The Lake District Calvert Trust Fundraising team launched a brand-new, fell-based fundraising experience for 2024. ‘Skiddaw Dawning’ will take place in the early hours of Sunday 9 June and Wednesday 26 June. Will you take part?

Starting early (12am to be precise!), these early-bird fundraisers will ascend Skiddaw using headtorches led by Calvert’s qualified mountain leaders just in time to watch the sunrise over the Lakeland fells – around 4.30am. A magical moment to witness nature in all its glory – the start of a new day when anything seems possible.

Descending in what the team hope will be glorious midsummer sunshine, participants will be returned to the Calvert Lakes centre above Bassenthwaite for a hearty full English breakfast. With just 24 places on each ascent, this promises to be an unforgettable experience.

At 931 metres (3,054 ft), Skiddaw is the fourth highest Wainwright. Lying just north of Keswick, it dominates the surrounding skyline. The summit offers panoramic views to walkers: to the north-east – the Border hills, the Cheviots and the North Pennines; to the south-east, Blencathra, the far eastern fells and the Helvellyn range. The Coniston Fells are visible directly to the south, while on the other side of South Top is a fine view of the Scafells, Western and north-western fells. To the west, the coastal plain and the distant Solway Firth.

The Calvert Team have tasked fundraisers wishing to take part to raise £150 each. Collectively this would come close to the £10,000 mark: enough to fund the refurbishment and renovation of one the centre’s highly specialist bedrooms which help to accommodate over 3000 guests each year – some of whom live with the most profoundly complex disabilities and would struggle to come on holiday without these extensive adaptations.

Julia Metcalf, Fundraising Officer commented:

“We’re really excited about ‘Skiddaw Dawning’. Not only is it a chance to raise funds for the vital work of the Lake District Calvert Trust, but it’s also an opportunity to get out and enjoy our gorgeous surroundings in quite a novel way, safe in the knowledge that you’re in the care of trained professionals – and of course the promise of a top-notch breakfast at the end of it!”

The Calvert team will work closely with walkers to help maximise and spread the word of their fell-based fundraising. Spaces cost £25 each and are strictly limited to 24 per ascent. To sign up or find out more ‘Skiddaw Dawning’ in aid of the Lake District Calvert Trust, please visit www.calvertlakes.org.uk/fundraise-for-us/