Remember, remember the 5th of November: Somerset weekend
7 people attending
18 places left
It's (post) Bonfire Night so choose your "plotter's persona" and join Chris on a weekend to remember, remember!!
We will celebrate all things "gunpowder" - including traditional bonfire food, masks, whispers of treason. We cannot use fireworks, but there are 2 designated fire pits that - weather permitting - may serve as appropriate effigy burning areas!
We get back to nature in a limestone gorge, set in a 130 acre woodland in north Somerset. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is home to stinking hellebore, autumn ladies-tresses (both types of very rare plants) as well as grizzled and dingy skippers and green hairstreak, which are types of butterflies!
Our base is an environmental education centre, nestled within woodland ridges and rich limestone heaths. We will have full use of the facility, including the main Eco-Lodge, the Grade II listed Cottage, a yurt and an open-air pavilion.
The weekend plans are:
- Friday - arrive after 16:00, find a bed, get settled in and enjoy the traditional OutdoorLads Friday buffet.
- Saturday - after a hearty breakfast we will look at several walk options, including a trip along the runways of Bristol Airport (roughly 15km, relatively flat) a walk through Butt's Batch (just over 13km, with a couple small ascents) or a wander through Yatton and Conglesbury (just over 11km, very flat, except for a 150m ascent right at the end). Saturday dinner will consist of several traditional Bonfire Night delicacies!
- Sunday - As we need to vacate the hostel by 10.00, breakfast will be "quick and easy"; something along the lines of a traditional continental breakfast.
Please join this Telegram chat group once you've signed up so we can easily communicate with each other!
OUTDOORLADS FOUNDATION Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
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Should you have any questions please email chris.keivit@outdoorlads.com or james.couldry@outdoorlads.com .
Photos: Courtesy of unsplash and OutdoorLads members and used with permission and thanks! Hero photo by Veliko Karachiviev on Unsplash
Dogs: We are confirming with the venue if dogs are permitted.
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.
What to bring
Bedding is provided (sheets, pillows and pillowcases) but no duvets, so you will need to bring a sleeping bag or duvet. The building is well-heated so getting chilled should not be a problem. Additionally don't forget a wash kit and towel!
Should you need any of the items below, remember that ODL members get discounts at Cotswold Outdoors, Snow + Rock and Berghaus
Boots: All hikes should be suitable for both hiking boots and mid-ankle hiking shoes. Waterproof and breathable are the best options (Craghoppers Mens Kiwi Light and Abbeydale Mid are good entry-level options from Cotswold).
Socks: Merino wool socks provide the best moisture-wicking and Craghoppers provide a number of affordable "quick-dry" options.
Gaiters: Gaiters can be an essential piece of kit in boggy, wet conditions, but shouldn't be needed this weekend.
Walking Trousers: Both Craghoppers and Jack Wolfskin make several styles of affordable walking trousers. The best pair would have a large map pocket, as well as other zippable pockets and should be water-repellent.
Waterproof Trousers: As above, Craghoppers, Jack Wolfskin and Mountain Warehouse all stock an excellent selection of waterproof trousers. It is recommended that you have a pair as the weather could change quickly.
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.
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: Good waterproof jackets can range from £30 to over £300! At a minimum, the jacket should have fully taped seams, an adjustable hem, elastic cuffs and at least 1 inside pocket.
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is best for keeping any (potential) sun off your face and neck.
Rucksack: For day walks a 20-30 litre capacity rucksack should be sufficient for carrying the essentials. Ideally it should have padded waist straps, several outside pockets and a rain cover.
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 - OS Map 154 is the best for the area. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Food & drink
All dietary requirements will be catered for; provided you have recorded your requirements accurately on your profile. Once everyone has signed up I will work on finalising the menu for the weekend!
Friday night buffet: Please bring one item for the buffet that can be shared easily.
Saturday breakfast is of course included in the cost of the event and will most likely be my specialist chocolate brioche eggy bread (along with all the regular offerings).
Saturday lunch: You will need to bring your own packed lunch, or a quick pit stop can be made into any of the local shops. There are two possible pubs on the Butt's Batch hike and 3 or 4 on the Congresbury hike, but none on the Bristol Airport hike, until very near the end.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost this will be Bonfire Night themed dishes but I am still working on the menu specifics.
Sunday breakfast: Included in the event cost, but as we need to vacate by 10.00 breakfast may be something quick and simple to allow plenty of time to clean up.
Tea and coffee, included in the event cost, will be available throughout the weekend
Bring along any other drinks you want for the weekend.