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About the centre
Howtown, Penrith
Discover the majestic heart of Cumbria through this unique festival. Designed to engage all your senses, the event offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature, providing comprehensive logistics and a memorable hiking route. Experience the breathtaking views of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain, and Wastwater, the deepest lake. The trail challenges your athletic skills, yet with adequate preparation and embracing the event's spirit, it's a conquerable feat.
This festival in the Lake District comes in three distinct formats - Hercules, Pegasus, and Lyra - each varying in length but united in offering a diverse range of activities. Participants can enjoy everything from music and yoga to various workshops, fostering interaction and immersion in this lifetime adventure.
Dates: 3rd - 7th July 2024
The Hercules route of the festival is named after the Roman mythological hero, derived from the Greek hero Heracles. It also represents the second-largest northern constellation and is the longest route in the event, spanning over 5 days. Traversing a 99 km trail, participants in this outdoor enthusiast's playground will encounter iconic viewpoints, breathtaking peaks, and starlit night skies.
The route includes more than 5,200m of ascent throughout the breathtaking Lake District National Park. The 99 km long route will pass some of the iconic locations in the Lake District area and give you an experience of why the area is under UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a day filled with the physical challenge of hiking, indulge in a variety of activities designed to relax your body while nourishing your mind and soul. The event team has curated a diverse program, including music, yoga, and various workshops, all aimed to complement your adventurous spirit.
These activities offer a great opportunity to forge deeper connections with fellow hiking enthusiasts and make new friends. If you prefer solitude, the event provides the perfect setting to learn something new and practice it amidst the natural expansiveness of the Lake District.
A detailed festival program in advance of the event!
Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Register now to join us for an unforgettable experience at this festival. Embrace the challenge, connect with nature, and become part of a community of like-minded adventurers. Book your spot today and start preparing for an exhilarating journey through breathtaking landscapes. Secure your place in this unique event and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Act now, the mountains are calling!
Registering for the event brings not just excitement and a new adventure into your life, but also a commitment to enhance your physical and mental health.
As we aim to launch this event globally, you'll have the chance to visit more iconic locations worldwide in the future. Along your journeys, the never-ending support from our community will always be with you.
Here's what's included when you join us:
Additionally, registering for the event automatically makes you a member of our exclusive club, offering various benefits. Join us for an experience that's more than a hike—it's an adventure of a lifetime!
Checklist: Hercules & Pegasus Formats
Items market with (MI) are mandatory items!
We ask that you please adhere to our following rules:
1. Mandatory Items
The essential gear of participants may be inspected in the starting area prior to the event’s commencement. Those without the necessary equipment, either at the beginning or during the event, face disqualification and will not qualify to receive the event’s Pin, Patch, and Certificate.
There is a detailed packing list provided above, with mandatory items indicated.
2. Shared Equipment
Equipment sharing is permitted among groups of up to four individuals. However, the entire group must finish within 30 minutes of each other, from the first to the last member. Groups planning to share equipment should notify the organizing staff during the event week registration. Organisers may conduct equipment checks before the event starts. Participants who lack the required equipment at any point, whether at the start or during the event, will face disqualification and won’t be eligible for the event’s Pin, Patch, and Certificate.
Shared equipment may include:
3. Additional Luggage
You have the option to leave your extra luggage with us. Drop it off at registration and retrieve it after you finish. However, please be aware that the organiser is not liable for any valuable items.
4. Physical Preparation
Enhance your experience by being well-prepared for the adventure. This self-supported event traverses remote and challenging terrain in the Lake District mountains. While logistical support is provided, your well-being and navigation skills are crucial. We advise gaining some mountain walking experience and basic navigation skills before attending. The lengths of the journey vary, typically ranging from 5-12 hours, so maintaining a good fitness level and a strong spirit is key to making the most of your adventure.
