The hiking gear and adventures thread...

[Simbu]

Jim on the hill said:

I've done the 24 hour challenge a couple of times and also all of them separately. What you are planning is a great idea and you should be able to enjoy them all a bit more especially if it's your first time and will make route finding less stressful. Ben Nevis you can't really get lost same as Snowdon, Scafell Pike if you are doing the usual challenge route up there are a couple of different ways. 100% recommend some food in the Wasdale Head pub after.

Look forward to the pics, in terms of gear I'd definitely be having a look at some Decathlon stuff. It's really good gear and very affordable.

Thanks, we're actually staying at the Wasdale Head Inn the night before the climb. Similarly with Ben Nevis we've made a point of booking accommodation a short walk from the visitor's centre where the trail begins. For Snowdon we'll be taking the Miner's path, so a start at Pen Y Pass car park.

I will take a look at Decathlon! I definitely need some decent walking clothes.

For a hire car we're looking at an E class or similar, since it's taking four adult blokes. The road to Wasdale Head looks small but not impossible for such a barge!

[MonkeyBusiness]

Simbu said:

I will take a look at Decathlon! I definitely need some decent walking clothes.

You've reminded me.
This down jacket - https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mountain-trekk... is amazing and great value. Worth a look if you need a 'goto' jacket for your walk.

[TheThing]

Thanks for the suggestions on trousers. I will report back with what I end up getting and how they are.

[ben5575]

Hi all. In case you've missed it, this is an amazing documentary by Jeff Pelletier on his attempt at the Bob Graham Round. Perhaps a little niche for the general youtube thread, but I thought there may be some on here who would appreciate it. It's beautifully made.

[MonkeyBusiness]

ben5575 said:

Hi all. In case you've missed it, this is an amazing documentary by Jeff Pelletier on his attempt at the Bob Graham Round. Perhaps a little niche for the general youtube thread, but I thought there may be some on here who would appreciate it. It's beautifully made.

Thank you! I've meaning to do this - hiking/wildcamping not running.
That my evening entertainment.

[toasty]

Hi all, my wife has decided we'll be trekking to Everest base camp this year. We've still got most of the gear from a previous trip to Kili. Initial plans are to go with Intrepid. We used Diamox last time for the altitude and plan to do the same.

Anyone got any advice on this trip before we book?

[Muppet007]

toasty said:

Hi all, my wife has decided we'll be trekking to Everest base camp this year. We've still got most of the gear from a previous trip to Kili. Initial plans are to go with Intrepid. We used Diamox last time for the altitude and plan to do the same.

Anyone got any advice on this trip before we book?

I did it about 14 years ago (wow), a lot has changed since then. My wife has been back to Nepal twice since and says lots has changed.
However the basic should be the same. Diamox is a must. Take it slow and easy on the way up.
Don't be to shocked how much of a sthole base camp is.
Take warm stuff Its bloody cold in a tent at base camp.

You will get ill. Its pretty much guaranteed, but try and stick to local food.
They try and cater for western diet but as its not the norm for them, its normally very dodgy. Eating local food means less chance of getting ill.

If you are looking for a very good company to do it, try https://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/
Our group was a mix of climbers and people just going to base camp. Leaders are very experienced and you get to hang out with the nutters going to the top.
They are not the cheapest, but take longer to get to the top.

Oh and enjoy Lukla airport

[toasty]

Muppet007 said:

I did it about 14 years ago (wow), a lot has changed since then. My wife has been back to Nepal twice since and says lots has changed.
However the basic should be the same. Diamox is a must. Take it slow and easy on the way up.
Don't be to shocked how much of a sthole base camp is.
Take warm stuff Its bloody cold in a tent at base camp.

You will get ill. Its pretty much guaranteed, but try and stick to local food.
They try and cater for western diet but as its not the norm for them, its normally very dodgy. Eating local food means less chance of getting ill.

If you are looking for a very good company to do it, try https://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/
Our group was a mix of climbers and people just going to base camp. Leaders are very experienced and you get to hang out with the nutters going to the top.
They are not the cheapest, but take longer to get to the top.

Oh and enjoy Lukla airport

Thanks, we’ll have a look. I’m not too keen on getting ill again, I lost a stone and a half going up Kili with stomach problems and I’m skinny enough as it is.

[Zaichik]

For the Everest trek, things are changing rapidly and soon the road will reach Lukla.

I’d recommend trekking the circular route via Gokyo lake - it’s a couple days longer but far superior and a good chunk of it less busier than the direct Everest route.

If you’re comfortable with diamox then go ahead with it. I have found I am much better without as its side effects bothered me more and I feel more in touch with my body without it. Main thing as you clearly know is to pace yourself and take it slow. Drink well (doesn’t have to be constant).

Avoiding illness is the main thing and I think this comes down to hygiene and avoiding anything too ‘exotic’ food wise. Porridge, daal bhat and momos all seem very consistent and safe!

Tea houses are getting more and more comfortable and warm.

