All are welcome, come on a walk or climb, make new friends and strengthen existing friendships. If you can only make it to one meet this year, make it this one!
It's a great opportunity to meet other club members over a weekend in the outdoors, with the comforts of a hostel to return to in the evening. There will be food, drink and general celebrations.
We have exclusive use of YHA Helvellyn, a converted farmhouse tucked beneath the mountain itself in the heart of the Lake District, with Ullswater just a short drive away. The weather in November is anyone's guess, but Rockhoppers have never let a bit of rain get in the way of a good walk. If it does turn wet and that's not your thing, there's Aira Force waterfall and the Ullswater ferry nearby, plus plenty of tea rooms and pubs in Glenridding and Patterdale to retreat to.
The nearest proper hill is Helvellyn itself, England's third highest peak and regularly voted one of the best walks in the country, with the famous Striding Edge and Swirral Edge scrambles on its flanks. The surrounding fells, including Fairfield, Catstycam and the Dodds, offer plenty more for walkers of all abilities, and there's Eagle Crag for those wanting to climb with a 3* S 4a multipitch or Dove Crag with some 3* E5-E9s for those interested.
As we have exclusive use of the hostel, we'll have a mix of dorm rooms and smaller private rooms, with separate female-only, male-only and snorer-only dorms (for those who prefer this) and a good number of doubles/twins. There's a cosy bar and lounge to retreat to after a day on the hills, plus a self-catering kitchen if you fancy sorting your own lunches. Bedding is provided throughout, just bring a towel.
The general plan for the weekend is:
Friday night, arrive by car or train and settle in. Make yourself at home and relax in the lounge with a drink once you've dropped your bags.
Saturday day, enjoy breakfast, then head out for a walk or a climb, before returning to the hostel to get changed for:
Saturday night, a hot sit-down dinner, with an awards ceremony and voting for Rockhopper of the Year, followed by a photo slideshow and a chance to kick back and catch up with everyone. Bring your own drinks.
Sunday, another walk, or just a relaxed morning before heading home.
The cost is £65 per person for two nights' accommodation, two breakfasts and dinner on the Saturday night.
If you'd like to travel by train, Windermere is the nearest station, with bus or taxi connections. Please indicate in the trip notes if you'd consider taking the train and I'll see if we can coordinate travel.
Any questions, please ask!
Payment Required!
One of the following payments is required for this meet at the time of booking.
Annual Dinner 2026 £65.00