Sundown and Shadows on The Great Orme (Night Walk)
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Many have walked the Great Orme during the spring or at the very height of summer but there are few that have explored after dark. Under nightfall the atmosphere changes and you'll see the place from a whole different perspective.
With the crowds gone and silence dominating we hopefully will get a beautiful starlit night. It'll be a full moon but the moon won't rise while we're on the Great Orme, so we should get complete darkness on the far side. On a clear night the Iights of the Isle of Man, Liverpool and Blackpool are clearly visible.
Even if you've walked the Great Orme before, night hiking gives you a great way to see everything in a different light. We'll seek out vantage points to ensure we get a cracking night view of Llandudno.
If you haven't given night hiking a go before this walk should make a good introduction and is a good way to avoid the pubs/bars on a Saturday night, plus burn off some of the excesses of Christmas.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, here, 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.
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
Please be advised that the person leading this night hike has experience in night walking and has undertaken many similar excursions on the Great Orme in the past. While they possess a certain level of proficiency and familiarity with the terrain, it is crucial to note that they are not considered experts in nocturnal outdoor activities.
Night hiking poses its own set of challenges, including reduced visibility and potential changes in terrain perception. The event leader is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience but participants should be aware of the inherent risks associated with venturing into natural environments after dark. You must pay close attention to the leader's instructions and guidance throughout the hike.
By choosing to participate in this night hike, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with hiking in low-light conditions.
What to bring
The terrain that we will be covering is off-road, occasionally muddy, stony and completely in the dark. I would strongly suggest the kit list below for all night time lowland and hill walks for OutdoorLads.
- Headtorch: Along with spare batteries that will last for the duration of the walk. If possible a red-light cover or attachment for walking without scaring wildlife. It will not be possible to participate in the walk without adequate illumination.
- Water: bring enough to keep you hydrated throughout the walk (1-2 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 (or waterproof socks...) and breathable and designed for hiking. If you wear your best trainers they may get ruined.
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, I would recommend waterproof socks.
- Layered clothing: A t-shirt probably won't do and having layers will help. It will not be sunny.
- Trousers: ideally no jeans (weather dependent) as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and if it is warm, shorts are OK.
- We are in a wildlife area, so ticks are a problem and they can carry lymes disease. I would suggest a full check for ticks after the walk.
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Waterproof trousers: that you can put on over your trousers if the weather turns against us
- Hat to provide additional warmth if it ends up being pretty cold
- Gloves because nobody likes walking with cold hands!
- Face Covering or Scarf: The wind chill could make it bitterly cold. Snoods can work very well here.
- Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
- Dinner: bring something to eat as we're likely to break for dinner near the café at the summit (it will not however be open)
The Great Orme is very exposed and the wind chill can make it severely bitter. Make sure you are warm enough!
Additional note for dog owners:
Please could you ensure your dog has some kind of illumination, so that nobody trips over it in the dark
Food & drink
Please bring a packed dinner (is there such a thing?) and a drink (probably a warm drink in a flask, it could be cold). You may want to bring some snacks to keep you going on the route
Bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated