Tour Code: 24280 ALTA VIA I Grade 8 Hiking the high route through the Holiday Duration: 12 days HOLIDAY DATES Dolomites 31st Aug 2017 - 11th Sept 2017
Of all the long distance treks across the Dolomites, the Alta Via I is considered to be the finest.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Wild challenging walking.
Great food in traditional mountain huts.
The views across the Dolomites at sunrise or sunset. ALTA VIA I
As you move up the valley from the Lago di Braies the sight of the emerging rock towers of the Dolomites takes your breath away. These mountains are your home for the best part of the next two weeks. You overnight at around 2500m for most of the time, spending ten consecutive nights in mountain huts and cross not a single valley, village or settlement. This truly is wilderness-walking, but your route specifically avoids technical via ferrata sections.
Of all the long distance treks across the Dolomites, the Alta Via I is considered to be the finest. The walking varies from level strolling through lush meadows to steep zig-zag scree, from ambling ascents in forests to dramatic traverses. The simple life will soon become your way of life. You can snack on the wild strawberries, raspberries and wineberries picked from the wayside. You are treated to an alpine paradise – with alpine plants you may never have seen before – including the delightful wild cyclamen and miniature broom. Early in the season alpine rhododendrons add more colour to the landscape.
You cover about 100 miles in 10 days, with a rest day at the Rifugio Averau. This is the starting point to visit the restored galleries, trenches and emplacements of the World War I Open Air Museum. It also boasts fine cuisine and a veranda with views across to the Marmolada.
Please note that this is not a supported trek and you will need to carry all your kit with you between the overnight stops. WHATS INCLUDED Return flights and airport transfers. Full board accommodation from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 12. All local transport costs.
HOLIDAY GRADE
This is a Grade 8 challenging holiday. It will include hard mountain walking every day with long ascents and descents and scrambling. Stamina and a good head for heights is essential. Distances will probably not exceed 12 miles, but ascents and descents will normally be between 1,000 and 1,500m. Expect long and exhilarating days. See the Walks & Excursions section for more information. Today we enter the dramatic Cortina Dolomites. Proposed Itinerary From a stroll along former military roads, we take the climb to the dramatic Forcella del Lago where Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the we see our remaining path stretch out before us up outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local to our final destination on the summit of the conditions can change due to weather or other Lagazuoi mountain. A tiring climb is well-rewarded. unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that Rifugio Lagazuoi is one of the most elevated routes and timings need to be amended or the order mountain inns in the Dolomites and is famous for its of days may change, sometimes at short notice. breath-taking views of the Dolomite peaks. 1150m ascent / 450m descent; 14.25km (9 miles); Key to Meals: 5.5 hours B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner. In flight meals, if appropriate, will be advised in Day: 5 your final travel documents Board Basis: B,L,D Location : Rifugio Averau Day: 1 Board Basis: D There are various routes down to the Passo Location : Dobbiaco Falzarego. Whichever way you go, this stage is of great interest. Our route takes us past the Lagazuoi Depart on a British Airways flight to Venice. On wartime tunnels and trenches cutting dramatically arrival in Venice we transfer 3 hours to our hotel in down to the pass. Afterwards it is a spectacular Dobbiaco. climb and traverse to the welcoming Rifugio Averau where we spend two nights. This refuge is well Day: 2 known for its excellent food, and its splendid Board Basis: B,L,D sweeping vistas which somehow manage to improve Location : Rifugio Sennes even more towards sunset. 400m ascent / 700m descent; 7.5km (4.5 miles); 3 A thrilling opening day. We take a public bus to Lago ½ hours via the most direct route di Braies. We climb steadily up to the Forcella Sora Forno 2388m with its vast panorama taking in the Day: 6 Marmolada, the Pelmo and the Cristallo. We Board Basis: B,L,D continue SW, descending steadily to the Rifugio Location : Rifugio Averau Sennes. 870m ascent / 270m descent; 11.5km (7 miles); 4 A free day here allows us to ascend to the summit hours of the Nuvolau (2575m), and explore the Cinque Torri with the extended open-air museum dedicated Day: 3 to WW1 in the Italian Alps. Alternatively, you may Board Basis: B,L,D wish to relax on the west facing terrace and enjoy Location : Rifugio Lavarella the views of the Marmolada and its glaciers.
