McCarthy Stone Foundation South Downs Coast Challenge

Question 1

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

Accepted Answer

If you’re hoping to take on a mountain comfortably (and be able to walk the next day), then you will need a reasonable level of general fitness. There will be steep and uneven terrain with exposed areas, be sure to do some research on the route you plan to take so you’ll know what to expect.

We guide people of all ages, but unless you exercise regularly, your muscles may feel a bit sore over the two days following your event. You will also find breathing more challenging on the steeper sections, if you’re not used to exercising aerobically. We plan to ascend at a comfortable pace at all times, but we expect walkers to arrive physically ready and prepared for a long day of walking.

When you book, we will ask you for any medical conditions and it’s very important that you answer honestly and in detail. If we have any concerns about your medical information then we may contact you directly to clear up any uncertainties and to ensure that we can prepare our Mountain Leaders to offer you any extra special care should it be required.

In the month before your challenge, we recommend you aim to have completed at least a few 5 mile walks, ideally over mixed terrain and in various weathers. Multiple walks will help you to wear in and get to know your equipment as well. Look out for our downloadable training plan in your confirmation email.

This blog gives a detailed answer for how fit you need to be to Climb Snowdon, all other single day mountain adventures would be about the same.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

HOW BIG SHOULD MY RUCKSACK BE?

Accepted Answer

For a one-day event, your rucksack should be at least 25 litres in size with two shoulder straps and ideally a chest and/or waist strap too. To waterproof your possessions, we recommend that you line your rucksack with a bin bag. Re-usable ‘Zip-lock’ bags are good for smaller items or mobile phones.

Don’t limit your Kit List packing because you can’t fit it in your bag; find a bigger bag! Read our guide on how to pack your bag.

Question 5

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I TAKE?

Accepted Answer

Ensure you take on a filling meal with complex carbohydrate and protein to fill you up about an hour before your event is due to start. Take at least 2 litres of water with you in a reusable water bottle and pack a variety of foods, both savoury and sweet that will sustain you during the event.

Try to choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods, rather than overly sweet foods and chocolate. Foods like malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham/salami, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, pork pies or sausage rolls will last well on the hill and sustain you over several hours. Cold pizza is a particular favourite for some of our staff! Remember to never leave any wrappings or fruit peel on the hill and take all litter back home with you.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

WILL I REQUIRE ANY MAP READING SKILLS?

Accepted Answer

No, our fully qualified Leader will take this responsibility off your hands. However, if you would like to learn, then do ask our friendly leaders. We also run Mountain and Hill Skills courses which are aimed at people wanting to learn the basics of map reading in the mountains.

Question 9

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 10

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR?

Accepted Answer

You can download a full Kit List on our website. Our office team are extremely experienced and qualified, and we love to talk mountains!

There may seem like a lot of equipment on the list, but you will be wearing most of it and your food and water will only get lighter as the day goes on. One of the reasons many people might not enjoy their day (or reach the summit) is due to a lack of advised equipment.

There is no need to spend a fortune on new items, ask around friends and family to borrow clothes or try your local charity shops if needed. Read our Tips for Cost-Effective Kit Without Compromising Safety

Make sure that you avoid things like jeans any slow drying cotton items. When these materials get wet, they stay wet and leave water close to your skin. You’ll get cold up to 25 times quicker in wet clothes compared to dry!

Synthetic materials are ideal as they dry much quicker. Getting cold and wet, not eating enough and not doing anything about these issues, is the main cause of hypothermia. We can even experience these conditions on a day in August, for example! To learn more about the materials to look for and avoid read our Beginner's guide to (serious) walking kit.

Our experienced Mountain Leaders will always be managing the well-being and safety of our groups. We recommend wearing layers of thinner, synthetic or wool fabrics, with the ability to layer over them with a warm fleece and jacket. There’s no point packing ‘extra’ t-shirts or base layers to put on if you get cold, because you won’t want to undress to layer up if you’re feeling chilly. Think about being able to put layers on OVER what you’re already wearing to keep warm.

Question 11

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 12

I'M FEELING ANXIOUS, WILL I BE OK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our super experienced leaders will support you every step of the way. When you book, you’ll receive a link to what we call our event notes. Between that document and these FAQs, we think we’ve covered everything you could possibly need to know for your event. If you think we’ve missed anything then please do let us know.

Our leaders have completed an extensive and recognised course to do their job, they hold a minimum 16-hour emergency first aid certificate no older than 3 years, and they have worked with us under supervision before we let them work by themselves. We know our leaders and trust them to look after you, the most important people in our business.

If you’re still feeling a little nervous, then you’re very welcome to give us a call in the office on 01286 870 870 or fill out our contact us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Here is some information on staying safe in the mountains.

Question 13

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 14

WILL I BE LEFT BEHIND IF I'M SLOW?

Accepted Answer

Most of our events account for people walking at all speeds. For a few events, we may have some strict timings we need to adhere to. Our team will monitor everyone’s paces and do their very best to ensure everyone completes the challenge within the time allowed.

McCarthy Stone Foundation South Downs Coast Challenge

RAW Adventures

McCarthy Stone Foundation South Downs Coast Challenge