Been before? A few things may be slightly different this time. Take a read.
This includes
- the plan
- what to bring
- where to drive to
What to expect from the weekend
This isn't a fixed plan, but may serve as a broad outline for the day.
Friday
We’ll arrive Friday night.
22:00 Make some plans, have a few drinks and a giggle and go to bed.
Saturday
We’ll have breakfast together, and then head off to the crag(s).
We’ll return to the hut for food together, and drinks… and to make lunch and plans for Sunday.
| 08:30 | Breakfast people get up and start breakfast |
| 09:00 | Breakfast |
| 10:00 | Washing Up |
| 10:30 | leave hut |
| 17:00 | Return to hut |
| 17:10 | tea and showers |
| 18:30 | Dinner prep start |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| 21:00 | Washing Up |
| 21:45 | Fun and socialising |
Sunday
We’ll have breakfast together, clean and empty the hut, and head off out.
After Sunday’s activities, everyone will head home.
| 08:30 | Breakfast people get up and start breakfast |
| 09:00 | Breakfast |
| Clear bedrooms | |
| Clear living room, Have cleaned bedrooms | |
| 10:00 | Clear kitchen, showers |
| 10:30 | Leave hut |
| 11:00 | Caving |
| 17:00 | Head for home |
The hut
The hut has toilets, showers, power, alpine style bunks, basic cooking facilities, fresh cold water. It may not have signal at all on some networks. It does not have wifi. There aren’t any shops nearby. We will have to bring everything with us.
What caves/mines are we going to? What if the weathers bad?
We’ll figure out all plans the night before in the hut.
What should I bring?
Key:
normal text: things you definitely need
italic: optional things you might like to have
Sleeping things
- Sleeping bag (mummy style sleeping bags with a hood are best in the UK)
- Earplugs and eyemask (other people can be loud, can snore and this may help you sleep better)
- pillow
- pillowcase
Caving Gear
Basically, bring what you already have, and we will lend you the rest.
In particular, if you have them, please bring
- Wellies
- extra base layers
Clothes for around the hut.
The weather and time of year is important to think about, but this is the British Isles, we have to plan for all weathers at all times of year.
- Outdoor trousers (not denim or jeans of any type)
- comfortable top
- underwear
- waterproof top and bottom
- an extra warm layer
- sturdy footwear
- thick socks
- a full change of clothes back at camp (for being around the hut)
- an extra warm layer
- hat
- buff / scarf
- swimming costume(!)
- water bottle (at least 1 litre)
- spare batteries
- suncream
- sunglasses
- themos flask
- midge net / insect repellent
- first aid kit with plasters, hay fever medication, painkillers
- phone charger and cable
- book / cards / headphones
- walkie-talkies
Washing
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- toiletries
- all medication you need
- towel
Food
Almost all meals are included in the trip price, and will be tailored to your dietary requirements – specifically:
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- Evening meal on Saturday
Lunch is not included in the trip, mainly because we expect to be underground during "lunch" - so we will have substantial breakfasts and evening meals.
We already have your dietary requirements from the signup form, and everyone will be catered for. If the head chef on this trip (Jen) has any questions or queries, they’ll be in touch directly.
Drinks
All drinks (except tap water!) are not included in the price of the trip. Bring your own Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Where am I driving to?
You are headed precisely to here, but read on for a second.
The hut is above the town of Coniston.
As you arrive:
- As you get 15 mins away, please drop a message into the group chat saying you're approaching and read any announcements from Tim there.
- Despite what you may believe, the Satnav is correct. The last mile is a bit bouncy, but if you see signs saying "except for access", you're on the right track.
- The very final bit to the hut is a right turn, off the main track to a white building behind a tree, called Coppermines Cottage. You may see a large white sprinter van (or hopefully a guiding light) - helping you know the exact location to aim for. We'll try to make it as simple as possible. 🙂
- If you end up driving through a gate into a posh wedding venue, you've gone too far.
If you are the first one there, or likely to be – please message Tim directly for info of how to get inside.
We have the hut to ourselves. Put your sleeping bag in place to reserve that as your place to sleep.