After leaving the Sennes Hut we cross undulating Day: 7 terrain on easy paths. We take a sharp descent to Board Basis: B,L,D Rifugio Pederu and then climb again to a beautiful Location : Rifugio Città di Fiume pasture basin and beyond to Rifugio Lavarella. 750m ascent / 800m descent; 11km (7 miles); 4 hours
Day: 4 Board Basis: B,L,D Location : Rifugio Lagazuoi A series of Dolomitic landscapes are encountered One of the best stages of the Alta Via I!. The going today in a succession of peaks and ranges. We avoid is slow, and so there is plenty of time to look around the short section of via ferrata just below the and sense the huge scale of the landscape around Nuvolau by traversing around the Nuvolau to the us. The crowning glory of the day is the Forc de Zita Passo Giau. After this, panoramas are non-stop as Sud which, at 2451m, gives almost 360º view of the peak after peak comes into view with a close up of Dolomites. On a clear day four distinct mountain Pelmo for most of the day. A high level traverse ranges can be seen in the distance. takes you to the refuge, which is run by a mountain 800m ascent / 1500m descent; 12.4km (7.7miles); guide and his family. 7.5 hours 400m ascent / 1050m descent; 13.2km (8.2 miles); 5½ hours Day: 12 Board Basis: B Day: 8 Location : - Board Basis: B,L,D Location : Rifugio Tissi A wonderful conclusion to the Alta Via I. We descend into a deep ravine and then into woods on a long A day of two halves: a stiff climb to the Rifugio and well-made track. We are now walking at below Coldai – then mountain lakes and switchbacks to the 1000m and are at the lowest height that we have Tissi refuge perched high on the mountainside. been since the start of the walk, eleven days ago. Yesterday Pelmo was our companion. Today, it is 200m ascent / 1000m descent; 8.5km (5 miles); 2 the Civetta. From the Tissi hut you can enjoy a ½ hours. breath-taking views of the Lake of Alleghe and over On reaching the end of the trail a coach meets us to much of the main mountains in the Dolomites: take us to Venice Airport. Marmolada, Sella, Col di Lana, Lagazuoi, Tofane, Fànes, Dolomiti Ampezzane and Pelmo. If you are lucky, you will see the best sunset in the Dolomites with its associated Alpenglow on the mountains Walks & Excursions opposite. There are fixed cables at times and you need to be 1000m ascent / 714m descent; 13.8km (8.5 miles); sure-footed and have a good head for heights. In 6 hours poor weather the terrain can become even more challenging. From the huts where two nights are Day: 9 spent the leader will normally lead a walk to a local Board Basis: B,L,D peak. Location : Rifugio Carestiato
A fine walk in woods and meadows with views Anyone who is unfit or unsuitably equipped may be dominated by the Moiazza Sud and the Cima dei asked to make alternative arrangements if the Gravinai. The walk opens up to another high level leader considers that the safety of the party could traverse on scree before finishing in woods past the be jeopardised. lofty Rifugio Carestiato and down to the shelter of the Paso Duran. Whilst some of the days will be amongst the easiest 900m ascent / 1600m descent; 16.8km (10.5 on any of our hutting tours, others will involve miles); 6 hours steep ascents and descents, rough terrain, balcony paths with sheer drops and the likelihood of crossing Day: 10 snowfields. Board Basis: B,L,D Location : Rifugio Pramparet Optional Excursions A good day’s walking in a quieter and more isolated A range of local excursions and activities may be area of the National Park. Wild flowers and birds of available to book in your destination through a local prey abound. The walk takes us through woodland, operator. We have no involvement in such activities scree and mountain. The path undulates, mainly on or excursions which are not run, supervised or a traverse, and heads steadily upwards to one of the controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be most isolated rifugi in the area. with the local activity supplier and we accept no 800m ascent / 500m descent; 11.4km (7 miles); 5 responsibility for their actions or omissions. hours
Day: 11 Leaders Evening Briefing Board Basis: B,L,D Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you Location : Rifugio Bianchet the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Local Transport Costs All local transport costs, in conjunction with the advertised activity programme, are included in the holiday cost. Personal Expenditure You will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, possible non-included entrance fees, any optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally as well as any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry when budgeting for your holiday. Small Groups
Group Size Coming from all walks of life your fellow travelling companions will share your desire to discover great things and have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy their infectious enthusiasm, cameraderie and great dinner conversation.
