Rules
and Regulations
Preparing for the walk
In the months and weeks leading up to the walk, all participants should do some training to get their feet accustomed to walking on roads. It is advisable that your most comfortable pair of shoes should be worn. Train in the shoes that you plan to wear on walk day. Don't buy a new pair the day before!
Necessary effort is also required by walkers beforehand to obtain as many sponsors as possible, to give towards worthy charitable causes.
The main aim of the day is to ‘enjoy it’ and tremendous satisfaction is achieved during the evening when exchanging the days experience, drinking your first pint and finally realising what you have achieved. Later (after more pints) this satisfaction increases when the committee declares the total earnings potential for charity.
Team logistics and support
This is a team effort, and your team will ideally comprise of ten participants. The team co-ordinator is responsible for travel arrangements and team logistics / support etc (details of suitable accommodation can be found on page Helpful Info). The number of support cars should be minimised as the narrow lake district lanes are unsuitable for mixing large numbers of tired walkers with innumerable vehicles - often travelling too fast ! The co-ordinator should ensure that support vehicles comply with the rules provided within these regulations.
The official K2B start time for runners is 0530, with the walkers starting after the runners have all left the start, between 0530 and 0630. The C2B start time is staggered between 0830 and 0900. Teams should aim to arrive at the start in plenty of time. The team co-ordinator will be required to come to Hawcoat Park Sports and Social Club Barrow on the Friday afternoon before the walk to confirm team registration to the start Marshall who will issue route cards and timing tags. Last minute team changes can be rectified at this time, but only as a team through your team co-ordinator or a nominated representitive. Don't worry if you are a team from away, confirmation and registration can be done on the morning of the walk at the start.
Walk practicalities
When started you head for the first checkpoint at Grasmere (10m) where you will be required to swipe your electronic tag. You do not have to keep with your team, as each participant is independent after the start. It will be worthwhile taking a note of the first-aid points and toilets locations which are provided in the route details.
If you are suffering from blisters, be sensible and only walk as far as you are able without causing unnecessary hardship. If you find that you have had enough, try to reach the nearest or next checkpoint, where you will be signed off and relayed to the finish by Marshall's vehicles. Always bear in mind that 40 miles is a formidable distance, - don’t under estimate it!
It must be appreciated that support vehicles have a difficult task as the walk progresses, as 6 or 7 miles can easily divide members of a team. Therefore if it starts to rain, somebody will get wet if protective clothing is carried in the car. Each walker should try to be as independent as they can, and If the weather is doubtful, light rainwear can easily be carried.
The Cumbria Police will be monitoring our activity, and will be playing a constructive part by helping us to convince you to be sensible ! Walking 3 or 4 abreast along main roads particularly near the start, has been highlighted in the past as a danger. You must use the highway code - it is a statutory law and must be obeyed - single file on main roads please, and wherever possible use the grass verge. You have been warned!
At every checkpoint there will be liquid refreshment in the form of a citric cordial drink (as long as we are capable of supplying it). Our roadside café will be established at the halfway point (Machell's Coppice) along the east side of Coniston Water, where burgers, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks are provided free of charge.
Finishing the walk
Walkers are allowed every opportunity to complete the distance. The senior marshal will monitor the progress of stragglers towards evening and will use his discretion based upon their physical condition, to determine whether vehicular assistance should be provided to the finish.
In previous years, we have allowed young teenagers to participate providing a responsible adult accompanies them along the route as a team member. Tremendous interest is taken by schools and youth groups in the area, who often give a good account of themselves. The responsible adults in the case of such teams must be walking or supporting these children until the last member of the team finishes.
At the finish, each participant will receive two free refreshments, and a chance to chill-out in the sports club grounds or bar.
