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Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to start a walk at a location different from Harmans Cross Village Hall?

No, all walkers must start, check in and finish at the registration point in Harmans Cross Village Hall.

Do I need to bring anything on the day?

Yes, click here to find out what to bring on the day. 

Do I need a map of the area?

We supply detailed walk instructions for each walker but if you wish to have a map as well we would recommend the O/S Explorer OL15, Purbeck and South Dorset.  

Will there be catering facilities available?

We will be offering hot and cold drinks, with some cakes and biscuits at Harmans Cross.   

Will there be drink available?

Yes, there will be water available at Harmans Cross plus extra water supplies at the Marshall Points .  There will also be hot drinks available at Harmans Cross for a small charge with all proceeds going to Leukaemia Busters.

Since registering I have changed my mind about the length of walk I would like to participate in. Can I change walks?

Yes, please inform us by telephone on 023 8077 5590 or email Sue  Rudge at susanr@leukaemiabusters.org.uk  On the day, please let our volunteers know at the registration marquee.

Can children take part in Purbeck Odyssey ?

Yes, children under 15 may take part in the Castle, Whale and Dolphin walks.   Children over 15 may participate in any of the walks but if under 16 years of age MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Unfortunately, the footpaths we use are not suitable for children in buggies.

Can we take a dog on the Walk?

Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on suitable length walks provided they are kept under control at all times.  Dog walkers are asked to keep their pets on a leash on the coast paths.

Will there be free water?

Yes, we provide free water at the registration marquee and check points. Please bring your own plastic water bottle for re-filling.

Who can take part in Purbeck Odyssey?

Anyone can take part in Purbeck Odyssey, but children under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult and able to walk the required mileage. Runners and power walkers are most welcome! Unfortunately, cyclists are not allowed due to safety reasons.

There are no fitness requirements other than your ability to feel that you can complete your chosen walk. If you’re concerned about a medical condition or disability that may affect you participating then please consult your GP.

Remember, family, friends and work colleagues are most welcome so please encourage them to register!

Are there any rules?

Yes. Download our walk rules and Countryside Code.

How difficult are the walks?

In 2018 the five walks will vary in difficulty from a short family-friendly 2.5 miles to a 26 mile trek. Each walk will be marshalled along different checkpoints where volunteers will be on hand to help and deal with any questions or difficulties you may have. Volunteer marshals close the walk route after the last walker has passed through their checkpoint. Only the designated course of each walk will be marshalled and walkers must follow the designated route of the walk.

Castle Walk will be 2.5 miles (approximately).   Walk to Corfe Castle, and then return on the Swanage Steam Railway.

Whale Walk (7 miles) is an intermediate walk and is suitable for the adults and children.

Dolphin Walk (12 miles) is an intermediate walk and is suitable for adults and children of a reasonable fitness.

Purbeck Voyage (19 miles) is an advanced walk and is suitable for adults and children over 15 years old only (and of a reasonable fitness).

The Marathon Challenge (26 miles) is an advanced walk and is suitable for adults who are experienced and have a good level of fitness. This is longest and most challenging walk offered. Those who participate must be familiar with walking such a distance and on uneven terrain, and should consider themselves capable of completing the walk within a maximum time limit of 10 hours.

The exact details of these walks can be changed up to the date of the walk depending upon Health and Safety considerations.

Where do I check in?

On the day, all walkers must meet and check in at the registration point in Harmans Cross Village Hall. This is to ensure that the organisers are aware of your presence on the walk for insurance purposes.

Address:

Harmans Cross Village Hall

Haycrafts Lane

Harmans Cross

Dorset

BH19 3EB

For Directions and to download a Map of Harmans Cross Village Hall click here

What happens when I check in?

At the registration point, walkers will be briefed about their chosen walk and will be given walk directions, walk number sheet to pin to the front of your T-shirt and a tally card (which will be used as a Swanage railway ticket for the Castle, Whale and Dolphin walks only).

Emergency facilities/procedures

First aid kits will be available at each checkpoint along each walk route. In the event of an emergency, please contact a marshal or telephone the event co-ordinator immediately for assistance.

What happens after I have completed the walk?

All walks will finish at the registration point at Harmans Cross Village Hall. When you arrive back, you will be greeted and deregistered and presented with your well-earned Purbeck Odyssey medal.

How much does participating in Purbeck Odyssey cost?

The registration fee for Purbeck Odyssey varied depending on the walk chosen. Prices for Castle, Whale and Dolphin walks include the Swanage Railway fare. Below are the prices for 2018.    

 

Adult

Children (5-15 years)

Castle Walk

 £15.00 includes train fare  £6.00 includes train fare

Whale Walk

 £20.00 includes train fare  £6.00 includes train fare

Dolphin Walk

 £20.00 includes train fare

 £6.00 includes train fre

Purbeck Voyage

 £15.00 

 Not suitable for children

Marathon Challenge

 £25.00 

 Not suitable for children 

 

What does the fee cover?

  • Free parking at Harmans Cross Village Hall
  • First Aid and drinking water at all Marshall points.

  • Full walk description and directions, pin on walker ID and sponsorship form for each walker.

  • A ride on the Swanage Steam Railway for Castle, Whale and Dolphin Walks.

  • Medals for all finishers

How can I register?

Book your place online by going to the Registration Form.  

Alternatively, you can download a brochure including a Registration form complete and send by post to: 

Leukaemia Busters PO

Mail Point 3

Southampton General Hospital

Southampton, Hampshire

SO16 6YD

How can I pay/donate for the walk?

You can pay for the walk by cheque or bank transfer or donate by credit card or debit card.

Pay by cheque: Please make all cheques payable to ‘Leukaemia Busters’ and send to the above address.

Pay by direct bank transfer: Our HSBC banking details are as follows:

Account Name: Leukaemia Busters

Account Number: 12861011

Sort Code: 40-42-18

Donate by credit card or debit card: through MyDonate click here

What happens if Purbeck Odyssey is cancelled?

In the event of cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, walkers will be informed through this website and email/mobile phone text message. A new date will be given to walkers as soon as possible.

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