These small-group guided holidays usually have a group size of 10 - 18 people.
Our maximum group size for guided walks between grade 5 and grade 8 is 18 persons. Tour Leaders Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
On most holidays of 7 nights and over, the tour leader will have one day's break a week, enabling you to have a 'free' day too! arrival time and departure point so that the group Travel Details leader is able to meet up with you. Flights are from London Gatwick to Venice Airport and return with British Airways. If you wish to organise your own flights from a non- UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'no-travel' reductions are Travel between the airports and the hotels will be by often available. Please contact us for details. road in both directions. Before finalising any independent travel For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive arrangements, please check with us first - especially holiday, details of your travel arrangements and if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel date of travel. documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance. For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel Passports and Visas documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure. Information for Italy Passports should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Italy. Your passport does not need Personal Details Check any additional period of validity beyond this. British When confirming your booking, we provide you with or other EU nationals don't need a visa to enter a Personal Details Check form. This is to ensure that Italy. we have an accurate record of the information you have provided us such as your passport details (if relevant), date of birth and any other important General Passport & Visa Advice detail necessary for us to properly manage your It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the holiday arrangements. When you receive this, personal details pages of your passport. Should you please check the details, complete any missing or lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of pertinent information and return it to us as soon as replacement documents and your return to your possible. home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any Land Only time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you If you are joining and leaving at your holiday inform yourself from a professionally qualified overseas we assume, unless you advise us source on, and comply with, such requirements. otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday from your hotel. General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Although airport transfers are not included for those Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and making their own independent travel arrangements, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's coach transfer. Travelling with under 18s. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure Please note that some countries require evidence of for more details. parental consent when travelling with those under the age of 18. Please check if there are any Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 applicable requirements with the relevant embassy minutes of the group flight to be able to join the or consular office well in advance of your holiday. group transfer. We also need your flight number, Accommodation
Hotel Toblacherhof Rifugio Citta di Fiume Via Pusteria 8 Località Malga Durona Italy 32040 Italy Phone: +39 0474 972217 Web: Phone: +39 320 0377432 Web: http://www.rifugiocittadifiume.it/ Email: [email protected]
Rifugio Sennes S. Vigilio di Marebbe 39030 Rifugio Tissi Italy Località Col Reàn Italy Phone: +39 0474 501092 Web: http://www.sennes.com/en Phone: + 39 347 5931833 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.rifugiotissi.com Email: [email protected]
Rifugio Lavarella San Vigilio Rifugio Carestiato 39030 Italy Italy Phone: +39 0437 62949 Phone: +39 0474 501079 Web: www.rifugiocarestiato.com Web: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Rifugio Lagazuoi Rifugio Pramparet Monte Lagazuoi 35 Comunale di Fratta Cortina d'Ampezzo 31046 Italy Italy
Phone: +39 340 7195306 Phone: +39 0437 1956153 Web: [email protected] Web: http://www.rifugiosommarivaalpramperet.it Email: http://www.rifugiolagazuoi.com Email: [email protected]
Rifugio Averau Rifugio Bianchet 9, Localita' Forcella Nuvolau P.zza San Giovanni Bosco n. 11 32020 32100 Italy Italy
Phone: +39 0436 4660 Phone: +39 0437 931655 Web: http://www.rifugioaverau.com/ Web: http://www.caibelluno.it Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.aacuk.org.uk
On this holiday we spend 10 nights in mountain huts The membership year is the same as the calendar and 1 night in valley accommodation. year. However, we recommend that you wait until about two months before the holiday to take out membership. Please see paragraph 7 of our terms We book 2 to 6 bedded rooms in the mountain huts. and conditions for more information on this. This is generally speaking what we get, but sometimes our groups are still accommodated in 8 or 10 bedded rooms. You will still need to bring a sheet sleeping bag and a pillow case. Blankets are supplied. Facilities are often quite simple in line with the remoteness and difficulty of access but they are improving year on year.
