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Saturday 10th October
Helvellyn, Lake District
Registration Fee
£35 Adult Entry
£10 Child Entry
Minimum Sponsorship
£150
Trek Helvellyn Under the Moonlight for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Join us this Baby Loss Awareness Week for a truly special and meaningful challenge as we take on Helvellyn — the third highest peak in England — beneath the quiet glow of the moonlight.
This unique evening trek is more than just a physical challenge. It’s an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection, and support, helping to raise vital funds for our maternity bereavement services across Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Every step taken helps us continue providing compassionate care to families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss.
As you journey through the stunning landscape of the Lake District at dusk, you’ll experience breathtaking views and a powerful sense of unity — walking alongside others who share a commitment to making a difference.
The trek is led by experienced mountain leaders from Overlimits, who will guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience for all participants.
Event Details:
- The trek typically takes around 5 hours to complete, with most groups finishing at approximately 10pm (timings may vary depending on fitness levels, weather conditions, and any necessary stops).
- The route starts and finishes at Swirls Car Park, Thirlmere.
- Children aged 10 and over are welcome but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, in support of someone you know, or simply to help make a difference, this is a powerful way to honour Baby Loss Awareness Week while supporting families who need it most.
Frequently asked questions
Participants are requested to arrive for 4.45pm ready for a briefing at 5pm.
Car parking is available on site and is pay on arrival.
Itinerary
4:45 pm – Check-in & Briefing
- Meet our event partner Overlimits Mountain Leaders and Fundraising Team at Swirls Car Park.
- Safety briefing, headtorch check, and group photo before setting off.
- Sunset already colouring the sky — exciting build up
5:00 pm – Trek Departure
- Begin the steady climb up Helvellyn via the Browncove Crags route.
- Golden light fades as we ascend; the fells cast long evening shadows.
6:15 pm – Twilight Ascent
- Pause to watch the sunset over Thirlmere (6:29 pm).
- Lights on as twilight deepens; the ridges glow under the rising moon.
- Group pacing ensures a safe but atmospheric climb together.
7:15 pm – Summit Arrival (Helvellyn, 950m)
- The stars emerge and a 93% waning gibbous moon lights up the plateau.
- Gather at the summit shelter for hot drinks and snacks. (please bring your own)
- Time for stargazing, selfies, and soaking up the magic of the fells at night.
8:30 pm – Moonlit Descent
- Begin descent by headtorch and moonlight, the ridge bathed in starlight.
- Calm, steady progress back down, pausing to enjoy the night views.
10:00 pm – Return to Swirls Car Park
- Congratulations! You’ve completed an unforgettable Overlimits adventure.
- Warm drinks available before safe departure.
Highlights
- Sunset on the climb — watch the Lake District turn gold.
- Moonlit summit — no other light show like it.
- Stargazing at 950m — with luck, a crystal-clear autumn sky.
Individual Participant Kit
Clothing: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or mid-layer, a waterproof jacket with taped seams and a hood, waterproof trousers (which can be left in the car if conditions are good), a hat that covers the ears, gloves, walking trousers (no jeans), and suitable mountain footwear.
Personal Kit: a 25–35L rucksack with rain cover, a waterproof headtorch (IP67 rating) with fresh batteries, spare batteries or a second torch, 1–2 liters of water (bottle or hydration bladder), a flask with a hot drink (optional but recommended), high-energy snacks such as nuts, flapjacks, gels, or chocolate, a packed meal (sandwich, pasta, or rice), personal first aid items (plasters, medication), an emergency foil blanket (optional), trekking poles (optional but very useful for descents), and a fully charged mobile phone.
Can children take part in this event?
Younger children (under 10) are generally not suitable, as the late hours, mountain conditions, and potential weather hazards make it too demanding and risky.
Please note, under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult at all times during the Helvellyn Moonlight Hike.
The registration fee for children is £10.
How long will the Helvellyn Trek take?
What will I receive for taking part?
- Our friendly fundraising team will be here to support you all the way. All participants will receive a helpful fundraising pack, filled with fundraising ideas and useful tools to help you reach your target. With the help of Overlimits, we'll also ensure to send lots of training tips and motivation.
- You’ll receive a branded Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals Charity t-shirt to wear with pride during your training and on the event day.
- Our expert mountain guides at Overlimits will offer top tips on training, fitness, and kit advice, plus the opportunity to take part in free training treks.
- Support on the day from the Overlimits team, who will marshal the route at checkpoints and provide first aid cover.
- At the top of Helvellyn, we will take a moment of reflection to remember the babies who are much-loved and dearly missed.
- By taking on this challenge and fundraising for Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, you are making sure that we can continue to support families going through the heartbreak of baby loss – thank you!
Who are Overlimits?
The Helvellyn Starlight Trek is organised by Overlimits and we will be joined by other local and national charities.
In the lead up to the event, Overlimits will provide free training walks to help you prepare and on the day they will marshal the route at checkpoints and provide first aid when necessary.
You can find out more about our event partner here: About Overlimits - Leadership & Adventure Team-Building
