St Catherine’s Jurassic Coast Trek

The terrain is undulating with steep up and downhill sections. Almost all the route is on good grassy paths or stony trails. There are a few stretches walking along or near roads as you approach towns or areas of coastal diversion.

This is not a gentle tourist hike; it is a challenging event.

You should be of a good fitness level before departure to have the best chance of completing the challenge. You should have done some UK hill walking in the recent past, and be prepared to take part in some hill walking in advance of this trek to ensure you have a good level of endurance, general cardiovascular fitness and strength for this type of terrain.

Some of the ascents are very gradual and you barely notice that you are gaining height but there are some short, sharp, steep sections that really get the heart and lungs going. Knowing how to manage your pace as the incline changes is very important, especially keeping in mind that you can’t walk at the same pace on steep ascents as you can on flat terrain. Maintaining a steady pace is more energy efficient than walking too fast and having to frequently stop to catch your breath. Frequent starting and stopping is also a poor use of the body’s energy supplies and you will find yourself far more fatigued by the end of the walk than if you took a gentler non-stop pace. What really tests people are the sections where there is a steep descent. Some struggle with the worry of slipping but many more struggle with discomfort in their knees. Ensuring that you have good core, leg and glute strength is helpful for this challenge.

Typically, temperatures can range between 11°C and 22°C with average temperatures around 16°C at this time of year. Nights are colder (down to around 1°C). Strong, cold winds are possible on some parts of the route.
Please note it is possible to experience extreme deviations from the normal climate pattern and very cold conditions are not impossible. Climate and weather conditions during the trip are out of our control. It is extremely important that you take responsibility to prepare yourself for all weather conditions during this challenge.

The challenge can be undertaken by fit walkers aged 18+ (or 16+ if accompanied by an adult). You must be at a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry), be in good health, have oodles of determination and a positive and flexible can-do attitude. An ideal candidate would be someone who enjoys hill walking and wants to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

This is a tough endurance challenge so you must be able to walk for extended periods of time on challenging terrain. This challenge is not suitable for first-time walkers or people who have not trained. Hill walking is the best training for this challenge, so please walk as much as possible on hilly terrain, so you are able to maintain a steady pace all the way along your route with only a few brief rest stops. In addition to hill walking, you are recommended to work on strengthening your legs, back and core muscles. Supplementary training may include speed walking, running, cycling, gym workouts, swimming, team sports, boot camps etc. If you do not train for this challenge, it’s possible you will not complete it.

We will be staying in a simple hostel-style building with shared bedrooms. Our group will have full use of the lounge and gardens throughout our stay.

You must arrive at the bunkhouse by 6pm in time for dinner and the trip briefing. Full details and directions will be provided 6-8 weeks prior to departure.

There is free parking available at the site.

NB. The bunk house can sleep up to 24 people. However, dependent on our final group size some may be required to camp on site.

For the challenge itself you will need to wear comfortable walking boots (not trainers) and non-cotton clothing. You will be responsible for carrying your own lunch, drinking water, waterproofs and warm layers, sunglasses, basic first aid kit, sunscreen etc. You will also need to bring your own sleeping bag though linens are available for hire on request.

What to bring for the bunk house?

Sleeping bag (warm enough for cold night temperatures)
Sleeping bag liner
Towel
Toiletries (toothbrush*, toothpaste*, shower gel*, shampoo*, deodorant* etc.)
Thermos flask / mug plus hot refreshment items e.g. tea, coffee, hot chocolate (optional)

For those who may be required to camp:

A tent
Foam or inflatable sleeping mat (ideally both)
Cooking stove (optional)

Please note: This list is not exhaustive and does not account for your personal taste or preference. It should be used as a guideline only. If you have any questions or queries regarding this list which are not answered in the sections above please contact info@different-travel.com.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options.