http://www.tynemouthexplorers.org.uk st

21 February 2012 Dear Explorer Scout and Parents Expedition Practice Hike - Sun 24th February Apologies for the lateness of this letter, I’ve been wrestling with transport issues as some of the Metro line is closed on Sunday morning. The purpose of this walk is to test each of your navigation skills. It's also a chance for you to learn so if you're not sure, please ask questions and take the opportunity to learn. You ALL need to be able to use a Map and Compass - not just one member of your team! We will be walking from Wylam to Newcastle Airport and will be departing the Wylam Station at approx. 10.26am Getting there Please meet us at Newcastle Station at 9:50am. As we will be catching the Metro back from the Airport, you may wish to catch the Metro to Newcastle Station (many of the leaders will be). You can join the Metro at the station of your choice. Below are the times of the suggested Metro to get you to the Station on time. Tynemouth 08:59

North Shields 09:02

Percy Main 09:05

Wallsend 09:11

Arr. Monument 09:30

Dep. Monument 09:39

N’castle station 09:41

IMPORTANT - Please let me know if you plan to attend this walk. If you experience any transport problems on Sunday please contact me on the mobile number above and let me know Getting back We should arrive at Newcastle Airport between 4 and 5pm. From here you can either arrange a lift home or join the leaders on the Metro. It takes about an hour to get back to North Tyneside from the Airport and you can make your way home from the most convenient Metro station. Costs I have tried to figure out the costs and it depends on whether you are under 16. Metro to Airport and home from Newcastle u16 - Child Day saver £1.20 16 and over - day ticket £4.40

Train - Wylam to Newcastle Under 16 £1.95 16 and over £3.90

TOTAL £4.15 £8.30

Please note – if you are under 16 – you may be asked for proof of age – without, you may be charged the adult price. If you have an under 16 ‘Pop’ card this will be all the proof you need. Over 16s – if we can pair you up, we may be able to reduce the cost of the train fair to £3.20 – a special ticket for pairs… Don’t forget, the old Metro machines only take coins so please come prepared.

You will need Below is a kit list If you are missing anything vital, please contact me and we'll try to help. Don't forget a packed lunch and a drink. Anything marked with a ‘*’ – you should carry on every day hike, but you can on this occasion get by without them as the area we are hiking in isn’t very remote. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Walking boots Socks (2 pairs) Waterproof over-trousers Waterproof and Windproof Coat T-shirt or similar Fleece top or similar walking trousers (warm, NOT jeans) Warm hat 1 pair gloves Scarf 1 pair gaiters (optional) Rucksack Rucksack liner/cover (a black binliner works) Water bottle (1-2 Litres - with a drink in it) Packed Lunch Money for travel Watch * Whistle * Torch * Spare batteries for torch * Personal first aid kit * Emergency food rations (a couple of mars bars or similar) * flask (optional) Camera (optional)

Finally… PLEASE CONFIRM TO ME WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THIS WALK. The Weather forecast at the moment isn't too bad but it will be cold so don't forget to wrap up warm! If you have any questions, please ask - and don't leave it until Sunday Morning if you're not sure of anything.

See you on Sunday

Ben Hudson DESC