Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Clothing and equipment
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one.
For this challenge, a good quality headtorch with spare batteries is vital. A headtorch is much better than a handheld torch as it allows you to keep your hands free. If you do not wish to buy and expensive headtorch just for this challenge then very good quality ones can be hired for the weekend from our partners at Outdoor Hire.
Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Sports trainers are not suitable. As this a night time challenge the temperatures will be significantly colder. Enough warm layers are vital as are hats and gloves. If possible, try to bring two pairs of gloves and two hats as these can very often get wet. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Clothing and equipment
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one.
For this challenge, a good quality headtorch with spare batteries is vital. A headtorch is much better than a handheld torch as it allows you to keep your hands free. If you do not wish to buy and expensive headtorch just for this challenge then very good quality ones can be hired for the weekend from our partners at Outdoor Hire.
Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Sports trainers are not suitable. As this a night time challenge the temperatures will be significantly colder. Enough warm layers are vital as are hats and gloves. If possible, try to bring two pairs of gloves and two hats as these can very often get wet. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers of the Lake District National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment. Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience.
The national park rangers would like everyone to please adhere to the following requests so that this challenge creates as little disturbance to the local area as possible.
- Please do not take any glow-sticks on the trek with you. These are a big cause of a lot of littering that results from these night time challenges.
- Please make sure that you park in official car parks. This minimises disturbance to local residents.
- At the start and end of this trek you will be passing farm houses and holiday cottages. Please keep the noise to a minimum at this time so as to avoid disturbing local people at un-social hours of the day!
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area.
For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers of the Lake District National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment. Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience.
The national park rangers would like everyone to please adhere to the following requests so that this challenge creates as little disturbance to the local area as possible.
- Please do not take any glow-sticks on the trek with you. These are a big cause of a lot of littering that results from these night time challenges.
- Please make sure that you park in official car parks. This minimises disturbance to local residents.
- At the start and end of this trek you will be passing farm houses and holiday cottages. Please keep the noise to a minimum at this time so as to avoid disturbing local people at un-social hours of the day!
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area.
For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Terrain
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this trek should not be underestimated as it requires you to trek through the night, with tough ascents and descents, with the added challenge of walking in the dark. The route is predominantly on good paths, but it's the variation of footpaths that makes this challenge a unique and fun experience.
The ascent and descent of Rossett Gill is the steepest part of the route, where as the notorious boulder field on the final push towards Scafell Pike can be extra challenging in the wet and dark.
Terrain
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this trek should not be underestimated as it requires you to trek through the night, with tough ascents and descents, with the added challenge of walking in the dark. The route is predominantly on good paths, but it's the variation of footpaths that makes this challenge a unique and fun experience.
The ascent and descent of Rossett Gill is the steepest part of the route, where as the notorious boulder field on the final push towards Scafell Pike can be extra challenging in the wet and dark.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. As this challenge takes place at night the temperature can often reach freezing point, even in the height of summer. Please check the weather forecasts to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for the likely conditions.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. As this challenge takes place at night the temperature can often reach freezing point, even in the height of summer. Please check the weather forecasts to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for the likely conditions.
Getting to and from the challenge
Precise timings and locations will be supplied to you 1 month prior to the challenge.
The registration point will be situated in Greater Langdale. This spectacular valley is a short 15-20 minute drive from the town of Ambleside. Ambleside is well served by a variety of public transport options. The closest train station is in nearby Windermere.
If you are booking accommodation for this challenge then we would recommend either Ambleside or Windermere as great places to base yourself.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
Getting to and from the challenge
Precise timings and locations will be supplied to you 1 month prior to the challenge.
The registration point will be situated in Greater Langdale. This spectacular valley is a short 15-20 minute drive from the town of Ambleside. Ambleside is well served by a variety of public transport options. The closest train station is in nearby Windermere.
If you are booking accommodation for this challenge then we would recommend either Ambleside or Windermere as great places to base yourself.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
Group size
Our minimum group size for this challenge is 30 and the maximum is 300.
As this challenge takes place at night, and for your own safety, it is extremely important that you keep with your mountain leader throughout the challenge.