5. Violation of the Rules
Participants are subject to disqualification in these situations:
6. Food
During the registration process, each participant can choose their diet preference, and the organizer will provide 14 meals accordingly. Both vegetarian and vegan options are available for the event in the Lake District. Meals, designed to meet the average daily nutritional needs of an adult, include cooked food, dehydrated food, pre-made meals, spreads, cheese, cold cuts, and bread, and will be distributed at checkpoints.
Participants are responsible for their own snacks and any additional food they might need. It’s advised to bring snacks, dry fruit, and similar items to complement the meals provided.
Keep in mind that there are no stores or supermarkets within the Lake District National Park, so it’s best to stock up in advance. More detailed information about the provided meals will be shared closer to the event.
7. Drinks
It’s essential to bring a minimum of 4 liters (1 gallon) of water to the starting point. Staying hydrated is crucial, so ensure you always have sufficient water with you.
While there will be ample drinking water provided for each day of hiking, we do not supply containers for carrying it. Please bring your own water bladders or bottles. Water refills will be accessible at all checkpoints during their operational hours.
Please note that mountain water is not safe for drinking. Therefore, it is necessary to use water purification methods, such as tablets, drops, or filters, to make it safe for consumption.
8. Bivouaking and Sites
Participants have the freedom to select their bivouacking location within the event site. Due to regulations against wild camping in the UK, bivouacking is permitted exclusively within designated bivouacking camps located at or near the checkpoints for each event format.
For practicality and safety, sleeping arrangements are limited to tents only. The use of tarps, bivouac sacks, or hammocks is not permitted.
Additionally, starting fires is strictly forbidden. Using mountain lodges or huts for lodging, cooking, or borrowing equipment is also prohibited.
9. Time Limits
While this event isn’t a race, it does operate within a set time frame. Participants who successfully collect all stamps and reach the finish line before it closes will be awarded their event Pin, Patch, and Certificate.
10. Fire
Campfires are strictly prohibited in the wilderness areas of the Lake District National Park. It’s crucial to remain vigilant about the risks of fire at all times.
For cooking food and preparing hot drinks, personal gas stoves are permitted.
11. Littering & Waste
Trash bins are provided at the bivouac camp checkpoints. Strictly no littering or pollution is allowed, and any violation will lead to immediate disqualification.
For restroom needs, participants can use the facilities available at checkpoints, huts, hostels, and similar locations.
12. Dogs
Dogs are welcome at this event, but they must be leashed at all times. There is no additional registration fee for bringing your dog.
Please ensure you bring your dog’s food along with you.
Owners are responsible for managing their dog’s waste and behavior throughout the event.
13. Withdrawal
Should you need to withdraw while on the route, it’s essential to proceed to the nearest road or a safe location. Withdrawal is not feasible on mountain tops, as we lack the resources for mountain evacuations. If you find yourself in such a situation, contact our helpline for guidance on descending the mountain. Adequate preparation, including mandatory gear and the ability to navigate with a map and compass, especially in foggy conditions, is crucial.
Mountain rescue services should only be contacted in genuine emergencies. For serious injuries or if you’re unable to walk and out of cellular range, report the situation at the nearest checkpoint via other participants or the organizers, so emergency services can be alerted. In cases of major incidents with cell service, dial 9-9-9.
If you choose to withdraw from the event, you MUST IMMEDIATELY inform the event organiser by email or phone to avoid triggering a Search & Rescue operation.
Participants who withdraw are responsible for their own transportation back to checkpoints or the parking area. The organiser bears no responsibility for participants’ withdrawal.
Please kindly note that the organiser reserves the right to modify the rules.
This event is organised and run by a dedicated team experienced in outdoor adventures and hiking expeditions. They specialise in creating challenging yet rewarding experiences for participants, focusing on safety, environmental respect, and community building. They run events globally, and know how to put on an incredible festival!
At adventuro, we are proud partners of this event and work closely with the team who run it. The adventuro founder will also be in attendance and can’t wait to meet you there!
