BMC Hill Walking: Red Deer Rut Special, Peak District

Join us on an early Autumn morning to try and find red deer in the Peak District Come and join a peer-led walk to see and hear the mating season shenanigans of Britain’s largest land animal, the red deer. From Curbar Gap we’ll walk up to White Edge and follow a well established route with detours to good viewing spots, returning through fields and woodland. The route is easy but includes some modest ascents and descents, rough paths and boggy bits. The Eastern Moors are home to around 200 wild red deer, and with luck we’ll see stags rounding up their love interests and seeing off the competition – although some experts think that female deer have more say in the matter than is generally assumed! We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors! Meet the Leader Margi is an experienced walk leader who’s passionate about connecting people with nature and heritage. She’s done multi-day treks in the UK and abroad and has summitted a couple of 4000-metre mountains, but is more usually found on hills in the Peak District, Scotland or Wales. Margi has been a journalist, communications specialist and university teacher. She’s now a freelance researcher and writer and has done both voluntary and professional work for the Eastern Moors. Walk Details Walk Grading: Easy to Moderate Distance: Approx 11 km (7 miles) Ascent: 150 m (500 ft) Duration: Approximately 5 hours If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others Meeting Details Time: Saturday 24 October, 09:20 am for a 09:30 am start Location: Curbar Gap Car Park, Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley, S32 3YR OS Grid Ref: SK 2623 7470 Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jafpRFj5GNZ94DL57 Parking: Pay & display (free to National Trust & RSPB members). Also limited free parking in two laybys downhill from the car park Please check out the BMC Liftshare service Facilities: There’s usually a van in the car park serving tea/coffee/cake. The Grouse Inn is a short drive away for post-walk refreshments What to Bring We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies. Sun cream is advisable on warmer days. Binoculars can be handy when spotting deer Who Can Attend Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are not permitted on this walk Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards our hill walking projects. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free BMC Participation Statement The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tollerated Questions Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walk Leader, Margi: [email protected] or 07833 684765 (on day of walk only)