Preparation and Training

Training weekends - Lake District or Snowdonia

Our training weekends are designed to provide you with the skills and information to make sure you are in the best shape physically and mentally to be able to succeed in your challenge and enjoy the experience of a lifetime while supporting your chosen charity.

Each weekend will consist of a walk in the mountains on both days during which we will discuss many topics related to your challenge.

The Saturday walk will be a full on day walk lasting 6 to 7 hours which will give you a good idea how you will cope with walking over a distance of over 20 miles / 12 to 14 hours walking time over a 24 hour period.

Sunday is a more relaxing day with a short 4 hour walk and an early finish to enable everyone to get home at a reasonable time ready for work on Monday.

The main elements which we will discuss are:

Clothing and Equipment
Looking at appropriate clothing for the challenge being undertaken and highlighting some key points. On the mountain top, it can be very cold, wet and windy at any time of year. You need to be prepared and be able to choose and use suitable clothing for whichever challenge you are undertaking.

The Mountain Walk
This is to prepare you for the physical effort and mental stamina needed on many of the challenges.

You will learn some skills to help you travel over the varied terrain you are likely to encounter on your challenge, including the use of walking poles, setting a good pace, keeping together and going over rough ground.

Kit and Equipment

For use on the weekend, we advise the following equipment:

Stout walking boots, they need strong sturdy soles with good tread. Trainers and running shoes are inadequate.
Walking socks. Nylon football sock will give you blisters.
Walking trousers or tracksuit bottoms - no jeans.
Thin layers on top (wicking layer driflo), thin fleeces or sweatshirts.
Small day sack 25 to 35L size with shoulder straps and waist strap

Items to be carried in the day sack

Waterproofs, top and bottoms.
Warm fleece jacket, jumper or down jacket.
Fleece hat and warm windproof gloves.
Lunch and drinks (will be provided)
Water bottles x 2 litres minimum (4litres optimum)
Head torch
Money, extra snacks, treats and a camera.
Any personal medication, inhalers etc.
Sun cream and glasses – you never know.
Walking poles if you have them.

Rail terminal / rendevous location: Llanberis, Penrith or Oxenholme

Training weekend includes:

• Local transport

• 2 nights Dinner, bed and breakfast

• Choice of locations - Lake District or Snowdonia

• Qualified mountaineering instructor

• Packed lunch each day