HIKING UK FELLS, DALES, TARNS, and EDINBURGH

August 15 – 28, 2021 (Trip #2115)

INTRODUCTION Our mission: Hike, explore, learn, relax, enjoy! We will spend eight days within the Lake District—an area of unique landscape, beauty, and character, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that just happens to have some of the best hiking to be found anywhere. The last four days will be spent exploring Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, one of the world’s most interesting—and eminently walkable—cities. Lake District Highlights:

• Fabulous hiking with spectacular views in each direction!

• Climb Scaffel Pike, England’s “roof” • Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s house • Muncaster Castle & Gardens • Hardknott Roman Fort • Lodging in quaint, secluded inns • Historic and picturesque towns

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Edinburgh Highlights:

• The Royal Mile, historical walking tour, Real Mary King’s Close tour

• National Gallery of Scotland, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

• Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse & Holyrood Abbey

• Hike Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, Royal Botanic Garden

• Royal Yacht Britannia tour • Festival Fringe • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and fireworks (optional)

Many of the places we will visit are shown in this photo album. We will be staying at distinctive country inns, spectacularly situated in the heart of the Lakes, and in a 3-star hotel in Edinburgh. Our expedition will teach us about the United Kingdom’s history and culture, geology, and wilder parts. A detailed itinerary is presented below. It is packed with activities that make it a truly unique walking holiday! Mission accomplished.

TRIP DIFFICULTY This trip is rated 4/5 (moderate/vigorous). The hikes will all be day hikes (no backpacks), ranging from easy to strenuous. In the Lakes, we will hike almost every day from three to seven hours per day. The terrain may be rugged and steep in places, requiring agility. There may be short sections on narrow trails with exposure (steep drop-offs). We will hike at a moderate pace, which will permit time for photos and rest breaks. We will be hiking at a range of elevations, from 0 to 3,000 feet, so you may expect to encounter a variety of weather. Temperatures will range from chilly to warm, but no extremes. Precipitation…well, it keeps the UK beautiful. You will carry daypacks containing all your clothes, gear, food, and drink for the hike, but not weighing more than ~15 pounds. Applicants must be experienced hikers who have done multi-day hiking trips and are capable of doing an 11-

mile hike at a moderate pace with an elevation change of +2,500/-2,500 feet in a variety of terrain and weather. In the city, we will walk ten or more miles per day. People wishing to participate must have previous hiking experience at the intermediate level or higher, be in excellent physical shape, and be capable of vigorous hiking for several days in a row. This trip is recommended only for people who hike on a regular basis.

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LAKELAND The Lake District, also known as Lakeland or the Lakes, is a mountainous and coastal area off the Irish Sea, in the northwestern part of England. The rounded mountains (known as fells) and U-shaped valleys (known as dales) are characteristic of glaciation. The area’s name derives of course from its many lakes, known primarily as meres or waters (wide, relatively shallow valley lakes) and tarns (notable for having one bank that is the side of a

steep mountain or hill). The fells are generally barren at the top and often rocky. Other words you may need: gill or ghyll (narrow, wooded ravine), beck (stream), thwaite (clearing in the woods), how (rounded hill), pike (peak), combe (small, dry valley), and knott (rocky hill). The Romans occupied England for almost four hundred years, leaving several ruins in the Lakes, some dating from the second century. Since the 18th century, the Lakes have been a tourist destination, as well as a magnet for writers and artists, most notably William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Today, tourism, especially adventure (hiking, cycling) and cultural tourism, is the area’s major industry. Other industries include agriculture, sheep farming, forestry, and quarrying. Most of Lakeland is included in the Lake District National Park, which is England’s largest, with 2,362 km2 (~2/3 the size of Rhode Island). The park includes all of England’s land that is higher than 3,000 feet, including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike (978 m/3,209’), and its largest lake, Windermere. ‘EDINBRUH’ Situated on the Firth of Forth estuary off the North Sea, Edinburgh (Ed’-n-bruh or, if tourist, Ed’-n-bur-uh; pop. ~500,000) is Scotland’s capital, and a major cultural and financial center. Human settlements there can be traced for ~10,000 years. It retains an old-world charm befitting its long history, including the medieval layout of its Old Town. Its numerous cultural attractions include several world-class museums, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, monuments, cathedrals, and a cathedral of sorts, the Royal Yacht Britannia. Its outdoor

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attractions comprise many gardens and parks, including the Royal Botanic Garden, and Holyrood Park, with Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that dominates the city’s central areas.