In Dobbiaco we stay in a Youth Hostel. Here we book 3-4 bedded rooms, twin rooms and single rooms, where possible.
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last are provided on this holiday and are organised by the leader. These will include a continental breakfast, and a cooked dinner each day. Lunch will normally be a picnic bought by the leader from the huts.
Whilst we endeavour to cater for people with special dietary needs, this can be very difficult at times. Huts have limited access to food and often find it impossible to provide anything beyond standard fare. If you have any special dietary needs, we strongly recommend that you carry some extra food with you.
Alpine Club Membership
We have worked with Europe's alpine huts and supported their work since our earliest days and, as a condition of booking, require that all group members must belong to a recognised Alpine association. Traditionally we have recommended the Austrian Alpine Club which has reciprocal agreements with the Club Alpin FranÇais, the Club Alpin Suisse, the Deutscher Alpenverein and the Club Alpino Italiano, but membership of any of these associations (or an association with full reciprocal rights) is acceptable. Please remember to bring your membership card on holiday or you will be liable to pay locally the difference between the members' and non-members' hut tariff. Membership of an Alpine association also gives priority when assigning accommodation.
The Austrian Alpine Club's UK office can be contacted at:
12a North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AG
Tel: 01929 556 870, Fax: 01929 554 729, e-mail: [email protected] Footwear - Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who Good quality waterproof walking boots with a to call if lost) moulded sole and deep tread and which provide good ankle support are essential. - Car parking ticket and car park directions (if We recommend that you either wear your walking prebooked) boots or shoes or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as in the unlikely event that - Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked) your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the holiday programme. - Your holiday Booking Confirmation document Kit List - Your travel insurance details Outdoor activities are always more enjoyable if you - Alternative form of identification (such as a driving are prepared. The following list is a basic guideline licence) that will enhance your experience. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may - Photocopy of the personal details pages of your have. passport
- A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if Survival Bags relevant On this, as on all grade 7 and above holidays, we strongly recommend that all group members carry a - Details of any medical condition or allergy your simple orange plastic survival bag. In the event of holiday leader should know about you being injured it will keep you warm and dry whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive. A full suggested kit list is provided at the end of this It is cheap and lightweight and doubles as a mat to information sheet sit on. These are widely available online or from outdoor equipment shops. Maps, Guidebooks &
Trekking Poles Advice Many of our clients find walking poles hugely The following 3 maps cover our route from north to beneficial when walking. They can both reduce south: stress on the knees and aid confidence. If you use them please make sure that you have the rubber Tobacco 031, Dolomiti di Braies 1: 25,000 tips covering the sharp metal points. There is increasing evidence that the bare metal tips are Tobacco 03, Cortina D'Ampezzane, 1: 25,000 damaging footpaths both in the UK and abroad. Tobacco 025, Dolomiti di Zoldo 1: 25,000
Travel Document Checklist Maps and guidebooks relating to your holiday may Documents and Information to take with you: be obtained before departure from:
- Your passport (make sure it's valid and it's yours) The Map Shop (www.themapshop.co.uk)
- Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary Weather and Climate - Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if Visit the following websites for an idea of the required) climate in your destination:
- Holiday money Weather2 www.myweather2.com BBC Weather www.bbc.co.uk/weather • the National Travel Health Network and Centre Currency (NaTHNaC) travel health website at You will need the following currencies: www.travelhealthpro.org.uk It is possible to get money from ATM machines at Venice Airport or in Dobbiaco. After that, there will • the NHS 'Fit for travel' website at be no opportunity to change money until on the final www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk day. €15 per day in local currency would be a generous allowance for drinks in huts and hotels. • the Foreign Office Office Travel Advice Website at Most huts make a small charge for use of the www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. showers. Please see the accommodation list for more details. • or a local travel health clinic. Currency in Italy The currency in Italy is the euro. You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to Electricity wash your hands.
Italy Water-to-Go Electricity in Italy is supplied at 220 Volts. If you An alternative to bottled water from single-use wish to use electrical equipment you will need a sealed water bottles is filtered water from a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More refillable bottle containing its own water filter such information can be found at as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.powerplugadapter.uk. www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable Health plastic bottles.
