Update: After reviewing the UK Government’s ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’, PHASE Worldwide can confirm that our Walk for Nepal event on Saturday 8th May 2021, will go ahead as planned.
The guided walk is categorised as a ‘outdoor physical activity event’ and therefore is permitted to run and from March 29th 2021 is exempt from the restrictions on social gatherings.
PHASE Worldwide will continue to review and follow government guidance, ensuring that the necessary risk assessment and mitigation is in place, including:
- Reducing sign ups to a maximum of 20 people – so book your place early!
- Maintaining a two-metre distance from anyone outside your household
- We ask that all participants register with the Government’s Test and Trace system
- Considerations to minimise surface contact, with sadly no food or drink being provided
- Refunds to attendees who are not able to attend due to Covid-19 (having to self-isolate or required to as part of your household)
To celebrate PHASE Worldwide’s 15th anniversary, we will be holding our fifth Walk for Nepal event! This event was originally planned for Spring 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19.
In the Nepali spirit of resilience, we are back even better and have chosen to tackle the iconic mountain of Blencathra in the Lake District.
Join the PHASE team and our fantastic ambassador, Alex Staniforth for a day of celebration in a beautiful part of the country, with a fully-guided walk up one of the Lake District’s best known mountains.
*We will provide more information closer to the time but will take into account the potential need for social distancing and legislation in place at the time of the event in relation to COVID-19. We will also refer to the Fundraising Regulator guidelines and advice in relation to COVID-19 when these are made available to organisations.
Date: Saturday 8th May 2021
Fundraising target: £100 each participant
Registration fee: £40 (includes guides)
Start/finish: Threlkeld Cricket Club, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TZ
Blencathra is one of the most popular fells in the Lake District and the famous Alfred Wainwright recorded more routes to the summit than any other fell, with six separate tops, the highest being 868 metres (2,848ft). Also known as Saddleback thanks to its distinct shape, Blencathra is the 14th highest fell in the Lake District and commands stunning views down over Derwentwater.
We will also aim to offer a shorter walk to the popular nearby fell of Latrigg (368m) more suitable for families or less confident walkers.
Route:To be confirmed on the day based on weather.
Distance: 7.4 miles, 2400ft ascent
FAQs
– Where and what time will the walk begin?
Threlkeld Cricket Club, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TZ. Please arrive by 09:30 for registration. The walk will begin at 10:00.
– Where should I look for accommodation?
There are many campsites, guest houses and hotels around the Keswick area that would be suitable to stay in for the event depending on your needs and budget.
– What kit will I need to bring?
Although the route has no technical ground please be aware that slips and accidents still happen and in some locations can have serious consequences. Please read our Walk For Nepal Kit List to make sure you are properly prepared.
– Will I need to navigate?
You will be accompanied in groups of 6-10 walkers (2 metres apart from other households) with fully qualified mountain leaders. You will be given copies of emergency phone numbers and procedures in the small chance of separation. Remember there is no mobile phone signal in places. Please follow any instructions and keep your leader within sight.
– How fit do I need to be?
There will be varying levels of ability and fitness, so walkers will be split into groups accordingly, but don’t worry about being split up from any friends and family. Blencathra is an acheivable mountain for anyone who is of reasonable fitness and good health. You should be able to walk for 4-5 hours (possibly more) on uneven terrain. Generally the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the walk. If you are not already active we highly recommend preparing your body with some walks beforehand. To improve your stamina these should be at least 2 hours, on off-road or ideally mountain terrain. Aerobic exercise like running, cycling or swimming will also be helpful.
– What if I have a medical condition?
These do not necessarily stop you taking part if you are physically fit and able to manage the condition, such as with medication. But you must disclose any medical conditions on the sign-up form so the walk leaders are aware on the day. Please contact us if unsure.
– Can I bring my dogs/children?
Well behaved dogs are welcome to join on a fixed lead. The walk is not suitable for children under 12. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
– What’s the weather like?
We’ll hope for Himalayan sun and blue skies, but even in May the weather can change rapidly in the mountains. High wind, hill fog and heavy rain can be common, so the right kit is essential to stay warm and dry. The walk leaders reserve the right to cancel the event or shorten the route if necessary due to dangerous weather conditions.
– How long will the walk take?
We want everyone to go at their own pace and enjoy the day; taking regular stops for snacks, photos and to admire the view. We expect the route to take between 5 – 6 hours (with breaks) and no longer than 6 hours. We aim to have around 15-30 minutes at the summit depending on the weather and time of day.
– Will food be provided?
Due to Covid-19, this year we won’t be able to provide any refreshments to share with the group. You should bring your own packed lunch and snacks for the journey. It’s advisable to start the day with a large breakfast and bring practical high-energy food (i.e. sandwiches, nuts, flapjack, chocolate bars, dried fruit) to sustain you on the hill, with at least 2 litres of water.
If you have any further questions regarding registration, logistics or fundraising, you can email jonathan@phaseworldwide.org
Here is a film from 2018’s Walk for Nepal: Ben Nevis
Please read the Walk for Nepal 2021 Booking Conditions before registering for your place below.
You may only register for one person at a time.