Getting ready for your adventure

We will send out a tailored briefing document or video for your expedition 3-5 working days beforehand, which will include details about the location, route and weather, plus the information below. If you have any questions or requests, please contact us to discuss.

Weather

Our view on the weather is that you can get as much benefit from expeditions in poor conditions as you can in perfect conditions. Indeed, expeditions in poorer conditions can strongly enhance the sense of achievement on completion, resilience, resourcefulness and flexibility. We will work with you closely to establish the your comfort level generally, and each expedition will consider your bespoke needs. If inclement weather is forecast that we believe, based on our discussions, is going to detract from your experience, we will contact you to discuss options with you. This could involve changes to equipment requirements, the route, or re-arranging the expedition. If we believe that the weather poses a significant risk to your safety, we will postpone the session and re-arrange for a mutually convenient date.

Medical Considerations

If you haven’t already done so, we will ask you to complete a Participant Details Form prior to the adventure, which includes supplying any information about your medical history. On the whole, medical conditions are not in themselves a barrier to enjoying our experiences, however any forewarning we have of these will help us prepare a safe expedition, and ensure we’re carrying the right kit to assist.

Please note that on our expeditions, even in an emergency, additional help may be 2-3 hours away. It is imperative that you bring any essential and life-saving medication (e.g. inhalers, insulin, epipens) with you, as we do not carry these as part of our first aid provision.

Fitness

Most full-day routes will include a substantial peak, and although you may find some sections challenging, we do try to tailor our experiences to ensure that no additional fitness training will be required to complete an expedition. If we do believe training walks or fitness training will be beneficial, we will inform you on an event-by-event basis. If you do have any considerations in this area, please contact us to discuss, and we will find a solution.

Equipment

The biggest question on most people’s minds is' ‘What should I bring with me?’

If you have been hillwalking before, it’s likely that you already have most, if not all, of the equipment required for an expedition. For ease, we have provided a list below of what we would expect you to have brought with you. Please note that in the interests of safety, we do not take anyone out who would put themselves or others in danger, given the terrain and conditions, due to insufficient kit. If you have any questions, doubts about your kit, or are looking for recommendations, please contact us.

Walking boots

Please bring boots or shoes suitable for walking in, preferably waterproof. If you do not know which footwear would be suitable, please get in touch and we can assist. Trainers are generally not recommended for hill or mountain routes, but walking trainers or trail shoes should be okay for less technical routes, on path. If you are unsure, please contact us.

Walking socks

These should complement your choice of walking boots.

Base layer

A number of affordable synthetic options are available, and merino wool is very good, but more expensive. Ideally thicker and long-sleeved in cold weather, thinner and short sleeved in summer. Cotton t-shirts are not recommended most of the year, but are fine in summer if dry weather is forecast.

Walking trousers

Comfortable trousers, suitable for walking in. Technical trousers or stretchy soft-shell trousers are recommended. Please avoid non-synthetic tracksuit bottoms, jeans or cotton trousers on hill or mountain routes. Shorts can be worn, but be aware of the presence of ticks carrying Lyme Disease in summer months.

Fleece, lightweight mid-layer, and/or shower-proof primaloft jacket

One of the options above to use as an insulation layer, plus an additional layer between October and March. Note that the temperature on the hill may be lower than in the valleys.

Waterproof jacket

This should be able to withstand showers and persistent rain. Required regardless of forecast.

Waterproof trousers

Should be brought if rain is forecast, optional (but desirable) if not.

Hat and gloves

Please bring a hat and gloves. Even in summer, the weather can close in quickly, and summits can be chilly.

Sun hat and sun cream

Please ensure you're wearing sun cream in summer months.

Rucksack

Sufficient size to carry your kit - 20-30L is usually sufficient for an expedition, 15L is fine for shorter walks. Pack a couple of plastic bags to keep things waterproof.

Water

Please carry a minimum of 2 litres. Extra may be required on hot days.

Hill food

Lunch and snacks for the day. High energy snacks are best.

Insect repellent

If required.

Torch/headtorch

Required for walks between September and March, and night walks. Optional at other times.

Personal medication

Please bring any medication you require. If you have been prescribed an inhaler or Epipen, it is VITAL that you bring them.