PREPARE
FOR THE
TREK
TRAINING FOR THE WALK
50 miles, on foot is a long way. Preparation is vital. In the run up to the event we will be updating this page with training information to help you through the challenge ahead.
10 weeks to go:
Begin by walking 2 or 3 miles, near home. This will take around an hour initially. Try to do this 2 or 3 times a week. After a week or two of these short walks, continue the 3 milers but add in a 6 miler once a week. This should take around 2 hours. And make sure you tackle some hills on the route if you have them. Both routes have them by the shed load.
Whilst Training, drink before you are thirsty. Eat before you are hungry. This is a mindset you'll need to get used to, the sooner the better. Make sure you take water and cereal or energy bars with you. You will burn up energy fast and need to replace it quickly.
During the training it’s normal to feel tired and weary, but if you have more persistent pains or concerns do seek medical advice.w, to ensure you can tackle the 50 miles, it’s time to step it up.
6 weeks to go:
Keep the lower mileage walks going. If, before you signed up to this challenge, walking wasn’t a normal part of your life, it now should be and these short walks should feel easy and almost effortless.
Now, add in a 12 miler. This should take about 3 hours and over the next few weeks try and commit to doing a few.
This way your body will begin to prepare for the massive challenge ahead.
4 weeks to go:
By now walking should be second nature. You should be regularly walking 3-6 miles, and have tackled a few 12 milers to get accustomed to the intensity of long distances.
With 4 weeks to go, it’s time to step it up again.
Set aside time to walk 15 miles in and amongst the shorter distances. You’ll find you can do it and it will really begin to prepare you for the massive challenge ahead.
It might not be the 25 miles a day you’ll be trekking during the challenge, but when you know you’ve already cracked a 15 miler, the extra stretch can be conquered.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
As you will already know, this is a self-supported walk, so you are expected to make your own arrangements for travel and accommodation and bring the essential kit that you will need for the 2 days. See our FAQ's section for more information about accommodation.
We have put together a list of recommended items that we think you will need to bring to help you complete the challenge ahead and make things a bit more comfortable:
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A good pair of walking boots that have been broken in. Some people prefer ankle high ones which do give useful support, others are lighter versions. Make sure you chose one ̶ don’t be tempted to do it in your favourite trainers!
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1000 mile socks have an inner and an outer layer which avoids chafing. They’re available from here.
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A good ruck sack. It’ll be on your back for a good 20 hours over the weekend. You’ll need one fit for a superhero.
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Lightweight waterproof trousers. There could be rain to face.
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Wind may be another element against you, so a hat, gloves and a thermal layer is also a must. You can always remove items when you warm up.
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If the sun makes an appearance you may want to be prepared with sunglasses, hat and cream.
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The walk will be hard on your feet, so we’d recommend compeed plasters for any blisters, and also normal wash proof plasters and pain killers.
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Snacks, energy gels, quick release energy foods, electrolyte drink.
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Water bottle or Camelbak hydration pack. We can offer refills.
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Mobile phone, particularly important if you are walking alone. There will be opportunity to walk with others if you choose too, but we need to always be able to contact you. Consider bringing a mobile phone battery pack.
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Walking sticks, although not on everyone's list they may help you over the undulating terrain.
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The last thing to consider is an overnight kit and a spare change of clothes for the meal together on the Saturday evening.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What routes will we be taking?
Example routes can be found under each location tab. These are based on the 2019 routes. Once signed up, you will be notified of any route changes and receive regular updates.
Will maps be provided?
Yes. For each walk we will supply each walker with an annotated Ordnance Survey map when you meet with everybody else at the registration point on the first day. This will be sacred to you for the weekend.
Is food provided?
We all get together for a meal on the first evening. Details of where this will be will be announced closer to the walk. We will also be on hand with additional water and energy bars en route.
You will need to source your own breakfast, lunches and evening meals for both days, unless specified on the itinerary for your chosen walk which will be shared with you during the weeks leading up to Follow the Seagulls. We will also point out the best places to stock up for food and drink on the itineraries.
Is accommodation provided?
