We’ve set up an exciting programme of walking adventures, open to Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and adults from Somerset North, and the first event is Saturday May 13th! We’re offering the chance to tackle the West Mendip Way – and after that we hope to offer adventures further afield in the UK mountains – contact walking@girlguidingsomersetnorth.org.uk to express advance interest or help us create the adventures that you want to see!
They’re very low cost events, and no unit leader attendance is needed.
Read on for details of how to join the first part of our West Mendip Way challenge, upcoming dates for parts 2, 3 and 4 or the challenge, and for training/social walks open to adult volunteers aged over 18.
Take on the West Mendip Way challenge!
What is it?
The West Mendip Way is a long-distance path and it travels 48km from Wells, the smallest city in England, to Uphill, right by the sea at Weston-super-Mare.
That’s quite a lot for one (or even 2 days!) so we’ve broken it down into 4 chunks around 10-12km each, so Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and adults from Somerset North can take on the challenge! We’ll tackle one section a month from May until August – you can join in for one section or push yourself to complete all four.
When can I do it?
• Saturday 13th May 2023 – part 1 – Wells Cathedral to Priddy (9km)
• Sunday 25th June 2023 – part 2 – Priddy to top of Cheddar Gorge (12km)
• Saturday 22nd July 2023 – part 3 – top of Cheddar Gorge to Crook Peak (14km)
• Sunday 13th August 2023 – part 4 – Crook Peak to Uphill (12km)
What will I do?
• For each section, we’ll meet at the start point (make your own way there), have a chat to get to know other group members and look at our route
• Then we start our trek!
• Each walk has plenty of up and down and we get to take in some of the best views the Mendips have to offer – but don’t worry, we’ll take plenty of breaks for photos and snacks!
What do I need?
• Walking boots or sturdy shoes – not wellies or trainers
• Waterproof coat and trousers
• Warm jumper/fleece
• Lunch, drink and some tasty snacks
• Rucksack to carry your gear in
• (Full kit list will be provided)
How do I get involved?
To join us on our first section, Saturday 13th May 2023 (Wells Cathedral to Priddy):
• Complete the Information and Consent form and Health form send them to walking@girlguidingsomersetnorth.org.uk
• Send £8 (under 18) or £5 (adult volunteers) to the below bank details using reference WMW1 Surname, WMW2 Surname etc depending how many walks you are participating in.
Bank Name: CAF Bank Sort Code: 40-52-40 Account Number: 0003747 Account Name: Somerset North Guide Association
• Participants need to be at the start point by 9:30am to start walking at 10:00am
o Start point: Wells Cathedral – https://goo.gl/maps/rLPiaA2Xji4D7C3a6 / https://w3w.co/waltzed.fixed.flamenco (note that it’s a short walk from public carparks in Wells to the Cathedral).
• Participants need to be collected from the finish point at 2:00pm
o Finish point: Priddy – https://goo.gl/maps/o3CGU9c3yq56GbQz6 / https://w3w.co/decency.veto.prowl
Got questions or want more info?
Contact our Walking Adviser, Alice, on walking@girlguidingsomersetnorth.org.uk
