From questions about parking to what you should wear, here are some of the Night Hike FAQS.
Do I need to train to walk the Night Hike?
We recommend that you do some extended walks if you have been inactive or have only walked short distances before the Night Hike. This will help you enjoy the Night Hike more and enable you to get used to longer periods of activity.
This is especially important if you are walking the 10K and 15K routes.
Use Lucy Wyndham-Read’s 3 Week Walking Guide to help you get ready for the Night Hike.
Are there any hills on the routes?
Yes, there are some hills and inclines along all Night Hike routes. We suggest looking at the Night Hike map and checking out the route the best suits your abilities.
Are the routes accessible?
All three Night Hike routes are accessible but there are some hills, inclines and uneven pavements. There will also be some busy roads and junctions you have to cross.
We suggest you have a look at the Night Hike map to check the route that best suits you.
What time does the walk start?
Our Night Hike Welcome Reception starts at 6pm.
From this time walkers can come to the Civic Centre and enjoy the music, take pictures, buy merchandise, have a cup of tea and enjoy the atmosphere.
At 7pm, the claxon will sound for the 15K walkers to start.
At 7:10pm the claxon will sound for the 5K & 10K to start.
We have a staggered start to ensure the health and safety of all walkers, Enfield pedestrians and drivers.
What time does the walk finish?
Due to regulations, we have to pack up at the Civic Centre by 11:59pm. Until then, we’ll be at the Civic Centre with the finish line, walker medals, glitter wall and our star wall!
If you finish after midnight, that’s absolutely fine! We will send you your medal through the post.
Our Marshalls need to be let go throughout the evening, however all of the signs will be left up for you to continue the route.
How will I know where to go?
You will be given a route map in your goody bag and the map is also available digitally here.
The route map will show the 5K, 10K and 15K routes.
There will also be Night Hike Marshals, directional sign and K markers.
Will anyone be on the route in case of emergency?
We have Marshals at locations all around the route to make sure you’re comfortable and able to continue walking. If there is any issue our Marshals cannot resolve, a member of The Nightingale team will be on hand in case of emergencies to get to your location as quickly as possible along with St John’s Ambulance in case of incident or injury.
We are also very grateful to Edmonton Cycling Club who will be on hand, cycling along the route in case of any issues.
We also have back walkers to make sure no one gets left behind along the route and also to let the Marshalls go once all walkers have passed them.
If you stop off for a bite to eat or for drinks, we cannot guarantee that the Marshalls will be there when you get back on the route, however your map will direct you the rest of the way.
When can I pick up my Goody Bag?
As there are so many of you this year, we want to avoid any queues and lengthy lines at the Welcome Reception. So you can pick your Goody Bag up at the following times from our centre (187a Baker Street)
Saturday 9th May – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday 10th May – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Monday 11th May – 1:00pm-4:30pm
Tuesday 12th May – 9:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday 13th May – 9:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 14th May – 9:30pm – 8:00pm
If you aren’t able to pick up your Goody Bag in this time we suggest you ask a member of your team to collect yours for you. This is to avoid queues and delays on the day at the Night Hike.
You will still be able to collect at the Night Hike Welcome Reception if you cannot do any of the above dates and times.
Do any of the Goody Bag items contain nuts?
Some items may contain nuts. Please check the ingredient labels on all products in your goody bag for allergen information before consuming.
Is there parking?
Free parking is available on roads surrounding the Civic Centre after 6.30pm. Please note that The Nightingale nor the Civic Centre can be held responsible for vehicles, their contents or any parking tickets.
Can young children join the Night Hike?
Yes, of course. Children under 12 can join the Night Hike for free, but there is a small cost added for a child goody bag.
All children and young adults up to 15 years old MUST be accompanied by a paying parent/carer over 18 years old. The accompanying adult will be responsible for the young person at all times during this event.
Will there be photography and videography?
Yes. We will be taking photos and videos throughout the event to use in publicity material, our website, newsletters, online and social media sites. If you do not want your photo to be taken, please speak to a member of staff on the day.
All photos will then be available in our Event Gallery for you to have a look at and download!
Can I buy a Nightingale t-shirt or hat?
Yes! From Tuesday 22nd April, red Nightingale t-shirts and red Nightingale hats will be on sale at our Enfield Charity Shop (188 Baker Street).
Items won’t be sold at the centre.
There will also be a merchandise stall on at the start of the Night Hike selling our t shirts and hats.
Will there be a bag drop?
Unfortunately, we will not have the facilities to have a bag drop for all walkers. We suggest your wear your Nightingale back pack and only bring essential items you are comfortable carrying for your 5/10/15km walk.
Will there be toilets around the course?
Yes! We will have comfort stops clearly signposted. These will be a range of places that have offered their toilet to all of our walkers free of charge to make sure you get to the finish line comfortably.
Do I get a walking number?
All walkers will receive a walking number for health and safety. We will have a record of your number in case of emergency and we require all walkers to fill out the back side of their number with emergency contact details.
We will also provide enough pins for each walker to attach their number to the front of their clothing.
What happens at the end of the walk?
You’ll finish your walk back at the Enfield Civic Centre to our Finishers Line. Our resident DJ Will, will play you down the finishers walk way while you enjoy the cheers and celebrations of our team. Once you get your walkers medal you can take some celebratory phots at our Glitter Wall and stick your ‘I am walking the Night Hike for…’ stick on our Sticker Wall.
Then you can give yourself a big pat on the back and a round of applause for completing the Night Hike!
I've signed up for the 10K but not sure I can walk that far!
That’s no problem! It’s ok to change your mind to do a shorter route, even on the day. We would rather you enjoy the Night Hike and get round the route safely.
What should I wear?
We advise you wear clothing you feel comfortable walking in. For many that’s trainers, sports leggings and a t shirt. We also suggest you bring something warm to put on as it could get colder into the night.
Many people wear fancy dress which which we massively encourage!
But we would love it if you wore something (nightingale) red!
Can my dog join me when I walk?
YES! We would love to see some furry four-legged friends along the route.
And don’t worry, they’ll also get a finishers medal and a photo opportunity in front of our Glitter Wall.
I can't see my question in the FAQs
No problem, just email lucy@nightingalesupport.org.uk and we’ll answer all your questions.