Somerset Blackdowns at Easter
5 people attending
15 places left
. Can I point out I have arranged another event for the following day, Easter Day, which nobody else has signed up to (yet). I appreciate some people may want to go to church, but it's a really nice route in the Quantock Hills.
Anyway.....Saturday visits Staple Hill, Staple Park Wood, Priors Park Wood and Piddle Wood. Staple Hill is the highest point in the Black Downs, at 1035 feet, and has a somewhat obscure trig point hidden away in the Beech plantation which contains lots of bluebells. Priors Park Wood is largely ancient woodland owned by the Woodland Trust. Piddle Wood contains some ancient Oak trees, more beech plantation, and the beautiful Witch Lake (see photos). The route measures 9.7 miles.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
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
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain. I shall make a reconnaissance of the route closer to the date of the event so watch this space for info on the amount of mud to expect. (if there's a part that is particularly bad, I shall alter the route to avoid it)
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions,
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
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: ideally 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 although we will be in woodland the majority of the time
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
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch. There is a Sainsbury's close to M5 J25.