton which gets cold and clammy when damp) and a mid layer (such as a micro fleece) 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. Waterproof over trousers are also a good idea in the winter.
Waterproof jacket: essential even if no rain is forecast as the weather can be very changeable in the hills, 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.
Warm hat: windchill could be significant, consider a balaclava/face covering as well
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on bright winter days
Head torch: we should be back in daylight, but have one in your bag just in case
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
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
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 is a good idea
Food & drink
You will need to bring enough food and drink for a full day in the hills, including at least two litres of water, lunch and plenty of high energy snacks.