We’ll be looking to build on the vibrant vision created at the hugely successful premiere of the event in 2018 in the Peak District, but this time we’ll be heading to Ambleside in the stunning Lake District.
(Please log in/register to book. Bookings for this event close on 29/02/2020)
Passion, freedom, adventure, environment and community. These were key tenets of the vision that emerged when 50 people converged in Castleton in 2018 for the first ever BMC Hill Walking Event through a combination of thought-provoking workshops along with plenty of what everyone loves – hill walking! We will be joined by our special guest speaker on the Saturday night, TV presenter and writer of the outdoors: BMC hill walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota.
We are very grateful to be teaming up with the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) who will very kindly host the event for us at their hostel in Ambleside right next to Lake Windermere and some spectacular hills and mountains – it’s the ideal location to base ourselves for this unmissable event. Of course, being in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District, there will be plenty of hill walking along with workshops such as how to keep dry and stay warm, geology and for advanced walkers, stepping off the path. They’ll also be open discussions to explore the big issues with like-minded people BMC representation and we’ll be joined by the Mountain Heritage Trust.
The 2020 event will take place from Friday 13 until Sunday 15 March. BMC members can take part for £70 per person and non-members for £85, which includes a one-year membership to the BMC. There’s also a discounted price of £60 for students and unemployed, you must be 18 to attend. The price covers two nights’ accommodation at the YHA, two breakfasts and evening meals. Attendees will be able to book on a range of full-day or half-day activities, for more information on workshops and transport please see below.
This really is the unmissable event of the year for passionate hill walkers – we look forward to seeing you there!
BMC Hill Walking Event 2020 Workshops and Talks:
Friday
Book talk with writer, gear maker, former MD of Karrimor and the founder of OMM Ltd, Mike Parsons, on his new release 'Keeping Dry and Staying Warm'.
Saturday - Full-Day Activities
'Navigate Like a Mountain Leader' Outdoor workshop - Led by staff from National Outdoors Centre Plas-Y-Brenin, this workshop will include an introduction to standards on the Mountain Training Mountain Leader award, required skills and navigation, how to navigate and care for a group and navigation 'beyond the path'.
Fix the Fells Repairing Paths Walk - During a walk up to Wansfell Pike, Fix the Fells vital work on path sustainability showing and interpreting examples along the way. This session will be followed by a volunteer led hill/mountain walk.
Lakeland Geology Walk with Friends of the Lake District - A led walk with discussions of Lakeland geology while we explore the local area.
Volunteer-Led Day-Walk - A full day walking in the hills/mountains with your peers. Led by BMC volunteers.
Saturday - Morning Activities
Mountain Training Qualifications and How to Achieve Them - An indoor talk aimed at both newcomers and those already on the MT pathway. The session will provide a chance to find out more about Mountain Training Qualifications as well as providing plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
Practical Micro-Navigation - This outdoor workshop, for intermediate and experienced navigators, will take a small group out to engage in problem solving and peer review exercises. The session will be led by experiences nav. trainer Andy Clifford and BMC volunteers.
Saturday - Afternoon Activities
How to Become a Better Navigator Workshop - This workshop will explore crucial skills essential for navigating with map and compass. We will be looking at skills, techniques and tactics in this session led by BMC volunteer and experienced navigation trainer Andy Clifford.
Nature of the Lake District Fells - This session will take place outside on the Lakeland fells where we will be looking more closely at the nature of the uplands. Led by staff from National Outdoors Centre Plas-Y-Brenin, the group will investigate upland woodlands, local species, and the geological and glacial history of the area.
Sunday - Full-Day Activities
Lead on Steep Ground Like a Mountain Leader - At this outdoor workshop, led by staff from National Outdoors Centre Plas-Y-Brenin, we will find out more about leading on steep ground, route finding, decision making and caring for a group on mountainous terrain.
In Search of Purple Saxifrage - As we venture from the beaten path, this session will take us in search of the rare and illusive flower, the Purple Saxifrage. The session will be led by staff from National Outdoors Centre Plas-Y-Brenin who will be discussing arctic-alpine species, how they have adapted to grow in this harsh environment and, how their occurrence here is increasingly tenuous.
Contour Based Navigation - An outdoor navigation coaching session to be held in complex terrain. The workshop will focus on map and compass navigation by contour information. This session will be led BMC volunteers and experienced navigation trainers, John Kewley and Andy Clifford.
Coniston Coppermines Walk - A guided walk around Coniston Coppermines to explore the remains of the extensive copper mining activity between 1600 and 1900. This walk will take us through incredible scenery starting in Coniston Village and climbing to The Bonser Mill, then up Red Dell, over to Levers Water and back around via The Boulder Valley. We can learn about how the copper was mined, how it was processed and who the people were that worked here.
Volunteer-Led Day-Walk - A full day walking in the hills/mountains with your peers. Led by BMC volunteers.
Sunday - Morning Activities
A Discussion/Debate Exploring the Topic of Wilding/Re-Wilding of the Uplands - This indoor session will include a series of short talks from the Wild Ennerdale Project and Friends of the Lake District. The talks will explore approaches and issues raised by wilding/rewilding and will be followed by an opportunity for discussion and debate on this complex yet fascinating topic. This session will be facilitated by one of the BMC's own Access and Conservation officers.
Sunday - Afternoon Activities
Q&A Session About Outdoor Clothing - Writer, gear maker, former MD of Karrimor and founder of OMM Ltd, Mike Parsons, will lead a Q&A on matter including body temperature during exercise, the science of outdoor clothing and better gear choices. This workshop will be based on participants' questions, which will be collected in advance throughout the weekend.
Volunteer-Led Half-Day Walk - A short afternoon walk in the hills with your peers, led by BMC volunteers.
PLEASE NOTE BOOKINGS FOR THE BMC HILL WALKING EVENT 2020 WILL CLOSE ON 29/02/2020.
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