black mass - autumn ‘24

When is it?

Friday 6th - Sunday 8th September 2024. Arrival time is anytime after 12 noon, and 3pm for pods

Where is it?

Great Langdale NT Campsite (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/lake-district/great-langdale-campsite)

We’re going back to the fantastic Great Langdale National Trust site. They accommodate tents, campervans, motorhomes and also have pods for those who don’t fancy staying in a tent but don’t have a van. There’s also accommodation at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel nearby and the New Dungeon Ghyll down the road for those who fancy a bit more comfort.

You’ll need to book your own accommodation so the sooner you do it the less likely places will be booked up.

What is it?

The plan is to meet on the Friday afternoon where we could either have a stroll along the valley to Whorney Side Force or do a circuit of Blea Tarn before returning to the Old Dungeon Ghyll for dinner.

On the Saturday I think it’d be fantastic to walk up the Langdale Pikes in one form or another. I’d really like us all to stand on Pike O’ Stickle. Obviously weather will determine how feasible this is but if it’s not too bad we should have plenty of daylight if we set off early to walk nice and slowly. We can finalise this idea on the Friday night. 

The alternative, should the weather be really bad, is a pub crawl around Little & Great Langdale! I’m sure there are a few of you who’d choose this as the number 1 option 😂

Saturday night we'll head back to the pub for dinner and then leave Sunday morning (11 am checkout at the campsite). The campsite do GREAT sausage and/or bacon baguettes, by the way!

Who's it for?

Pike O’ Stickle could be a challenge for some but I think it’ll be something that’ll stay with you forever if you’ve never done it. Perhaps you’ve discounted it as beyond your abilities. For that reason I’d really like make sure we all get there, no matter how long it takes.

The group will inevitably split up as there’s normally a varying level of experience etc. So for that reason a couple of experienced volunteers who know the Pikes well would be appreciated. Let me know if you can help and stay with the quicker group.

But remember: this is your choice. I’m not forcing you to do it. I’m heading out for a walk and you’re more than welcome to join me with the understanding that you’re responsible for your own well-being. If you don’t think you’re up to it, don’t do the walk - there are other alternatives in the valley. I have no insurance for hosting an event for a group of people so on that basis we're just meeting up as friends and going for a walk and a few drinks 😁

What do I need?

• Waterproofs – It's The Lakes, you'll need full waterproofs (jacket and pants)

• Thermal clothing - Lightweight down jacket + fleece + hat and gloves

• Good footwear - Comfortable walking shoes or boots

• Food and drink – We'll find a nice place for a picnic

• Money for food & drink in the pubs

• Camera equipment and a means of keeping it all dry should the day take a soggy turn

If it rains then we’ll still push ahead. If it’s heavy rain then we’ll do option 2 🍻

However if we're hit with storm conditions and there are travel problems then we might need to reschedule it to a different weekend. Keep an eye on Patreon for any announcements nearer the time.

This should be a fantastic weekend the Great Long Valley and I'm very excited to see you there.

Thanks very much,

Glenn