Introduction to Expedition

Meet Leader: Steve "The Cake" Ratcliffe.

Dates: 27-29 June 2008.

Location: Peak District

Latest Details!!   Download Recommended Kit List

We are meeting at the Eric Byne Memorial campsite on Friday evening (27th June 2008) between 7pm - 9pm. G.R. [SK 276 725].  Those who have told me they are coming have received the full details, never too late to join just let me know.

Overview; This weekend is primarily designed to give new and in-experienced members an introduction to expedition skills, backpacking, navigation, route finding and wild camping, but should also provide an entertaining weekend for experienced members who would like to contribute their knowledge and skills to help others.  During this trip we will concentrate on basic skills and knowledge in a safe and un-demanding environment with a view to tackling more ambitious projects in the not too distant future!

Pre-Expedition Meeting & Coffee Evening; We will meet at Ade & Glens house in Leicester on Friday 6th June at 7.30pm, this is mainly to give those going on the expedition the opportunity to get together and discuss the kit list and format for the weekend (this evening is fairly essential for those going on expedition).  Any other members are welcome to join us for tea and cakes anytime after 7.30pm - the meeting for the Expedition party should take a couple of hours at most.

The Expedition; With the emphasis of this trip being more about learning new skills, there will not be an excessive amount of walking involved over the course of the weekend.  As I said before the exact details will be discussed, but expect to meet up somewhere around the Chatsworth area of the Peak District on Friday evening with a very short walk to our campsite for Friday Night.  On Saturday there will be no more than 10km of walking, and this will be at a gentle pace over relatively easy ground interspersed with many stops for map reading exercises etc.  Saturday night will be spent on a very basic and more remote camp site, but will have a toilet and and cold water tap at least, the idea is to learn what's involved with wild camping without throwing you in at the deep end!  On Sunday we will have a shorter walk to finish our trip in the pub with a meal on Sunday Night, where all will be welcome to join us!

Equipment; The kit list that I will provide you is at this stage is mainly to help me establish what, if anything, you will need to borrow (we have a reasonable stock of expedition tents, trangias, sleeping bags and backpacks) we can also give advice on things you might want to buy.

We will discuss during the meeting exactly what you will need and how to go about getting it all in your backpack whilst still be able to carry it all weekend relatively comfortably!  The expedition will work better in pairs, as their are items of equipment that are better shared and split between two or more people.  Unless you have very good equipment you will struggle to carry everything you need to be self sufficient!!  It would help if you could make arrangement with some to work with on the Expedition before the meeting next Friday.  Download Recommended Kit List

Food; We will also discuss food, and I will give those that need it advise and suggestions for planning meals that can be easily kept, carried and cooked efficiently whilst giving you the energy you need for the weekend.

Location & Directions; I have not yet decided if the trip shall be circular, or point to point, this will largely depend on logistics and support for the expedition, so the exact route will be decided sometime during the three weeks between the meeting and the expedition.  I will discuss the route with those supporting the expedition and provide start and finish locations leaving plenty of time for you to make transport arrangements.