Registration and Transport at Check-In
For those participating in the Pegasus and Lyra formats, the start location differs from the check-in area. We provide transport from Park Foot Holiday Park (check-in area) to the starting points. Buses will depart from Park Foot Holiday Park, ensuring a smooth journey to the start. Please note, participants are responsible for arranging their transportation to the check-in location.
Mandatory Check-In Process
A few days before the event, you’ll receive an email with your BIB number and a QR code, essential for the mandatory check-in. Keep an eye out for the schedule of the mandatory check-in. If you have additional luggage, inform our staff during check-in, and they’ll guide you on the next steps.
Food and Water Details
The event caters to both meat and vegan dietary preferences, which you can specify during registration. It’s crucial to bring your own water supply to the start, with a minimum recommendation of 4 litres (1 gallon). For detailed information on food and water, please refer to the event rules.
Transport to the Start and Start Times
Post mandatory check-in, Pegasus and Lyra participants will be transported to their respective starting points:
The timetable for transportation and the schedule for start times will be announced shortly. As part of our commitment to your safety, we may check your equipment at the start.
You have to collect all the checkpoint stamps to receive the HIGHLANDER title.
Checkpoints are open every day in the periods specified for individual checkpoints.
During checkpoint working hours, our staff will assist you in obtaining your HIGHLANDER checkpoint stamp, water, and food.
Participants can collect their event checkpoint stamp, along with water and food, during specific times allocated for each checkpoint. The operational hours for these checkpoints will be announced as the event date approaches.
Please note that if you fail to obtain the checkpoint stamp, you are disqualified and are not entitled to the HIGHLANDER title, Pin, Patch, or Certificate. The participant is the only one responsible for collecting the stamp at each checkpoint.
This event is much more than a leisurely stroll. To fully enjoy our trail, pre-event conditioning is crucial (we suggest 200 km of hiking in the months leading up to the event). It’s also important to test your gear for functionality before embarking on your journey.
The Lake District’s climate is varied, even in summer. Expect wet, mild weather, with summer temperatures typically ranging between 10°C and 19°C, though they can reach up to 26°C. Be prepared for different altitudes and corresponding weather changes, including possible 4°C temperatures with 45 mph winds at the summit.
Packing Right
Your backpack might get heavy, so practice carrying a load between 5-7 kg, gradually increasing to 15-17 kg. For the Lyra format, aim for a maximum of 10 kg. Ensure your hiking shoes are well broken in, and consider ultralight backpacking techniques. Pack only essential items, favoring natural materials like merino wool for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odor properties. Aim for a fully packed backpack weight of under 17 kg (10 kg for Lyra), excluding food and water.
Mountain Essentials
Expect rainy conditions with high humidity and cooler nights. Pack accordingly with both dry weather and rain clothing, including a cap or hat, gloves, a long-sleeve t-shirt (preferably wool), hiking and rain pants, and a rain jacket. You’ll need LPG or alcohol/gasoline for reheating food. Familiarise yourself with reading GPX maps and using a compass for navigation. For Hercules and Pegasus, a special physical map will be provided. Carry a first aid kit for safety.
Respect for Nature – Leave No Trace
Littering is strictly prohibited; bring a waste bag for your litter and adhere to the leave-no-trace principles.
Littering can result in disqualification and future event bans.
Preparation and Fitness
While logistical support is provided, your welfare and navigation skills are crucial. Gain mountain walking experience and basic navigation skills beforehand. Most legs will take 5-12 hours, so a good fitness level and a strong spirit are key.
Dog-Friendly Event
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. You’re responsible for carrying their food, waste removal, and managing their behavior.
Absolutely. We welcome everyone, including individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends.
If you wish to join as a team, you will need a team leader.
What’s great about registering as a team of four is that we have a 3+1 offer meaning that one of your places will be free.
If this is you, send the adventuro team a message in the chat and they will help you to organise this and discount your booking accordingly.
Simply scroll to the bottom of this page, and you will see these options just below the booking form.
Cumbria, United Kingdom
From £249
Cumbria, United Kingdom
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