Gold DofE Residential - Mountain Adventures

Question 1

WILL I NEED WALKING POLES?

Accepted Answer

Walking poles are not essential but they a good idea for anyone who may suffer from any stiffness or pain in the back, knees or hips. They can help you feel more secure on uneven ground, especially in descent. Poles that can be shortened easily are recommended so you can fold them up and strap them to your backpack for any sections where you might prefer not to use them. For novice users, we suggest using one pole on the way up and two on the way down, depending on your route. If you can, practice walking with them before your event to get used to them. This guide has loads of useful information about using poles.

Question 2

DO I REALLY NEED WALKING BOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Whilst walking boots are definitely preferred and advised, they are not absolutely essential. Ideally you will have sturdy, comfortable footwear which supports your ankles and, if possible, are waterproof to maintain comfort and warmth. Thick soles are essential with good grip for slippery surfaces. This might be a ‘walking trainer’ with a rugged sole (sometimes called ‘approach' shoes), but slightly less heavy than a full, leather walking boot.

If you do decide to buy new footwear then make sure you wear them in well before your event. This will help to avoid blisters on the day and improve confidence and comfort.

Whatever footwear you use, make sure you look after them properly. Read our guide here and help your boots last for as long as possible.

Question 3

WILL THERE BE TOILET STOPS?

Accepted Answer

By booking on to one of our challenges you will be participating in an outdoor activity where public toilets are not readily available. There are sometimes toilets where we start our walks, but please be aware that they may not be open depending on what time we meet.

If you suffer from any medical conditions which mean you will need access to a toilet more often, then please get in touch as we hope to make our events as accessible to as many people as we can.

Going to the toilet ‘in the outdoors’ just needs some privacy, a sense of humour and some toilet tissue/rubbish bag, if applicable. This is so you can put any solids including toilet tissue in a rubbish bag and put this back in your rucksack, rather than leaving toilet tissue or baby wipes discarded on the mountain – please don’t!

Question 4

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

As a business, we have adequate liability insurance for the activities we offer. Once you have booked onto your day then we recommend you take out travel and trip insurance which will cover any unavoidable cancellations or accidents, especially if you are using public transport or planning on booking accommodation. Check for ‘Trip Cancellation’ cover on your policy.

Question 5

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS REALLY BAD?

Accepted Answer

Everyone who signs up to one of our events should be ready for various weathers on their walk. This includes extreme heat as well as wind, rain, low cloud and even snow showers sometimes! As an experienced mountain activity provider, if we deem the incoming weather to be a danger to our walking groups and staff, then we may make alternative arrangements in terms of route planning. This could include walking up as far as we can before turning back, taking an alternative route, i.e. a traverse instead of an ascent, we may even take a group up a smaller neighbouring mountain with views of Yr Wyddfa.

We take weather warnings very seriously and occasionally will decide to cancel an event. More information about this can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Question 6

CAN I DO THIS WHILE I'M ON MY PERIOD?

Accepted Answer

The main thing you need to consider is how your period affects you. Only you know your symptoms and what affect exercising while on your period will have. Things like lower motivation and dehydration are things to look out for but can easily be managed. Take some time to monitor your period ahead of your event and learn how you can best manage your symptoms.

In the run up to your event you might want to explore comfortable sanitary items, and how to change or manage them while out on the hill with little to no toilet access. If you’re still unsure, then check out www.optimalperiod.com for reliable and accurate information about exercising whilst on your period.

Or have a read through our Periods in the Outdoors document.

Question 7

CAN I DO THIS WHILE PREGNANT?

Accepted Answer

There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant, however, the appropriate intensity of exercising while pregnant will vary person to person. We highly recommend you discuss this with a medical professional and do your own research before you commit to an event with us. Please ensure you let us know that you’re pregnant in your registration form as well as on the day so we can support you in the best way possible.

Question 8

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Accepted Answer

By Train
Llanberis’ only train stations are for the Lake Railway and the Snowdon Mountain Railway! However, our closest train stations are at Bangor - Gwynedd (BNG) and Betws-y-Coed (BYC) which can both bring you to Llanberis via bus (see below) or taxi (we recommend Snowdonia Taxi). Both stations are situated on main train lines accessed from all over the UK, changing at Chester or Crewe most usually.

By Car
The M56/A55 will bring you to North Wales along dual carriageways and the M54/A5 will take you through the beautiful scenic mountains and passes often featured in world class TV and films. If you are driving up the Welsh coast from South Wales, then follow the A470 and then A487 to Caernarfon.

By Coach
National Express services run to Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor, and Holyhead from London, Chester and Manchester. Arriva Buses Wales operate services to Caernarfon, Bangor and Porthmadog, see below for onward travel.

Local Buses to Llanberis
85 from Bangor (apx every 2 hours and 3 hours on Sundays)
88 from Caernarfon (apx every hour and every 2 hours on Sundays)
S1 Snowdon Sherpa from Pen y Pass weekends and Bank Holidays (apx every half hour)
S2 from Betws y Coed (apx every hour)
S97 from Porthmadog, change to S4 in Beddgelert and then change again to the S1 at Pen Y Pass

Bus timetables are subject to change. You can check all bus details on the Gwynedd Council website.

By Bike
If you enjoy cycling why not use pedal power to come to the beautiful, bike-friendly Snowdonia Mountains and Coast by following the National Cycle Network. Quiet, traffic-calmed and traffic-free routes create easy access from the surrounding area and further afield.

By Air
Transfers from the international gateways of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham take less than two hours. A new air route between Cardiff International Airport and Anglesey Airport takes just under an hour.

By Sea
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate regular and high-speed services to Holyhead from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire. For southern Snowdonia, ferry services into Fishguard and Pembroke Dock are a handy alternative.

Gold DofE Residential - Mountain Adventures

RAW Adventures

Gold DofE Residential - Mountain Adventures