By the end of the Second World War approximately 90 percent of Europe’s Jewish children lost their live in the Holocaust.

300 of the children had survived the transport ghetto “Theresienstadt” (Terezin) in the Czech Republic and were brought to Windermere by the RAF to convalesce.

The Windermere Children’s story forms an important part of Holocaust education. It has been documented by the BBC, and there is a permanent exhibition in the Lake District. We are delighted to facilitate this ground-breaking Trek route harmoniously drawing attention this story and freedom of movement.

About the Windermere Route

Upon arrival participants will be bussed from PRG to our beautiful base hotel for the trek.

Day 1 is a short walk of 10-15km, centred around a tour of Terezin, the Ghetto Museum and Memorial. Visiting Terezin is emotional, and some trekkers will have a personal connection to it so we take our time to diffuse what we have seen.

Day 2 we return to Terezin, and symbolically turn our backs on the camp and begin our trek away. This day is challenging, with the longest option being a full walking marathon (42km). The terrain is mainly flat one short climb, but there are shorter options available as we follow the river and rail tracks south towards our base.

Day 3 We pick up the route where we left off with 15-25km options, and descend through the national park, along the river heading to our destination, Prague’s old town square where the Windermere Children were assembled for an iconic photograph before the Royal Air Force evacuated them to the UK. We recreate this photo at the end of the trek.

Training

We provide a training guide and kit list. In order to sign up to the event you must already be moderately fit, but prepared to challenge yourself by training. This is designed to ensure you can complete either of the trek distances and have tested your legs and equipment ready for the challenge. You will not be expected to complete the full trek distance beforehand.

We organise group training events so that you can spend time with the leaders, team-building and to get to know them and your group and discuss the challenge ahead. These are not only important bonding sessions but you can share fundraising ideas, and start to connect with any fellow trekkers’ personal holocaust accounts.

One of these training walks will be in the Lake District where we will visit the Lake District Holocaust Project and connect with the Windermere Children story

Support and Leadership

Each trek is co-led by at least two leaders qualified in the UK by the Mountain Training Association, who are also trained in outdoor first aid and emergency situations.

We undertake detailed planning and are responsible for your safety and comfort and are trained to look after your welfare, and ensure you maintain a steady pace. They are also responsible for making dynamic decisions on the trek if any changes or time keeping issues arise.

Each evening after the group meal, a route, weather and safety briefing for the next day is held.

The group is supported by a bus or car which carries additional food, water and medical equipment, and where trekkers can safely leave alternate weatherproofing if necessary. We meet up at the vehicle at regular check points for breaks, it is never far away from pre-planned evacuation points, and is always in radio contact with the leaders.

Trek mentors who have been on the route before may also attend and provide volunteer support.

Our detailed risk assessment is available upon request. We carry appropriate insurance as a company and as individuals to conduct these treks.

Accommodation/Transport

 Our choice of hotel is a traditional Czech Coaching House located midway between Prague and Terezin, used often as a wedding venue. It is our base for the whole trek so you do not need to move each night.

Trekkers are fast-track checked into their single/twin or family rooms. All meals are included, and dietary requirements catered for where possible within our control.

We are also able to import, store and heat kosher food.

We try where possible to use private areas of the hotel facilities to hold our meetings, store equipment and make our own packed lunches.

Trekkers are responsible for any extras consumed.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the trek participants have commented it has been a once in a lifetime experience, testing their body and emotions, and that they have made friends for life.

All trekkers have seen balance in the delivery of Holocaust Education, and are proud to have played a part in telling the story and raising funds in this unique way.

Funds raised en-route have surpassed expectations, and are being utilised for the next chapters of holocaust education – a long way from the winter training in the UK

BOOKING

When booking, you are deemed to have read and agreed to our terms and conditions.

DECLARATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
An international trek by definition is an activity where the outcome is uncertain, and we can’t control all the variables.  When you book on  you need to accept that the trek carries risk.  In the worst case this may be of injury or death. You must be aware of these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Please read our terms and conditions carefully before you book. 

If you are enlisted to the event please enter your password to view route details, accommodation information, fundraising ideas, kit lists and training plans

EVENT PORTAL