FAQ
Frequently asked questions about our open challenges
We get asked a lot of questions by people looking to book walks with us.
Here are some of the most common ones we have been asked over the years:
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Are dogs allowed? Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the open events due to there being mixed groups. If you would like to bring your dog along, you can book our private group challenge – please see our website for prices and email or message us for dates
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How many places are there? We will be limiting our open challenges to 30 people so please book early to avoid disappointment; our Northumberland Six Peaks Challenges usually sells out within a couple of weeks.
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Can this event be run any other time? If you cannot make the course date, please send us a message to discuss other options and please check our website for prices for private bookings.
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Are there any cut off times? At the moment there are no cut off times in place for the day, however, this may change as we get closer to the challenge, for example, weather may affect the course of the walk. Any changes will be detailed in the route information. The challenge will start around 7am, giving you the best chance of completing the challenge
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Do I need to know how to use a map and compass? No, each group will be guided by a qualified and experienced mountain leader.
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Can I run the route? These are walking only challenges and there is no option at the moment to run the event, please contact us if you would like to run one of our challenges.
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How fit do I need to be? Please remember this is a challenge and a high level of fitness is needed for our most challenging routes, this is by no means an easy day on the hill and a high level of fitness is required.
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Is there an age limit? Yes, you must be over 18 to take part as an individual, over 16’s must be accompanied by an adult – please email us to discuss this before booking.
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Can I get more information? If you would like more information about a specific event, please email or call us to discuss.
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What do I need to bring? Below is a suggested Kit List and even though you may not have all of the items, before a challenge for your own safety, we would expect you have sourced most of them.
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Boots (one of the most important items on any kit list, comfort is the key to an enjoyable walk. It is also a good idea to wear in any boots/equipment you plan to use beforehand to avoid blisters)
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Waterproof jacket and trousers
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Hat and gloves
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Rucksack
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Food (plenty of snacks and lunch, as we could be out on the hill for around twelve hours)
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Drinks (a minimum of 3 litres of water as there is no option to fill up bottles)
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Spare warm clothes
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Personal medication/personal first aid kit
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Sun glasses
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Sun Cream
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Spare food (high energy and enjoyable snacks)
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Torch and spare batteries
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The list below contains suggested items for safety, however all our guides will carry these so they are not a necessity.
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Map and compass
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Whistle
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Shelter/safety bag
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First aid kit
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Do I need to bring food? Please bring your own food for the challenge, including plenty of snacks, lunch and around 3 litres of water, below are some helpful ideas on snacks to bring. Drinking and eating well are very important to help you successfully complete the challenge.
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Fruit is a healthy snack and the natural sugars will provide a quick energy boost. Different fruits contain various vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre. Try bananas, apples, berries, orange segments and grapes.
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Fruity flapjacks/granola bars. The fruit will give a quick boost of energy due to sugar content, whereas oats are a starchy carbohydrate, which provides longer lasting energy. Oats also contain fibre, which may help you to feel fuller for longer.
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Handful of mixed plain nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein and fibre and will provide plenty of energy. Add a little dried fruit to give a quick energy boost.
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Don’t forget some of your favourite snacks, they will not only give you an energy boost but may lift your mood if needed. However, if chocolate is one snacks of choice, remember it may melt so place them in a separate container or food bag.
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Please remember our last point – to also bring snacks you like, don’t just think energy bars and energy gels, although these are good it’s just as important that you like the snacks you have.
It is important to note that these are outdoor challenges and weather/conditions can affect what we are able to do on the day. If the weather creates dangerous walking conditions, or the clothing you are wearing is unsuitable, we may have to change the route. However, we will do our utmost to avoid this situation, getting everyone around as much of the route as possible safely. A generic training plan will be provided two months beforehand to help you prepare.
Please also read our cancellation policy before booking by clicking on the PDF link.
If you have any more questions, please let us know and we will be happy to help.
Thanks again and I look forward to hopefully meeting you soon.