Our visit will coincide with several major happenings in town that draws attendees from all over the world, including: • The Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts

festival, with thousands of performances in hundreds of venues, including many that are for free in the streets.

• The Royal Military Tattoo that showcase a series of tattoos, or performances by British and international military bands. Participants may attend the Tattoo on this trip with the purchase of tickets as an option.

DETAILED ITINERARY Notes regarding itinerary: Unless a date is specified, the order of activity days may depend on weather, but is otherwise arbitrary. Time of activity start in the mornings will vary depending on each day’s activities, but will generally be about 8:30 am. Similarly, the end of activities each day will vary, although we will aim for a dinner time of 6 to 7 pm. For hikes, the distance, the elevation gain, and a rough estimate of duration times are shown within parentheses. We will drive less than an hour from our base lodging to the trail heads. The itinerary is subject to change due to availability, conditions, and other circumstances beyond leaders’ control. Day 1 (Sunday, August 15, 2021):

Arrival in Edinburgh; group “welcome” dinner.

Day 2: (Monday, August 16, 2021): Pick up rental cars and transfer to first inn in the Lakes; relax; group dinner.

Day 3: Loop hike (8km/5mi, 250m/1850’, 3h) to the summit of Black Combe (600m/1968’), for spectacular, unobstructed views of Lakeland fells, the Isle of Man, and distant Wales and Scotland. (It is a prominence >150m/492’, known as a Marilyn.) Visit to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s house. Group dinner.

Day 4: Hike (8.7km/5.4mi, 880m/2900’, 5h) up to England’s “roof,” the summit of Scaffel Pike (3209’) and a “Hewitt” (Hills in England, Wales and Ireland over Two Thousand feet), affording stunning, unsurpassed views of the Lakes. (An alternate, longer route may be used.) Group dinner.

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Day 5: Visit Hardknott Roman Fort. Loop hike (7.4km/4.6mi, 275m/900’, 3h) of Eskdale and Stanley Ghyll (ravine), topped off by an 18-m/60-ft force (waterfall), one of the Lakes’ most beautiful. Visit Muncaster Castle & Gardens (13th cent.), overlooking the River Esk.

Day 6 (Friday, August 20, 2021): Day to relax; transfer to second inn in the Lakes; group dinner.

Day 7: Take Ullswater “Steamer” (ferry) from Glenridding to Howtown and hike back (8.5mi, 225m/740’, 4h) via Ullswater Way, over varied terrain that provides fabulous views of Lakeland’s second largest lake and adjacent fells. Group dinner.

Day 8: Loop hike (13.7km/8.5mi, 520m/1700’, 5h) of the two Langdale valleys, separated by Lingmoor Fell, with successive, fabulous views of Langdale Pikes and Coniston Fells. Group dinner.

Day 9: Hike (9.9km/6.1mi, 330m/1090’, 4h) Fellbarrow and Low Fell and enjoy a day exploring farmland, fell slopes, woodland trails and lakeshore paths. Optional group dinner.

Day 10 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021): Easy day; transfer to Edinburgh; return cars; group dinner. Day 11: Sites/activities include Real Mary

King’s Close tour, the Royal Mile (St Giles Cathedral, Gladstone’s Land), historical walking tour, National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle (Royal Palace, National War Museum), Festival Fringe; optional group dinner in Old Town.