Internet seems to appear everywhere, but power/recharging can be problematic.

Get fit before hand (run, hike, carry a heavy backpack everywhere). Then you will be able to spend more time with you head up looking around and seeing how amazing everything is in the Himalayas.

Don’t eat yak steak. It’s like eating a shoe.

[Muppet007]

Zaichik said:

Don’t eat yak steak. It’s like eating a shoe.

Or buffalo buggers. They are nasty.

@OP
Its worth spending a couple of days in Katmandu, its a crazy place but lots to see.
Recommend staying at the Summit Hotel if you can get a room. The UN spend a lot of time there, doing ermm not much but eating.
Say hello to the donkeys

[MonkeyBusiness]

I need some help/advice please.

Looking to plot my annual UK long distance hike. I'd like.....
3-4 days
Wild camping a must.
Not afraid of height/climbs and I can smash out the miles - lets say 20 absolute max a day depending on climbs.
Going May-July
Prefer circular but point to point is fine as long as transport is available at both ends (I live in Leeds so I have to cater for getting to the start)

Leaning toward the Lake District. Done the Cumbrian Way (excellent).
My playground is the Yorkshire Dales so I'd like something different.

Anyone got some GPX routes they can share?

[Matt..]

MonkeyBusiness said:

I need some help/advice please.

Looking to plot my annual UK long distance hike. I'd like.....
3-4 days

- Hadrians Wall
- Snowdonia Way
- Snowdonia Slate Trail
- Beacons Way

Most of them are probably too long but could probably be shortened. With 3 or 4 days I’d probably just make my own route. You could perhaps look at a coastal route, eg. Llyn Peninsula. Or you could spend 3-4 days trying to avoid bogs in the Rhinogs.

Edited by Matt.. on Sunday 10th March 23:38

[ben5575]

Are you looking to do a single walk with stops along the way or would you consider a 'greatest hits' type thing where you do say four circular walks which you have to drive between?

[irc]

MonkeyBusiness said:

I need some help/advice please.

Looking to plot my annual UK long distance hike. I'd like.....
3-4 days
Wild camping a must.
Not afraid of height/climbs and I can smash out the miles - lets say 20 absolute max a day depending on climbs.
Going May-July
Prefer circular but point to point is fine as long as transport is available at both ends (I live in Leeds so I have to cater for getting to the start)

Leaning toward the Lake District. Done the Cumbrian Way (excellent).
My playground is the Yorkshire Dales so I'd like something different.

Anyone got some GPX routes they can share?

Spean Bridge to Dalwhinnie or vice versa.. Train both ends. Park in Glasgow and it's adirect train to the start and back from finish. Via obvious route by Corrour - Ben Alder Cottage - Dalwhinnie. 40 miles.

[irc]

Or park at Blair Atholl. Walk to Aviemore. Direct route is via Glen Tilt and the Larig Ghru. 40ish miles. A classic. Train back to car.

Or Glen Tilt, Glen Geldie, Glen Feshie - Kingussie. Train back to car.

Edited by irc on Monday 11th March 12:29

[Harpoon]

Simbu said:

Thanks, we're actually staying at the Wasdale Head Inn the night before the climb. Similarly with Ben Nevis we've made a point of booking accommodation a short walk from the visitor's centre where the trail begins. For Snowdon we'll be taking the Miner's path, so a start at Pen Y Pass car park.

I will take a look at Decathlon! I definitely need some decent walking clothes.

For a hire car we're looking at an E class or similar, since it's taking four adult blokes. The road to Wasdale Head looks small but not impossible for such a barge!

A little belated but also look at Alpkit for good gear (IMHO). They often have sales, so sign up for e-mails.

https://alpkit.com/collections/hillwalking-kit-lis...

[MonkeyBusiness]

ben5575 said:

Are you looking to do a single walk with stops along the way or would you consider a 'greatest hits' type thing where you do say four circular walks which you have to drive between?

Single walk with stops along the way.
Everything on my back and crack on.

Some good suggestions. Thank you.

[Matt..]

I just got a JMT NOBO permit for August. I’m not sure I’ll use it yet as I really want to go south not north but it’s exciting (and scary!) to have this option. I’ve never done a multi night backpacking trip though have done AV1, TMB, Haute Route and the Kungsleden in the last couple of years.

[troc]

NOBO is a bloody tough start to the hike but I’ve been told it’s worth it, especially if you like solitude.

I’ve not done the whole hike, just the Yosemite end but would love to do it one day.

[Matt..]

troc said:

NOBO is a bloody tough start to the hike but I’ve been told it’s worth it, especially if you like solitude.

I’ve not done the whole hike, just the Yosemite end but would love to do it one day.

Yes it’s a hard start which makes me want to continue chasing a SOBO permit. I also applied for the Wonderland Trail lottery. At least the JMT isn’t as steep as some of the Alps hiking I’ve done! I’ll probably now blow a ridiculous amount of money lightening my pack but that’s all part of the fun.