What's the fieldcentre like?

Obviously many of you are heading off to the Lakes this week, but where exactly are you going on your magical mystery tour?

Well, this is a general view of the valley where the village of Threlkeld can be seen...

The actual centre itself is set in a beautiful location. It has small, narrow roads leading up to it. Remind me to tell you what happened to me on the coach going there for the first time four years ago! Painfall memories...

The OS map below shows quite nicely where it is found!

Here is the centre from the outside, though I'm not sure this picture really does it justice as it looks a bit ramshackle, but that's not the case at all...

What do you need for the Lakes?

For those of you packing for the lake district you may be wondering if you have remembered everything. You may also be wondering how on earth you will fit it all in! Well, help is at hand in terms of what to bring. Use the following as a checklist...

Things to take for Blencathra 07 (not exhaustive, but covers the main things!)

Clothes for all weathers - lots of thin layers is better than a few thick ones for keeping the heat in. Don't be fooled into thinking it will be hot in the Lakes - it has happened once in the times I have been...!

Suncream - Hang on! Doesn't this contradict the above? Well, partly, but its also exposed where we will be and you can quickly catch the sun. You may fancy the prospect of being the next David Dickinson but trust me, sunburn can be nasty!

Footwear - blisters are the next best (or worst) thing to sunburn. You will need walking boots and/or wellies. If you haven't got your own, bring money (about £5) to hire them from the centre.

A clipboard - invaluable in Keswick on the first day for resting on and storing your information. If you haven't got one or its just too late to get them (you really should have been more organised, shouldn't you! ) then a hard backed folder will do just fine.

A freezerbag - not for food but for covering your work in Keswick if it is raining. You can then still see what you are doing without ruining your work!

Money - You don't have to bring a wad of cash to flash, but do bear in mind that on the first day you need to buy your lunch in Keswick, and there is a tuck shop at the centre that is open on a night, so do bring some money.

Waterproofs - An absolute necessity - you will have a miserable time if you get soaked. Not only that, but it can be dangerous!

Stationery - important you have colours, ruler, calculator, pens and pencils, etc for the follow up work in the lab.

Camera - you might not want to bring your best digital one, as these have a habit of being dropped in rivers! A disposable is good though for taking some quick shots to include in your coursework.

Your favourite teddy to keep you company (joke).

Obviously there will be other things you'll need but hopefully the things above will help to jog your memory!

See you there!

Mr. Cowan