Italy We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with No compulsory immunisations are required for visits our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for to Italy. helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 You should be up to date with the usual when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match immunisations recommended in the UK. the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a Tetanus immunisation is recommended. difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. You may also wish to consider immunisation against Language Tick-borne Encephalitis. Language spoken in Italy: Italian. Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform Insurance yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 Travel Insurance weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is You must be adequately insured to join our holidays. available from your GP. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday. You will be unable to Further Travel Health Advice participate in our local walking and other activity For further advice please visit: programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance. Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for medical expenses, Responsible Travel mountain rescue and emergency repatriation in the We're committed to ethical tourism in all our event of illness or injury, and that your policy destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to provides adequate cover for the activities, included discover the essence of the country you are visiting. and optional, you are likely to participate in during Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up your holiday. See our brochure or website for close and personal experience of your destination, further advice regarding holiday insurance. but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you starting point to protect the environment is to be take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with out in it. For more details visit our website. you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers. Heart & Sole We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel be able to use our profits to help make a difference insurance once your holiday arrangements have to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed started. by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a Austrian Alpine Club Insurance long term, direct impact to these communities, Membership of the AAC also automatically gives you particularly in less developed countries where even their insurance cover as well. Please make sure that a small amount goes a long way. See our website the insurance cover they provide suits all your for more information and details of some of the requirements. If you are not a member of the AAC projects we support. please make sure that you are insured for guided walking above 2000m. If you are a member of the AAC we do not insist that you take out any additional insurance, but if you are insured with another company and have not given us details on your booking form, please make sure that these details are given to your leader at the earliest possible opportunity.
EHIC Cards Please take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you; it will help you in the event of you needing medical assistance during your holiday. Please note the the EHIC has an expiry date, so please check that your card is valid for the duration of your holiday. Please note however the an EHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance. For more information please visit www.ehic.org.uk. Personal Safety The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used. Cultural Awareness the local communities in the destinations we visit Communication and good causes at home and abroad. Mobile Phones Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with The Walking Partnership important information relating to your holiday The Walking Partnership, launched in 2011, provides arrangements. direct financial support to local walking groups and clubs. Every time you or one of your fellow walking Please do keep your mobile phones switched on and group members travel with us we'll make a readily available when travelling to the airport or if contributuion to support your club. Please note that delayed in transit so that we can contact you with when travelling as a part of a private group, a any last minute information relating to your travel different group benefit policy applies. More details at arrangements. www.thewalkingpartnership.org.uk. As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust of mobile devices during group meals. Unlike many tour operators, the profits from our holidays that are not required for the running of the Added Benefits business are channelled into the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust and other charitable projects. The RHCT supports 'The Ramblers' and smaller UK Rewards Scheme charities that provide outdoor experiences to the To reward the loyalty of those travelling repeatedly disadvantaged, those with disabilities and inner city with us. we have our 'Rambling Rewards' Loyalty children. By travelling with us you not only get a Scheme. fantastic holiday but you help to give something back too. Every time you book with us you'll get 2 points for every £1 you spend on your holiday price. Once you've travelled on the holiday, you can redeem General Travel Procedures these points (alongside any other points you have • Travelling to your holiday departure point: Make a accumulated) on any future booking. For every 100 careful note of your check-in time (airport check-in points collected, you will get a £1 discount on a desks usually open at least three hours before take- future booking. off) and decide how you're going to travel to the airport well in advance. It's important to allow extra So if you spend £1000 on a holiday with us, you time for roadworks, traffic delays (which you can would earn 2000 points on that booking - equivalent check with the AA or RAC at www.theaa.com or to £20 discount on a future holiday. www.rac.co.uk), parking your car, and getting to and from the bus or rail terminal. Build in extra time too for security checks, check-in and passport Best Price Guarantee control, especially during busy holiday periods such Whenever you book, you can be assured