There will be one expedition mountain leader per approximately 10-15 participants and you may find you will naturally walk in smaller groups according to your own pace.
Group size
Our minimum group size for this challenge is 30 and the maximum is 300.
As this challenge takes place at night, and for your own safety, it is extremely important that you keep with your mountain leader throughout the challenge.
There will be one expedition mountain leader per approximately 10-15 participants and you may find you will naturally walk in smaller groups according to your own pace.
Money
During the trek there will no opportunities to purchase other things.
There are numerous shops and cafes in nearby Ambleside that will be open in the evening before and the morning after the challenge.
Money
During the trek there will no opportunities to purchase other things.
There are numerous shops and cafes in nearby Ambleside that will be open in the evening before and the morning after the challenge.
Toilets
There will be bathroom facilities both at the start and end of the trek; however during the challenge such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Toilets
There will be bathroom facilities both at the start and end of the trek; however during the challenge such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
- Trekking at night is by its nature a hazardous activity. A powerful, good quality headtorch is absolutely vital.
- Due to extra risks posed by trekking at night we always use a higher ratio of Mountain leaders to maximise safety. It is very important that you always listen to your leaders at all points and obey any decisions they make.
- The weather at night can be very different to during the day. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
- Ensure that you eat lots throughout the night and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
- Trekking at night is by its nature a hazardous activity. A powerful, good quality headtorch is absolutely vital.
- Due to extra risks posed by trekking at night we always use a higher ratio of Mountain leaders to maximise safety. It is very important that you always listen to your leaders at all points and obey any decisions they make.
- The weather at night can be very different to during the day. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
- Ensure that you eat lots throughout the night and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Training
The Scafell at Night Challenge is an endurance trekking event taking place through the night, therefore requiring a good to high level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, walking in the outdoors. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the great outdoors, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Try building in a walk to work if possible, or perhaps at lunch. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the outdoors, over similar terrain that you will face on the challenge, so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an appropriate area. It can be a great way to discover nearby places that you never knew existed! If it is possible for you to practice walking at night with your headtorch then this is also useful. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it. The hardest part of this challenge to train for is the fact that you will need to walk at night. Whilst it is not expected that you will have practiced this, we would recommend that you be comfortable with walking with reduced visibility and using your headtorch. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Training
The Scafell at Night Challenge is an endurance trekking event taking place through the night, therefore requiring a good to high level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, walking in the outdoors. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the great outdoors, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Try building in a walk to work if possible, or perhaps at lunch. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the outdoors, over similar terrain that you will face on the challenge, so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an appropriate area. It can be a great way to discover nearby places that you never knew existed! If it is possible for you to practice walking at night with your headtorch then this is also useful. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it. The hardest part of this challenge to train for is the fact that you will need to walk at night. Whilst it is not expected that you will have practiced this, we would recommend that you be comfortable with walking with reduced visibility and using your headtorch. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Challenge timings
Precise timings and locations will be supplied to you one month prior to the challenge.
Your challenge begins late at night (approx 11.30pm) when you will register and then meet the leaders, as well as the rest of your challenge team. Prior to setting off, you will be given a safety briefing – it is vital that you attend this. Please make sure that you have had a good, filling, and nutritious dinner to fuel you for the challenge.
You will then begin your trek at close to midnight and we estimate that it should take you approximately 8 hours to complete this challenge.
At the finish a celebration breakfast will be available, after which you are free to depart. We anticipate that everyone will have completed this challenge by 7-8am.
As this is a night time challenge we would highly advise that you build in some time to rest and sleep before driving home.
Challenge timings
Precise timings and locations will be supplied to you one month prior to the challenge.
Your challenge begins late at night (approx 11.30pm) when you will register and then meet the leaders, as well as the rest of your challenge team. Prior to setting off, you will be given a safety briefing – it is vital that you attend this. Please make sure that you have had a good, filling, and nutritious dinner to fuel you for the challenge.
You will then begin your trek at close to midnight and we estimate that it should take you approximately 8 hours to complete this challenge.
At the finish a celebration breakfast will be available, after which you are free to depart. We anticipate that everyone will have completed this challenge by 7-8am.
As this is a night time challenge we would highly advise that you build in some time to rest and sleep before driving home.
