[McBride]

Looking for some advice from any experienced hikers.
It's our first wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve and we were thinking of different things to do. As a mountain biker I've always liked the idea of riding through the night and watching the sunrise from the peak of a mountain. So we thought we could do this together New Year's Eve, albeit on foot as the wife lacks the cycling skills to tackle a mountain decent.

Has anybody tried something similar?

I did look at somewhere like mount Snowdon but I'm not sure I can be bothered with the 3 hour car journey to get there. So at the minute I'm thinking somewhere more local to Leeds like pen-y-Ghent which is a well known hiking spot and I would hope has easier trails to negotiate at night.

[overcoil]

My girlfriend and I do lots of walks and hikes. Even with GPS and lights hiking at night is tough. I'm not sure in your post that you like the idea of mountain biking at night or if you've actually done it.
Even if it's cloudy or you don't think your navigating by the sun ( even with compass ) you really are and unless you know the stars or have navigated by the moon - which is a lot tougher, it's easy to get lost, and if your partner is depending on you that can be a big negative, if your a guide and your partner starts to ask " do you know where we are ? " things can get un-enjoyable. But of course I'm not familiar with your location and if trails how they are marked. But some things to consider.

https://www.lowaboots.com/

[McBride]

I've ridden at night before so I'm well aware of how disorientating it can be even on trail centres with well marked trails that I know well. Ive never ridden what you would call natural trails at night.

Top of my list is to find somewhere with an easy and straight forward ascent which will make navigation a lot simpler. I think we'll definitely have a test run in the day so we know what to expect and what features to look out for.

She's never done anything like this before and will be relying entirely on me. I'm going to take her to do a small easy walk at night somewhere so she can get a feeling for just how dark it is. I think she's imagining it being much simpler than it is.

[GaryUFM]

Of the 3 peaks, Whernside would be the best to tackle at night for an inexperienced lass, as both PyG and Inglebugger have steep rocky scramble sections. Park near Ribblehead Viaduct, slow walk up, watch the sunrise, Bob's your uncle.

Also nearby, there's Cow and Calf at Inkley Moor, or Pendle?

[McBride]

Thanks I'll look into that. Cow and calf is an excellent shout for some lunch afterwards.

[NickRac]

My fiance and I try to hike a lot when we are up north. It's not the same down here in Miami. We hit up a lot of trails in northern CT and upstate New York. Added bonus is the drives to these spots are usually very fun...some cool stuff to consider when hiking...

Geocaching - almost all hiking trails/parks have numerous geocaches hidden in them. A very fun activity and can be done from an iPhone now - no GPS required.

Always wear pants because the bugs eat us alive (doesn't apply in winter). I usually use the best tactical pants I can find as they are versatile, comfortable and usually have more pockets than typical sweatpants. They can also get wet without much of an issue.

Try to route out the most fun drive there...especially when heading into the mountains. Sometimes there are some killer side roads that are just a few minutes away from the main in's/out's that the majority of people are using.

Make sure you have a spare tire or a tire repair kit! Twice while going hiking I've gotten a flat miles away from the nearest service station.

[Corinne]

I go hiking with my dog every weekend, climbing 1000 metres each time, and in winter we do it on skis de randonnee. Then we fly down together. Megabyte currently has 205 flights and 40 hours' airtime ! Plus of course numerous hours of happy hiking in the Alps.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Corinne

I go hiking with my dog every weekend, climbing 1000 metres each time, and in winter we do it on skis de randonnee. Then we fly down together. Megabyte currently has 205 flights and 40 hours' airtime ! Plus of course numerous hours of happy hiking in the Alps.

Are you serious ?
That picture is extraordinary. Wow!!!

[Corinne]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Are you serious ?
That picture is extraordinary. Wow!!!

Ha ha yes ! If you want a laugh:

It's us flying down in the summer.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Corinne

Ha ha yes ! If you want a laugh:

It's us flying down in the summer.

I didn't laugh, that was beautiful. Just to walk that would be an event.

[McBride]

Wish my dogs were cool like that, My dogs don't deserve such excitement. My mum was looking after them today and he's chewed her door mat because he doesn't like to stand on tiled floors. (It's not even a slippery one)

[sygazelle]

I'm an experienced hiker and I'm going to tell you something you don't want to hear. Hiking at night is not a good idea.

If you were with a group of people on a wide, smooth path (like a fire road), all have headlamps and flashlights, and already know the trail on a clear night with some moonlight, then yes. I've done a super moon hike with other experienced hikers and its great. For the two of you to go by yourselves without experience and a group to provide additional lighting on a trail you don't know is not a very good idea.

Hiking is amazing. I actually gave up golf and started hiking and I don't miss golf at all. But, hike in the daytime.

[Corinne]

Originally Posted by McBride

Wish my dogs were cool like that, My dogs don't deserve such excitement. My mum was looking after them today and he's chewed her door mat because he doesn't like to stand on tiled floors. (It's not even a slippery one)

I know what you mean but I think dogs start to misbehave when they get bored. Mine is so knackered after a hike that she eats her supper and zonks out. But if I can't walk her one day for any reason and then dare to leave her alone at home, then she will do something to protest... usually try to steal some food ! Luckily no chewing since she was a puppy.