Can I register on the day?
No, all registrations must have been made in advance via SiEntries.
Is there Car Parking available
Yes, nearby but please do not park your vehicle at the Scout Hut, or surrounding housing estates. Please use the Stagecoach Park & Ride Facility (100 metres north down Macclesfield Rd from HQ – Grid Ref: 926 863). This is the car park that is to be used by all entrants arriving by car. The car park is covered by CCTV and is open 24/7. Please do not use the housing estates adjacent to Macclesfield Road i.e. Haddon Road & Chatsworth Road as this has caused annoyance among residents in the past.
If your vehicle exceeds 2.2m in height, please contact us. You won’t be able to enter the park and ride.
I don’t have fluorescent material to make patches that the rules state. What can I do?
This rule was made before the introduction of a cheap high-vis vest or similar. If you can get your hands on a high-vis vest, then that would be absolutely fine! Some people attach them to the back of their pack too.
We are a group and only have one set of maps. Can we use a GPS instead?
We highly recommend you make copies of the maps, especially the areas that you personally are not sure about. A GPS / Phone App is great, but obviously depends on battery. If you spilt up, make sure each party still has a map. Alternatively, stick with people who know the route. But still carry the maps.
Are 1:50000 maps an acceptable alternative?
Again, this depends on your knowledge of the area. A 1:50000 map for most of the route is useless as it doesn’t provide anywhere near enough detail. Some sections are mapped well on OS Landranger for example, but the sections where most people struggle with navigation need 1:25000 as a minimum.
How much food do I need to bring?
We try to accommodate as many people as possible on the event. Refreshments are available at each roadside checkpoint. They have water, tea, coffee and juice. After Edale Cross (15mls) each checkpoint also has a snack, examples are jam sandwich, crisps, banana, cake, soup, cheese and onion roll, doughnuts. (not all at the same checkpoint).
We ask that you carry emergency rations just in case. e.g. mars bars or energy bars. We also serve a full English breakfast on completion, so you won’t go hungry! See the pre-event pack for what specific checkpoints provide. Vegetarian options are available Some vegan options may also available – please contact the Organisers to discuss these.
N.B If you have a special dietary requirement, please get in touch to discuss options. bullock.smithy.hike@gmescouts.org.uk
What are essential items??
Waterproofs, spare socks, a jumper, a first aid kit with blister plasters, a foil blanket, maps of the route, a mug/ water bottle. Emergency rations
Are the cut-off times strict?
Yes, as our volunteers have to consider the safety of all participants and our volunteers. We have sweepers at the back of the event so you will know if you are in danger of not meeting a cut-off time. You are welcome to carry on walking unaided and will be asked to sign a declaration. You will no longer be part of the event after this point.
Why must I walk in a group during the Night
The grouping rule is an essential safety measure for entrants walking during the night-time portion of the event
After the defined grouping time, anyone arriving at a roadside checkpoint may only continue in a group of three or more. If there are not three entrants present at the checkpoint, then you will need to wait until more entrants arrive (waiting time will be allowed in this case).
We understand that grouping is something that some entrants do not like. However, this is the best way we know to keep everyone safe during the night and we make no apology for having this rule.
What happens if I can’t complete the event?
We don’t wish it upon anyone, but if you make the decision to retire during the event, please follow the points below. Adhering to these rules will ensure we will not need to start searching for participants, or worse calling the Emergency Services.
- Only retire at an official checkpoint. Do not leave the route via your own transport without visiting a checkpoint
- To retire you must hand your tally card and wristband into a hike official at the checkpoint and request to retire from the event.
- You also need to state whether or not you require transport back from this checkpoint. Asking for transport will trigger a chain of communication to ensure a minibus can make its way to pick you up.
Regardless, if you choose to use our transport or not, you must still hand in your tally card and wristband - Transport is back to 3rd Hazel Grove Scout HQ only and maybe via a central collection point to ease transportation logistics. Transport can take anywhere between 30 mins to 2 hours (due to these same logistics and you may be shuttled between checkpoints first so please bear with us)
- You cannot retire from Edale Cross (Checkpoint 3) as this is not a roadside checkpoint.
Please note that as we use 16-seater minibuses it is not always possible to return you straight away so please bear in mind you may have some waiting round at checkpoints for fellow entrants in the same position as yourself. Under normal circumstances we endeavour to have you back at the finish within a maximum of 3hrs of your retirement but whilst you remain out on the event even as a retired entrant, we will keep you fed and hydrated and monitor your health and fitness.
What are the timings of the event?
| Day | Time | |
| Saturday | 9:30 – 11:30 | Scout hut Open for Registration, GPs tracker, and bag drop. Last minute equipment or t shirt purchases from Ski Equip. Tea and coffee are available |
| Saturday | 11:30 – 11:45 | All to arrive at Devonshire Park. Collect tally cards |
| Saturday | 11:50 | Pre-event briefing in Devonshire Park |
| Saturday | 12:00 | Event start |
| Saturday | 20:00-21:00 | First runner expected back |
| Sunday | 10:00 | Awards ceremony |
| Sunday | 12:00 | All walkers to have returned – event ends. |