Mountain Hare Discovery Experience - Bespoke private guided walk

A chance to see the rare Mountain Hares in England, arranged for your private group as a bespoke tour. Perfect for families, groups of friends of corporate groups. The highest points in the Peak District are the only places in England where you can still find Mountain Hares. Most people will never see them when walking in the hills but I have a 100% record of seeing them and getting some great photos on these trips. It goes without saying that it's worth taking along a camera with a long lens or zoom and binoculars if you have them. If you don't, not to worry as I'll send you a set of digital photo's taken on the day.

This activity is also available as a private Mountain Hare Photography Experience See our other listings, website or contact us for details.

The walks can start from various locations depending on your preferences, such as the Snake Pass road, between Glossop and Sheffield, or from Old Glossop for a longer walk. I'll navigate you across the complex moorland terrain to some of the best locations to see Mountain Hares in their natural habitat. There will also be the chance of seeing short-eared owls, golden plover, red grouse, kestrels, and other wildlife on these trips as well as learning about the ecology and restoration of these amazing bog and moorland habitats. We will spend time observing the hares before heading to a few other optional locations such as the site of the B29 Superfortress "Over Exposed" plane crash. This is an incredible and moving location, and the most impressive in the region.
The walk is mostly on a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths which can be rough in places and includes a few gradual hills if starting from the Snake Pass or some longer hilly sections if starting from Old Glossop. At any time of year, there are likely to be some muddy sections, especially once we start to head away from the main paths across the moors. The terrain here becomes rougher with no paths in some sections.

COVID-19 Guidance All our events are approved as "Good to Go" Covid-secure by Visit England. 
If you'd like to discuss options before booking please contact us. Thanks, Paul Smith, myGuidedWalks.

Itinerary

The walk can start at a number of locations depending on your preferred duration. We will discuss the options with you and agree an itinerary for you or your group. The shorter walks starts from the Snake Pass road, between Glossop and Sheffield. After a gradual climb of around 200m (600ft), we reach a flattening from where we leave the Pennine Way path. I will now navigate you across the complex moorland terrain to some of the best locations to see Mountain Hares in their natural habitat. We will spend time here observing the hares before the option of heading to the site of the B29 Superfortress "Over Exposed" plane crash. Longer options of this walk are possible from a number of different locations with one of the best options being Old Glossop which would extend the walking to a total of around 10 miles / 16km and involve more hill.
National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.

• See the rare Mountain Hares of the UK!

• Tailor the walk and starting point to your preferences.

• Bring along your friends and do something different together!

Equipment needed: We will be going off paths in rough or sometimes muddy terrain so walking boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be standing around whilst practising skills in whatever weather we have on the day and so will need to dress warmer than for a usual walk.

Below is a recommended list:

• **Hand sanitiser and face mask/covering mandatory** A face mask/covering does not need to be worn as we will be observing social distancing of 2m, however it could be required in emergency situations, to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when social distancing is not possible.

• Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans).

• Waterproof jacket.

• Waterproof trousers.

• Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).

• Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes on most walks. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in muddy areas). No Trainers.

• Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.

• Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.

• Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief, emergency foil blanket and any personal medication).

• Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.

• Money for car park fees.

• Optional additions: gaiters and/or walking poles if you use them.

Weather: Weather appropriate clothing. Activities will generally take place regardless of weather unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

Parking: Money for cark parking fees will be needed.

Food and drink: Bring food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.

Cancellations: If you are unable to attend as a result of COVID-19 you can reschedule for up to 12 months. Cancellations over 30 days from the start of the activity will receive a 75% refund, excluding additional costs. Cancellations 30 days or less from the start of the activity will not be refunded.