that your as bank holiday weekends and school holiday holiday will not be advertised in the future at a periods. lower price without the reduction being passed on to those with existing bookings. So whenever you • Departure procedure: we normally have a book, you can be sure that you won't lose out. representative at our UK departure airports and we recommend that upon arrival at the airport you report to them so that we can ensure that everyone Great Value Holidays has arrived safely for their flight; by doing this, we All of our holidays are great value. We believe in hope to avoid any unnecessary delays at the offering a fair holiday for a fair price from the word overseas airport before departing for your hotel. go and as we aim to work with smaller hotels and Instructions as to where to find them will be in your local businesses, every holiday you take supports travel documents. also be subject to fingerprint and other biometric At UK airports and some overseas airports you will checks. find self-service check-in machines for most airlines which you may like to use in order to avoid queuing. • Security screening of checked-in baggage: In Many airlines are also introducing facilities to enable some cases, security screening procedures may passengers to check-in on-line within 24 hours of require your bag to be opened whilst in transit and your flight, before travelling to the airport. This is not in your possession. If your baggage is unlocked, not always available for group bookings like ours, screeners are likely to close your bag with a tamper details are available from our Travel Department, evident seal and place a notice inside alerting you to Tel: 01707 386732 or email [email protected]. the fact that your bag has been opened for inspection. If locked, screeners may have to break For a relaxed departure you are advised to check in the locks on your baggage to carry out the at least two hours before scheduled take off time screening process. It is unlikely that you will be able (three hours for long haul). The earlier you check- to claim for any damage caused to locked bags in, the wider the choice of seating available to you. which need to be opened for security purposes. You All members of your party must be present at the may wish to consider closing your baggage with check-in desk and you will need to present your ‘cable ties', available at DIY shops, which can be cut flight tickets or online booking reference, luggage and replaced during the screening process. and passports. You'll be asked standard security Alternatively you can use TSA approved and widely questions. Any item of hand baggage will be available luggage locks which allow security officials checked to ensure it complies with size and weight to open them. limitations. If you have exceeded your luggage allowance, excess baggage charges may be levied. • New security requirements for travel are now in Once your checked in luggage has been effect: passengers on some routes into and out of cleared,you'll be given receipts for each item, and a the UK may now also be required to show that boarding card with your seat number. It's wise to electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered confirm that your baggage-check stub is correctly up or face not being allowed to bring the device marked with your destination airport. onto the aircraft. Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic You should proceed to the departure lounge via devices being carried in their hand luggage are Passport Control as soon as possible as further charged before they travel. security checks will occur during which your hand luggage will be screened. At some airports, clothing may be searched or your whole body scanned. Once General Holiday Safety you have gone through Passport Control you may Good information to know before you go and to help meet your travelling companions in the departure keep you safe on holiday! lounge. We hope that you will not only have a fantastic Check the monitors in the departure lounge for holiday with us but also one which is as safe as latest flight and boarding details. Due to the size of possible. In the UK, we are fortunate that health some airports it can take some time to walk from and safety requirements are, in general, quite the departure lounge to the departure. Please check strictly enforced. In many other countries, these times before your flight is called in the particularly in developing countries, this may not be departure lounge. At the departure gate you'll need the case. What is law at home might not be the to present both your passport and boarding card. ‘norm' when you are abroad. Please take a few minutes to read these notes. Please note that most carriers are required by law to give border control agencies access to passenger Transport Safety: The captain of an aircraft has the data. Accordingly any information we hold about you legal authority to refuse boarding to any passenger and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to they consider to be unfit to travel, whose behaviour the customs and immigration authorities of any or condition is under the influence of alcohol or country in your itinerary. drugs, or whom they consider a threat to security. They can also refuse boarding to anyone whose • Security arrangements: You should never carry presentation or dress may cause offence to other items on behalf of other people or leave bags passengers. unattended. Please note that a false declaration could result in a refusal to carry you or your Any passenger, who is removed or refused baggage. You should be aware that you will be permission to board an aircraft or ship, must make asked a series of questions regarding the contents their own onward travel arrangements at their own of your bag when checking in for your flight. All hold expense. If this happens we will treat your holiday baggage will be subjected to x-ray screening and in as cancelled and you will be liable for the full some instances, searched by a qualified security cancellation charges. agent in the presence of the owner. Deep Vein Thrombosis: deep vein thrombosis can be Many airports now select passengers for whole body caused by long periods of immobility for example scanning. A refusal to be screened will result in during flights. You can reduce the risk of ‘DVT' by passengers not being permitted to travel. You may