Day 12: Hike Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park (4km/2.5 mi, 185m/610’ gain, 2h); sites/activities include Palace of Holyroodhouse/Holyrood Abbey,

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Scottish Parliament Building, Carlton Hill/Nelson Monument, Festival Fringe; optional group dinner in Old Town; Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with fireworks (optional).

Day 13: Sites/activities include Royal Yacht Britannia tour, Royal Botanic Garden, Iverlieth Park, group lunch (optional), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, Royal Mile, Festival Fringe; group dinner near hotel.

Day 14 (Saturday, August 28, 2020): Fly home.

LODGING/MEALS/TRANSPORTATION Lodging accommodations are for double-occupancy rooms with shower or bath in comfortable inns and a 3-star hotel. All breakfasts will be at inns/hotel and are included in the price; lunches will be bag lunches or at eateries and are not included; and dinners, all but four of which are included, will be at restaurants. We will use rental vehicles for transportation. Participants may be drivers if they pass a driving record check, and are comfortable driving on the left side of roads.

TRIP PRICE The trip price is $3,950 for AMC members, and $4,050 for non-members. Non-members can join AMC for $50, and pay the same trip price. The trip price includes the following:

• Lodging and all local transportation, including from/to airport • All breakfasts and all but four

dinners, from first evening’s “welcome” dinner through breakfast on the last day

• Fees for planned group events • Emergency medical and evacuation

insurance coverage Airfare is not included in the trip price. At this time, we estimate that the price for a round trip from the east coast to Edinburgh will be $1,200–1,500. The leaders can assist you with airline reservations. Also not included, are

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lunches, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses. The final trip price is based on the actual costs incurred. Any savings or cost increases will be passed back to the participants. The cost estimates in this prospectus are conservative, so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis. Leaders are volunteers who are not compensated except for costs associated with the trip. The trip price also includes a surcharge that goes toward the administrative expenses of the AMC Adventure Travel program.

Emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage is required by AMC, and is included in the price. However, insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss is not included. If the possibility of such problems concerns you, individual travel insurance is suggested. The AMC has a recommended vendor whose material will be sent to you if your application is accepted. Trip extensions: Participants are welcome to extend their trip either before or after the dates of our AMC AT trip,

August 15–28, 2021. However, such extensions are solely the responsibility of the participants in terms of arrangements and costs. AMC takes no responsibility related to that travel, including for any associated risks. Since the AMC-included medical and evacuation insurance coverage is only valid while you are participating in the AMC trip, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance for any extension. APPLICATION PROCESS AND PAYMENTS Each applicant must submit three required forms posted at www.bit.ly/UK2021App:

1. Application form 2. Confidential health form 3. Acknowledgement and assumption of risk and release (waiver) form

The forms may be downloaded and completed electronically (preferably), or printed and completed by hand. All forms must be signed and dated electronically with Adobe or by hand. Completed forms must be submitted to Mike Darzi either by email (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) or by regular mail (PO Box 2308, Rockville, MD 20847). A deposit check of $1000/applicant payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club must also be mailed to Mike when the forms are submitted.

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To be offered a spot on the trip, the leaders must determine that you and the trip are a good match, a process that may require a telephone conversation with you and reference checks. Your deposit check will not be cashed until you are offered an actual spot and you accept. Deposit checks from waitlisted applicants will not be cashed until a spot is available, the applicant is accepted for the trip, and he/she accept the offer to participate. For those accepted, a second payment of $1,500 will be due December 1, 2020, and a final payment of $1,450 ($1,550 for non-AMC members) will be due April 1, 2021. CANCELLATIONS To cancel, you must provide the leader with a written (email or letter) notification. You may cancel without penalty until you have been told affirmatively that the trip will run on schedule as planned. After that date, the minimum penalty is $200. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and future expenses incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant. A cancellation will not be allowed to raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. If the trip is cancelled by AMC, all trip deposits and payments will be refunded in full. EXPECTATIONS The exact itinerary may require changes based on safety factors, transportation logistics, or lodging availability, and other unforeseeable circumstances such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

