Dawn Deer Rutting Lake District Social Walk | 9th October

You are invited to join a peer led walk hosted by BMC volunteer Walk Leader, Nicola Merrett. From Howtown we will weave our way up into the secret valley of Martindale, listening and watching the red deer in full voice. Our route will take us back over Bedafell, and past Angle Tarn along lesser walked paths, and returning steeply to Glenridding. This social walk may end with a journey on the Ullswater Steamers from Howtown to Glenridding (Subject to wind speeds). Steamer fair is payable - £11.50. The Steamers will not run in very windy conditions and the hike will be adapted accordingly.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Moderate to Challenging

Distance: Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles)

Ascent: 600 m (1900 ft)

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Friday 9th October, 05:00am for a 05:30am start

Location: Glenridding Steamer Pier, Penrith, CA11 0US

OS Grid Ref: NY 3896 1693

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XDmrSsrVUVxDzYH26

Parking: Pay and display. Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: None

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or hiking shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including waterproofs with taped seams and hood, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves whatever the weather - these items are your emergency kit. We require a emergency mid layer

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is required for emergencies

Who Can Attend

Anyone, age 14-18 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult on a 1-2-1 basis

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

Please bring a list of any prescribed medicine with you and write down any medical conditions, such as diabetes, all heart & blood pressure conditions, feinting, seizures, extreme food allergies. Please hand this to your leader, Nicky, all information given is strictly confidential with your leader and mountain rescue in the event of an incident

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards Mend Our Mountains. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions?

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walk Leader, Nicola: nicola@hikinghighs.co.uk

Meet the Leader

Nicky Merrett founded "Hiking Highs" and formerly "Nics Nordic Walks" in 2015, to deliver guided walking breaks, inspire folk in the Lake District Mountains and share her passion for the hills. Nicky lives at the foot of Helvellyn, and the Helvellyn Massif is her playground all year round. Using poles in the fells and teaching their magic is Nicky's passion, alongside Navigation, to those keen to develop their skills in the hills. As an accomplished Nordic Walking Coach for hiking and distance events, Nicky found her clients were keen to explore the higher fells, so took the next step to qualify as a Mountain Leader in 2018. She found herself being inspired by her clients, pushing their boundaries and giving an all-round uplifting experience to all who walk with her. This has also led to inspiring folk to lose the fear of being 'lost' and gain confidence in map reading.