HIGHLANDER - Adventure of a Lifetime

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Don't be fooled – HIGHLANDER is no walk in the park!

Temperatures from 10°C to 26°C

To be able to enjoy our trail, conditioning before the event is strongly advised. (We recommend 100-200 km of hiking in the months leading up to the event). The gear you will be packing for HIGHLANDER must be tested beforehand for full functionality.

The climate of the Lake District is maritime and extremely varied even in summer. The weather is generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures can be up to 26°C however, the temperatures are more likely to be between 10°C and 19°C. During the event, you will hike at different altitudes, so keep in mind that the weather changes with the altitude, meaning you can also expect 4°C on the summit with strong winds.

Temperatures from 10°C to 26°C

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with a 5-7 kg backpack and gradually increase to 15-17 kg.

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with a 5-7 kg backpack and gradually increase to 15-17 kg.

Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in before the event.

Look into ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking methods of walking and packing. Bring only the indispensable items in your backpack and choose natural materials wherever possible.

Merino wool is great (especially for underwear) for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odor properties.

A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 17 kg. The lighter, the better!

< 17 kg

The lighter, the better!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

Weather

Expect rainy weather with high humidity and colder nights.

Bring dry weather and rain clothing, including a cap or hat, gloves, cold-weather long-sleeve t-shirt (preferably wool), hiking pants, rain pants, and a rain jacket.

Food

For reheating food, you will need LPG or alcohol/gasoline stove.

Navigation

To find your way around, you must know how to read GPX maps and use a compass. A detailed physical map will also be provided by the Organizer.

Safety

For your safety, all participants must bring a first aid kit.

Littering

We believe our participants love and cherish nature and all its beauty.

Littering on and around trails, checkpoints, and mountain lodges is forbidden. Litterers will be disqualified and banned from applying to any future HIGHLANDER events.

Physical preparation

Although HIGHLANDER will provide logistical support, you still need to take care of your welfare and know how to navigate during your HIGHLANDER adventure. For this reason, we recommend getting some walking experience in the mountains and learning basic navigation skills before coming to the event and becoming a HIGHLANDER. Each leg will vary in length, but most will take between 5-10 hours, so a good level of fitness and HIGHLANDER spirit will go a long way.

Dogs

This is a dog-friendly event but dogs must be on a leash at all times. You need to carry the dog food with you.

You’re responsible for the waste removal and the behaviour of your dog.

PACKING LIST FOR HIGHLANDER LAKE DISTRICT

Items marked with (MI) are MANDATORY ITEMS!

BACKPACK

backpack (up to 50L)
backpack liner/cover
dry bags (2-5L)
ziplock bags
trash bag (provided by organiser) (MI)

FOOD & DRINKS

meals divided by days (provided by organiser)
snacks
start water 1.5L (MI)
hydration bladder/water bottles ( minimal volume 1.5L) + water (MI)
water purification filter/drops/ tabs (MI)

COOKING

gas / alcohol stove and stove fuel (MI)
cookware & cutlery (MI)
matches or lighter
biodegradable hand sanitiser or soap

SHELTER

tent (MI)
*bivouac sack or hammocks + tarp are not allowed due to practical and safety reasons*

SLEEP SYSTEM

sleeping bag (MI)
sleeping bag liner
sleeping pad (MI)
pillow

NAVIGATION

map and trail instructions (provided by the organiser)
more detailed map as OS Landranger 90 or Harvey Lake District
compass (MI)
GPS device

LIGHT

head torch / flashlight (MI)
extra batteries
tent light

CLOTHES

warm clothes layer (MI)
waterproof jacket (MI)
waterproof trousers (MI)
base layer
underwear
rain shell
hiking socks
bandana / hat
boots / trail runners (MI)
camp shoes
gloves

HYGIENE & PROTECTION

toothbrush & biodegradable toothpaste
toilet paper - biodegradable
soap - biodegradable
light towel
lip balm / cream
insect repellent (midges)
sunscreen
sunglasses
first aid kit (MI)
survival blanket (MI)

PERSONAL ITEMS & GEAR

watch
duct tape
trekking poles
gaiters
knife
pen and paper
phone/camera
national ID card of passport
money
a copy of itinerary left with family or friends

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

Before traveling

ARRIVING BY CAR

We are a sustainable and environmentally friendly event so If you can car share or get public transport into the start venue this is preferred.

Keep in mind that the Grasmere has limited space in parking lots, but there are several options you can choose from:

Free parking - there are two free parking areas available along the A591 road, on the outskirts of the Grasmere village. Please note, these fill up very quickly so arriving early is recommended.

Paid parking - there are several paid car parks available within the Grasmere village, where you can leave your car for the whole duration of the HIGHLANDER event:

Red Bank Car Park: 1 minute walking from the event start/finish line.
Stock Lane Car Park: 5 minutes walking from the event start/finish line.
Broadgate Meadow Car Park: 7 minutes walking from the event start/finish line.

There are 3-day parking permits available through the Westmorland & Furness Council that will cover you for the whole duration of the event (current price is £21.60)

ARRIVING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The easiest way to arrive by public transport is to take a train to Windermere station.

From there, you take the Stagecoach 555 or 599 bus, drive for 30 minutes, and get off at the Grasmere (Heaton Cooper Studio) station.

The buses operate between 06:00 and 23:00, and depart approximately every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.

ARRIVING BY PLANE

AIRPORTS NEARBY:

The most convenient major airports for reaching the Lake District are Manchester (MAN) and Liverpool (LIV), with direct train lines available from both airports to key Lake District locations like Oxenholme for Windermere.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENT

The Grasmere area is home to welcoming guesthouses, traditional inns, boutique hotels, self-catering cottages, cosy bed & breakfasts, and campsites, giving you plenty of choice for your visit to the Lake District.

For those joining us in Grasmere, there are a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. Our event will be hosted at Tweedies Lodge, where you can enjoy the convenience of staying right at the venue in stylish, comfortable rooms.

For a more budget-friendly stay, YHA Grasmere offers shared dormitories and a peaceful campsite, ideal for those who enjoy a sociable or outdoorsy experience.