It may happen on any trip that a participant is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders, in their sole judgment, have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of group or individual safety. Illness, injury, or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of reasons that may result in a participant’s inability to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a

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substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. Safety is paramount for all AMC-sponsored events. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including, but not limited to, adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles or on foot. Participant responsibilities: You must be equipped with appropriate gear. Always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of bug bites, dehydration, sunburn and other heat or cold related problems. You should use sunscreen regularly, and be sure to bring enough water to be adequately hydrated on all day trips. Ticks and tick-borne diseases exist in the Lakes and you may wish to use insect repellent and other preventative efforts as appropriate. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety. AMC Mission: AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations.

GROUP INFORMATION This trip is limited to twelve to fourteen participants and two AMC leaders. It is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure through shared participation in activities in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience.

You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas that are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in close quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a good time. Doing that should greatly enhance your experience.

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TRIP LEADERS

Mike Darzi, Leader, has been leading outings (mostly day-hikes, some paddling and backpacking) for the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club for over 20 years. He has served as the Chair of the AMC Potomac Chapter, 2015-2016. He has led numerous multi-day trips in the northeast and mid-Atlantic U.S., including the Berkshires, Acadia National Park, the White Mountains, Pine Creek Gorge, the lower Hudson River Valley, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and Shenandoah National Park. For AMC AT, he has led or co-led trips to Morocco, France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Zoë Rath, Co-leader, is a three-season leader with AMC Boston Chapter, and has led or co-led more than 60 trips. While she mostly leads day hikes and car-camping hiking trips, she also enjoys leading biking and cross-country skiing trips. She co-led with the Hiking/Backpacking Spring and Winter Hiking programs for the last four years. In 2019 she was one of the coordinators for "YM Couch to 4K,” whose aim is to teach skills that help participants progress from easy hikes to those of 4000 footers. An active member of the Chapter’s Young Members Committee, she has served the past four years, and is currently the YM Spontaneous Outing and Socials Coordinator. Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the leaders to discuss.

Mike Darzi: Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com, 301-580-9387 Zoë Rath: ZoeRat8@gmail.com, 617-308-9489

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WHAT TO BRING Below is a list of the required and recommended items for the trip. If your personal equipment philosophy is different in significant ways, please consult with the leaders. Please pack light and bring one suitcase and one daypack with you. Required/Essential • Suitcase or duffle big enough for all your personal clothing and gear • Daypack large enough to carry the clothes, gear, food, and water you

will need for each hike • Broken-in hiking shoes/boots (preferably ankle high) • Rain gear (a poncho works) and wind-protection outerwear • Synthetic pile/fleece jacket, or wool sweater • Non-cotton shorts (1 or more) and long pants (1 or more) for hiking • Non-cotton shirts (at least 2-3) for hiking • At least 2-3 pairs of hiking socks with liners • Long underwear, top and bottom (for outside in evening) • Synthetic extra layer clothing • Hat for warmth, and gloves or mittens • Comfortable clothing for evenings and in town • At least two quart/liter water bottles or equivalent hydration system • Waterproof pack cover, or garbage bags for pack liner • A lightweight flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries • Toilet paper and Ziplock bags to pack out waste; liquid hand gel • Personal toiletries and prescription medications (extra pair of prescription glasses) • Hat, visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, and/or bandana for sun protection • Hat for warmth, and gloves or mittens

Recommended or Optional Gear • Hiking poles • Personal first aid kit with moleskin, etc. (leaders will

have group first aid kits) • OTC medications such as for digestive problems

(Imodium) and pain relief • Whistle • Small knife (in checked bag) • High-energy trail snacks • Sandals and/or sneakers for towns and time off the trail • Earplugs • Binoculars • Insect repellent • Camera, batteries, recharger • Field guides, reading material • Cell phone, tablet, and or laptop, with charger