exercising during the flight and limiting your consumption of dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol If you are at all unsure of hygiene, err on the side of and coffee. You can also purchase flight socks which caution, brush your teeth and wash fruit and aid circulation. These can be bought at most vegetables using bottled water. chemists. More general information can be found at www.nhs.co.uk and by typing ‘DVT' into the search Gastric illnesses spread quickly in hotels. Please bar or by consulting your doctor. think more about hygiene and wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading. Take alcohol hand Road Safety -Travelling on Foreign Roads: Please gel as a precaution. note that safety standards overseas may differ from those expected in the UK. You may find that you are Swimming Pool Safety: many people enjoy using travelling on poor roads and/or in coaches or buses swimming pools whilst on holiday. If your hotel or that do not have seatbelts. If your vehicle has resort has a pool, if you follow a few simple rules, seatbelts, we recommend that you use them. If the you can help reduce the risk of an accident: vehicle does not have seatbelts, where possible try to avoid sitting in the front seats, in the middle seat • Don't use the swimming pool if you have been of the back row or on any seats immediately behind drinking alcohol, taken drugs, if you have just eaten a central exit if there is no barrier in front of the or if you are feeling unwell. seat. Make sure that your luggage is stowed safely and is not blocking the aisles. • Some medication can make you drowsy or disorientated and, if this applies to you, don't swim. Accommodation Safety: We endeavour to ensure that our hotels meet reasonable health and safety • Follow ‘Pool Rules' and observe ‘No Diving' standards and provide accommodation that is as warnings where applicable. Never dive into water safe as reasonably possible given local conditions. less than 1.5m deep. If you are unsure, check. Be We work with our overseas hoteliers and other aware that pool depths can vary from one end to suppliers to raise standards and resolve any issues another. of concern. • Not all areas surrounding pools are non slip, Your leader will indicate the fire exits at your always tread carefully and don't run. accommodation. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you may need to use them in • Shower before entering the water and don't use the unlikely event of an emergency. It is always the pool if you have any cuts or open wounds. worthwhile making sure that you know how to find your way out of your hotel shortly after arriving at • Stay away from pool filters and drains. Hair, your room; it's better to identify your escape route fingers, feet etc can be sucked in and cause injury. at leisure than in a possible emergency. Keep long hair tied back or wear a swimming cap.
Lift Safety: If your hotel has a lift, do not use lifts in • Many swimming pools do not have a lifeguard on the event of a fire. Do not smoke in lifts. Some duty. Please be vigilant especially if swimming hotels use lifts without internal closing doors – this alone. gives the effect of the wall moving. If this is the case in your accommodation, please keep away from this part of the lift whilst it is in motion. General Safety - Be Safe in the Sun: the temperature when abroad can often be a lot higher Balcony Safety: Please take care if your hotel room than we are used to in the UK! Help prevent has a balcony, especially when leaning on railings. sunburn by using a good sun cream and lip salve, wear a hat to protect your head and the back of Electrical Safety: please use an adaptor appropriate your neck, keep hydrated by drinking regularly and for the country you are visiting and make sure that remember that alcohol is very dehydrating. items such as hairdryers are using the voltage applicable. Some hotel rooms are fitted with low Insects: if you are travelling to a country where voltage circuits and this means that you cannot use malaria is a risk, visit your GP for advice. For further electrical items that draw heavy current such as information visit www.malariahotspots.co.uk. travel kettles, hairdryers etc. Turn off and unplug all Mosquito bites in general can cause great discomfort electrical items at night and when you leave the to some people and using appropriate insect room. Please be careful not to leave wet towels or repellents can help you avoid being bitten. clothes drying on electrical heaters – this can cause Travellers (especially those taking part on some a fire. walking holidays) should be familiar with the ways in which they can help themselves prevent being Food and Drink Safety: food in foreign countries bitten by a tick. Diseases such as tick – borne may not be what you are used to at home! Some encephalitis and Lyme Disease can occur if the tick people can suffer from short – term stomach upsets is infected when it bites. Covering up and use of caused by a different diet, a change in the insect repellent especially when walking in grassy temperature or too much alcohol! If you want to be areas can help. Further information can be found at extra careful, we advise that you drink bottled water www.fitfortravel.com. rather than tap water, and avoid ice in drinks. First Aid Kit: It is advisable to take a small first-aid Email: [email protected] kit with you including a remedy for stomach upsets. www.ramblersholidays.co.uk Beach Safety: Beaches and the opportunity to swim in the sea or lakes are a real attraction for many Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations holidaymakers. Don't take risks – keep safe! team available to speak to you from:
• Watch where the locals swim! 09:00 to 18:00 (9am to 6pm) Monday to Friday • Don't swim alone – let others know where you will be and when you expect to be back. 09:15 to 12:00 (9.15am to Midday) on Saturdays
• Don't drink alcohol and swim. Be careful if you 09.15 to 15.00 (9.15am 3pm) on Saturdays in have taken medication. Observe warning flags and January & February only notices. Please quote your Booking Reference number and • Check tide times and whether the area is subject Tour Code whenever contacting us. to strong currents or rip tides. Don't get cut off by an incoming tide. We wish you an enjoyable holiday! • Beach footwear may provide some level of protection against sea urchins.
