WUTHERING HEIGHTS WINTER SOLSTICE SUNRISE WALK

WINTER SOLSTICE WALK
WIDDOP & WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Under 7mls • 300m accumulated asc

Today’s walk celebrates the turning of the year and the slow return to longer days (any excuse for a walk!).

We’ll make a very early start from Blake Dean, following old waterboard roads and moorland paths to the remote farmhouse of Top Withins (Wuthering Heights). The aim is to hopefully catch the sunrise at 08:24, before returning by a similar route.

Essentials
Wrap up well: waterproofs, hat, gloves, spare layers.
Walking boots essential.
Bring a torch.
Bring Hot drink & breakfast treats: coffee, croissants, mince pies, stollen.

Notes:
No dogs, please – they could easily get lost on this terrain.
The lean-to building at Top Withins should be open, giving us shelter if the weather turns.
After the walk, we’ll try to find a welcoming hostelry for refreshments (depending on numbers).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Some of you may have noticed that on a recent night hike where navigation was required I struggle to see ahead because of misuse of torches, headlamps. Trying to see ahead with constantly flashing lights, was disorientating & gave me motion sickness. This is quite serious & I almost had to abandon the walk.
ON FUTURE NIGHT EVENTS, FOR SAFETY’S SAKE, THE FOLLOWING GENERAL RULES MUST BE ADHERED TO
Night navigation torch etiquette focuses on preserving your night vision, using light efficiently, and ensuring safety by minimizing glare for yourself and others, primarily by using red light for map reading, keeping beams low, turning lights off when possible to use ambient light. For hiking, this means using a headlamp on its lowest setting or a red filter, holding it low in fog, stopping to check maps, and using peripheral vision

Hiking & Trekking Etiquette

• Use Red Light: Always use a red light for map reading or close tasks to preserve your night vision; white light resets it quickly.
• Dim Your Beam: Keep your torch on the lowest setting that allows you to see; avoid full beam unless necessary.
• Keep it Low especially in Mist, Cloud, Fog: In mist or fog, you must hold your torch below waist height to reduce glare reflecting back at you.
• Stop to Navigate: Stop moving to check your map or compass; looking down while walking leads to falls.
• Turn it Off: Use moonlight when possible and leave torches switched off where possible to let your eyes adapt and use peripheral vision.
• Be Aware: Keep your torch handy but don't be quick to turn it on; allow your eyes to adjust first.