About the event:
New Years Eve? On a Mountain?
Absolutely! Do something different and welcome in the New Year of 2025 on a natural high! Literally!
Dust off the Christmas cobwebs and join me on a social dark skies guided walk up Skiddaw in the Lake District National Park. We'll set off at roughly 2100 (9pm) with head torches up to the summit of the mountain to see welcome in the new year from the summit!
This will be perfect for those looking to do something special - for adventurous family groups, friends and whoever is fed up of the usual new year's eve routine.
We'll have some prosecco for everyone and some hot Ribena for the drivers/non-drinkers - but you are welcome to bring your own tipple.
No matter how far we get or where we are on the mountain when the bells ring (sometimes we've headed down a bit off the summit out of the cloud to watch the fireworks down in Keswick), this is a very different and unique way to see in the new year! It'll be one to remember!
Where the Event Takes Place
Skiddaw is one of England's highest mountains at 931m (3,054ft). Sitting on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park, it has a more rounded flavour than its craggier neighbours in the more central and western areas. The nearest towns are Keswick or Penrith which is just off the M6 and on the west coast mainline. Both Keswick and Penrith also sit on the main transpennine A66 road.
However lovely the Lake District is during the summer, it can be a wonderful place in winter too. A throwback to bygone eras with a modern flavour too. And some great pubs and proper good food!
Meeting Point:
We'll meet between 21:00-21:30 (9-9:30pm) at the UnderSkiddaw Car Park near Keswick. We'll confirm the exact meeting time closer to the start of the event. It will depend largely on how many are coming and what the weather is doing. To view the start point on Google Maps, please click here. This will open in a separate tab.
I will keep folks updated in the days beforehand as to what the weather is doing. On one occasion we've met as a group in Keswick for me to fit crampons to boots. But that's very rare.
Difficulty:
The walk up and down is 9.6km / 6 miles in total with an ascent of 641m / 2,103ft. There is a very good track that we will follow.
It is a mountain track and steep in places with potential for mud lower down so good sturdy walking boots will be essential as well as very warm clothing. If crampons, goggles and an ice axe are needed, I can provide them or they can be hired in Keswick. Given the fickle appearance of snow in the Lake District, we won't know until nearer the time. But we'll keep you posted when you book. Remember those extra warm layers for when we are at the summit waiting for the bells to chime.
Prerequisites:
Some basic and recent hill walking experience. If in doubt, please get in touch. This is a very easy hill walk for even mountain newbies!
Cost:
The trip costs £75 per person. Under 18s and dogs are welcome so long as they are accompanied by their parent/guardian.
Under 18's are £40.
A family of 4 (2 adults / 2 older kids) is discounted to £180.
To book just click 'register now' (or the booking link below on mobile) and select the relevant ticket.
Numbers:
I can take a maximum of 12 (well behaved dogs don't count!)
Equipment:
Please see the All Activities section of the kit list. Given it'll be winter, warm layers and extra warm layers will be essential. You'll also need a headtorch with new / fully recharged batteries and it's worth bringing spare batteries or a back-up. We will have a few spares in case.
Images from Past Events
To Book
If you want to chat to me about the event then please feel free to do so - email is a good start as I'm often out and about with limited phone reception. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions too.
To book simply click 'Register Now' and follow the instructions (or on mobile, the link below). You'll get an automated confirmation reply. I'll get notified and if I need to send out extra participation forms for any others you may have booked for, I'll email separately when I'm back in range.
I always get in touch with more detail about the event a month, week then day or so before the start of the event.
Please ensure you've read the booking Terms and Conditions and you are aware of what you need to bring by downloading the gear list
Please check carefully which tickets you are booking and for how many. We try and be flexible but of course that brings loads of options!