Clothing & Footwear: Check out the likely temperatures and altitudes for the places you will be visiting and remember that even if it is very hot when you start your walk, the temperature can drop dramatically at higher altitudes. Be sensitive to other cultures and religions and dress so as not to cause offence. Please ensure that you bring proper outdoor clothing and footwear appropriate to the nature of the holiday. A leader may refuse to take you on a walk if they feel that your clothing, footwear, ability or experience is unsuitable. Feedback We welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an email address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on independent review site 'Feefo'. Important Information Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.
In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.
You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel.
Please note that any advertised offers, benefits or initiatives may be discontinued at any time. Contact Us Ramblers Walking Holidays
Tel: UK +44 (0)1707 331133
HUTTING KIT LIST
We will be walking at altitude, and even in midsummer you must be prepared to meet winter conditions in the mountains. It is advisable to bring all the kit you even though on this hutting holiday there may be opportunities for shopping.
If you are an experienced hutter, you will have a standard kit. Everyone agrees that keeping your kit as light as possible is greatly to be encouraged. We strongly recommend that the total weight of your rucksack and kit should not exceed 25lb (11kg) including a litre of water - remember you have to carry it!
Some people even go to the lengths of cutting their toothbrushes in half and squeezing out small amounts of toothpaste for each day. The following list has been devised with the aim of reducing your basic pack size to under 7kg. Many of the items are made of technical materials which increase efficiency and reduce weight. The list is included only as an indication of what is possible these days – the exact contents of your pack is up to you!
On the plane you could wear:
T-shirt shorts / long trousers underpants socks boots sunhat
Your additional kit could consist of:
Kit Item Weight in Kit Item Weight in grams grams Lightweight rucksack 45+10 1900 Thin socks 20 litres Drybags for each rucksack 170 Underpants 50 compartment Rucksack cover 100 For ladies – bras 200 Long trousers or shorts 320 Sandals or trainers - cheap/light 300 Long sleeved T-shirt 160 Sleeping bag liner - pertex + 200 pillowcase Short sleeved T-shirt 150 Camera, case, cards + 2 spare 250 batteries Microfleece top 200 Antibacterial handwash 100 Gaitors 100 Oddments - passport, tickets, 600 money, first aid, torch, knife, sitmat, pole tips, sunglasses Thin gloves 50 Towel & swimsuit 200 Anorac - Paclite 350 Suncream 100 Overtrousers - Paclite 200 Soap – Fairy (or similar) for 50 clothes Mitts - Goretex shell 130 2 litre water bottle 75 Emergency survival bag 270 Washkit (60g soap, 30ml 230 shampoo, 30ml toothpaste, and for the gentlemen, 4ml shaving 100 oil and razor. Ladies may wish to add about 100g for feminine hygiene articles.) Lightweight Walking socks 80 Universal sink plug and a few 100 pegs Warm hat 50 Total 6.705 kg
Strong, comfortable boots in good repair with moulded rubber soles and a reliable waterproof jacket and over-trousers are essential.
Many mountain walkers favour using walking poles over steep mountainous terrain which you will encounter on this walk. Please note that these cannot be included in your carry-on baggage.
You should also bear in mind that a litre of water weighs 1kg. In addition, the leader will distribute a climbing rope, and group shelter amongst the group. This will also weigh about 1kg.