Northumberland Hiking & Foraging Weekend (women only)

A weekend for outdoor-loving lasses to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Pennines area of Northumberland, as well as learning some valuable skills in the art of foraging! 

We have everything covered, from food to entertainment, so you can enjoy a worry and stress-free weekend in the company of like-minded folk! See below for all the details.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrival at the hostel from 5pm - choose a bed, make a cuppa and relax. Introductions from your two leaders for the weekend: Emily and Emma (more about them below!). Dinner at 7pm, followed by an evening of relaxing and getting to know one another before a busy weekend ahead.

Day 2: Saturday will be all about taking it slow, getting curious and reconnecting with nature. Once you've finished your breakfast and you're ready for the day, Emma will guide you through a Beginner's Foraging for Mushrooms Workshop. We'll start out at the hostel with a presentation on all the fundamental knowledge you need to start identifying mushrooms safely and sustainably. We'll then head out to a nearby woodland (around 20mins drive) to enjoy a relaxed walk where Emma will show you how to identify a handful of beginner-friendly mushrooms. You'll also have the chance to put your new knowledge into practice and have a go at identifying them for yourself. Our aim for this workshop is to give you the skills, confidence and resources to start your own foraging journey.

On the way back to the YHA, we have the option to stop off at a lovely local pub for dinner*, before heading back to the hostel for a cosy evening relaxing by the fire and enjoying some free time.

*Saturday evening’s meal is the only meal not included in the price. A pub dinner is optional. There are also cooking facilities at the hostel if you wish to prepare food yourself.

Day 3: Sunday is hiking day! Once we have had our breakfast and made a pack-up, we'll head out to the hills. Emily will guide us on a moderate 8 mile route (approx) where we will be spoilt with stunning scenery throughout. With a trig point to bag and lots of fascinating history, geology and flora and fauna to learn about along the way.

We should complete the hike around 3pm. We can then have a debrief in a local pub (optional) before saying our goodbyes and parting ways.

What's included:

• Accommodation at Ninebanks Youth Hostel (we have exclusive hire)
• A foraging workshop
• A guided hike
• 2 qualified Hill and Moorland Leaders to guide you (and prepare your meals!)
• 2 x breakfast
• 2 x lunches
• 1 x evening meal (Saturday - optional pub grub)
• Drinks (tea, coffee, cordial)
• Parking at the YHA
• Free WIFI

What's not included:

• Transport to and from the YHA
• Alcoholic drinks
• Saturday evening meal

Who are your guides?

A bit about Emily:

Hello everyone! I'm a Hill and Moorland Leader and Content Creator based in Glossop at the edge of the Dark Peak. I’ve always been outdoorsy since being a young girl but hiking became a real obsession in 2019 when I started to go solo. I'm a mum of two and as well as enjoying the outdoors with my family, I always make time for my own hikes, runs and swims as they keep me sane! I aim to inspire other women to learn the many benefits of exploring in the outdoors and I’m passionate about sharing my love for nature with you.

A bit about Emma:

Hiya! I’m a Hill & Moorland Leader based in Sheffield. I’ve always loved spending time outside - walking, camping and swimming. My love for the outdoors has grown even more since I started learning about the plants and mushrooms in my local area. Foraging has made me feel more connected to nature, more present and occasionally provides me with free food! I love to share my enthusiasm for everything outdoors and help others take the first small steps to find joy and connection in nature.

About the accommodation:

Set in the peaceful valley of the Mohope Burn in beautiful Northumberland, YHA Ninebanks consists of characterful 18th-century lead mining buildings, refurbished to a high standard. It provides the perfect base to explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Rated Excellent, this high standard accommodation can sleep up to 28 guests, but with only 15 places available, we will have plenty of room! There are 6 bedrooms with bunkbeds* (all of which are en-suite), 6 bathrooms, lounge area, dining area and kitchen with all cooking appliances and amenities. We also have a lovely outdoor space to access with a BBQ area, benches, fire pit, patio, picnic tables. Bedding is also included, so you'll only need to bring your own towel.

*beds/bedrooms will be on a first come, first served basis. Where possible, we'll do our best to ensure friends can stay together.

Getting there:

The address is Ninebanks Youth Hostel, Hexham NE47 8DQ (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6mo1pwSiFzkcNnLU9). Parking is free at the venue.

What to bring:

• An overnight bag for 2 nights (more info on this will be sent via email a few weeks beforehand)
• Hiking boots or trainers with good grip
• Rucksack
• A water bottle or bladder (big enough to carry a litre)
• Layers suitable for the time of year
• Waterproofs
• Walking poles (optional)
• A small first aid kit with any personal medications

Safety:

We like to make hikes and courses as enjoyable as possible for everyone, so we keep a slow and steady pace. It's about taking in the views and being in nature, not about rushing to the finish line. Having said that, you are responsible for your own health and safety. If you are unsure as to whether you are fit to attend, please either consult your doctor or let me know your concerns.

Both Emma and Emily hold a Level 3 Outdoor First Aid Certificate so we will be on hand to deal with any emergencies.

Dogs:

I'm afraid dogs are not allowed on this weekend.

Refund Policy:

No refunds. If you can no longer attend you are more than welcome to sell your ticket to someone else but please let me know if you do so.

Host or Publisher Peak Outdoor Fitness