What route do you use on this challenge?
On this challenge we ascend and descend from Greater Langdale. The route begins and ends on the Cumbria Way and the main ascent and descent is done via Rossett Gill.
What route do you use on this challenge?
On this challenge we ascend and descend from Greater Langdale. The route begins and ends on the Cumbria Way and the main ascent and descent is done via Rossett Gill.
How is the group managed
This is a leader-led challenge and you will accompanied by our challenge mountain leaders at all time.
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain expedition leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
How is the group managed
This is a leader-led challenge and you will accompanied by our challenge mountain leaders at all time.
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain expedition leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
Food and drink
There will be no meals available pre or during the event, but we will be serving a celebratory breakfast on Sunday morning once the challenge is completed. We strongly encourage you to bring additional sweets and snacks if desired as snacks during the trek are not provided.
Water will be available at the event venue, however we would advise that you arrive at the start with your water bottles already filled. There will be no additional water available on the mountain.
Please note that dinner on the evening before the challenge is not included. Please make sure that you have had a good, filling, and nutritious dinner to fuel you for the challenge. The drinking of alcohol the night before is strongly discouraged for your own health and safety during this tough challenge.
Food and drink
There will be no meals available pre or during the event, but we will be serving a celebratory breakfast on Sunday morning once the challenge is completed. We strongly encourage you to bring additional sweets and snacks if desired as snacks during the trek are not provided.
Water will be available at the event venue, however we would advise that you arrive at the start with your water bottles already filled. There will be no additional water available on the mountain.
Please note that dinner on the evening before the challenge is not included. Please make sure that you have had a good, filling, and nutritious dinner to fuel you for the challenge. The drinking of alcohol the night before is strongly discouraged for your own health and safety during this tough challenge.
Level of difficulty
The Scafell at Night challenge is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and having taken on a previous trekking challenge and are now looking to push themselves further. You can tell your supporters that on your Scafell at Night challenge you will be:
- Trekking for approx 8 hours continuously.
- Covering over 20km of undulating terrain, with the added challenge of walking through the night!
- Ascending a total of approx 1080m in a single night.
- Trekking as part of a team, supporting each and every team member to get through the challenge.
Level of difficulty
The Scafell at Night challenge is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and having taken on a previous trekking challenge and are now looking to push themselves further. You can tell your supporters that on your Scafell at Night challenge you will be:
- Trekking for approx 8 hours continuously.
- Covering over 20km of undulating terrain, with the added challenge of walking through the night!
- Ascending a total of approx 1080m in a single night.
- Trekking as part of a team, supporting each and every team member to get through the challenge.
Why book with Charity Challenge
- The very best Mountain Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
- Celebration breakfast when you complete the challenge.
- The highest quality night-time charity challenge experience on the market!
Why book with Charity Challenge
- The very best Mountain Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
- Celebration breakfast when you complete the challenge.
- The highest quality night-time charity challenge experience on the market!
Plan ahead to avoid travelling home tired
We would encourage everyone to plan ahead and think about how you will travel home after the challenge. You will have just completed an energy sapping trek and you will have been awake throughout the night. We would therefore encourage that everyone consider either using public transport to travel home, arrange for a friend or relative to give you a lift, or to book accommodation nearby so that you can get some sleep before travelling home.
Plan ahead to avoid travelling home tired
We would encourage everyone to plan ahead and think about how you will travel home after the challenge. You will have just completed an energy sapping trek and you will have been awake throughout the night. We would therefore encourage that everyone consider either using public transport to travel home, arrange for a friend or relative to give you a lift, or to book accommodation nearby so that you can get some sleep before travelling home.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within 7-8hrs. We have a high ratio of leaders so if anyone is struggling and needs to descend they will be accompanies by one of our leaders.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within 7-8hrs. We have a high ratio of leaders so if anyone is struggling and needs to descend they will be accompanies by one of our leaders.
Accommodation
No accommodation is provided for this challenge.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around the nearby towns of Ambleside and Windermere. Please check the Go Lakes website for a range of different options.
Accommodation
No accommodation is provided for this challenge.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around the nearby towns of Ambleside and Windermere. Please check the Go Lakes website for a range of different options.