No. You will need to source your own accommodation. Please ensure when booking your accommodation that you are able to make your own way to the meeting points mentioned below by the allotted time. We would suggest arriving at your accommodation on the Friday afternoon / evening to make sure you get plenty of rest before getting started on Saturday. This will also allow you to check your bags in. Where possible we would recommend staying in the same location on both nights. Dinner on the Saturday evening will be in the main towns i.e Whitby , St.Andrew and Dartmouth.
Transport?
In all of the locations we organise transport via coach or taxi that leaves from a specific location and drops participants at the start point of each day. We try to make our routes circular, however when this isn't possible we organise it so that you finish up each day back at the original meeting point, which is usually central to where your accommodation should be.
- In Scotland we collect walkers on both days at the coach station in St. Andrews.
- In Whitby we collect walkers on both days from the train station.
- In Devon we collect walkers from central Dartmouth outside the Station Cafe.
- In the Isle of Wight, Day 1 starts in Cowes and Day 2 in Ventnor.
What do I do about my luggage?
Although each walk is self-supported, there will be some level of support available to you. In all locations, you will either be able to leave your luggage with one of our helpers or if you have packed light, you can carry it yourself. Due to space limitations, we will not be able to carry more than one bag per person. Depending on where you arrange to stay, you should also be able to leave your luggage at your accommodation for ease.
Can people who are not walking join me for the meal on the first night?
Yes they can, however they will need to pay for their own food and drinks. We will be in touch in the weeks running up to the walks with menu choices. Please do let us know in advance so that we can ensure we reserve enough space for everyone.
What will happen if I am unable to complete the walk?
There are a few opportunities to retire early from the walk at our planned checkpoints. There may also be some opportunity to make your own way back to the finish point using public transport. Where there are these opportunities, they will be highlighted on the itinerary.
Don’t worry, you will still get your coveted medal! We also recommend taking a look at our tips for preparing for the walk.
What if I don't raise the minimum sponsorship?
We appreciate that £500 is a big target, but 50 miles over 2 days is a massive challenge which matches the scale and passion to beating brain tumours. The funds you raise will have a lasting impact for all of the people affected by a brain tumour in the UK.
Be creative with your fundraising plans. Don’t just limit your fundraising to online and paper sponsor forms. You could hold a tea and cake gathering at work, school or anywhere else for that matter. People always love tea and cake and will be willing to pay for it. Perhaps you are having a spring clean. Sell your unwanted items and add what you make to your fundraising total.
There are a number of things that you can do to reach this target. Please visit the fundraising section of our website for more inspiration.
Our wonderful fundraisers, who you will be introduced to when you enter, are also here to help you every step of the way in achieving and exceeding this target. Please do get in touch with them.
Can I get both a fleece and a t-shirt?
Yes, for just £12 you can purchase a warm Seagulls fleece. Please be aware - there is only a limited stock. Head to www.brainstrust.org.uk and visit the shop now to purchase yours. Your t-shirt is included in your registration fee and will be sent out prior to the event.
Isle of Wight Accommodation Ideas
The Isle of Wight and in particular, Ventnor (where the over-night stay is) has a fantastic range of accommodation, suiting all budgets, from hotels, B&B’s, hostels and caravan parks.
There are some great options available at www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/accommodation.
If you are thinking of staying as part of a larger group, then it is also be worth taking a look at Airbnb.
Day one of the walk starts in Cowes. If you are travelling a great distance, we would advise you to also stay over on the Friday night before the first day. That way you are in Cowes for the early start on the Saturday morning.
Yorkshire Accommodation Ideas
In Whitby there is a fantastic range of accommodation, suiting all budgets, from hotels, B&B’s, hostels and caravan parks.
The following websites have some great options available:
www.visitwhitby.com/whitby/accommodation
If you are thinking of staying as part of a larger group, then it is also be worth taking a look at Airbnb.
Both days of the walk start at Whitby train station in the town centre. If you are travelling a great distance, we would advise you to also stay over on the Friday night before the first day. That way you are in Whitby for the early start on the Saturday morning.
Scotland Accommodation Ideas
The overnight stopover will be in St Andrew’s. Here there is a range of different accommodation available to you from Hotels, B&B’s and Hostels.
The following websites have some great options available:
www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/st-andrews/accommodation/
If you are thinking of staying as part of a larger group, then it is also be worth taking a look at Airbnb.
Day one starts early in Dundee. If you are travelling further afield, it will be worth also looking into staying in Dundee the night before.