WSPA Bear Adventure
The WSPA Bear Adventure 2009 is a fantastic opportunity to walk through the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and see rescued bears at the WSPA built bear sanctuary.
The catch is you will be challenging yourself to walk up to 50 miles and ascents of 500-600 metres before reaching the sanctuary!
Don't be daunted - read one participant's story of how she is training for the event >>
The Carpathians are one of the last strongholds for the European Brown Bear. You will be part of a group trekking through the mountains and visiting the newly built bear sanctuary near Zarnesti.
As well as having the opportunity to take part in this unique experience you will be raising funds which will go directly to WSPA’s work with bears.
If you would be interested in taking part in the 2009 adventure (6-12 September), please email us at: fundraising@wspa.org.uk
Proposed itinerary
Day 1: London – Bucharest – Sinaia
Depart London arrive at Bucharest International airport. Transfer by coach to the Sinaia mountain resort. From Sinaia, the challenge starts with a short walk (1hr), then dinner.
Day 2: Zanoaga Lake
The challenge really starts today with a 600m / 2 hour climb to the Varful cu Dor peak at 2000 meters altitude. After reaching the peak and having a short rest and photo-opportunity, the walking route continues for a further 2 hrs to the Zanoaga chalet and lake where there will be lunch. After lunch there’ll be a very pleasant 2-3 hour walk along the lake in the beautiful alpine scenery of Doamnele-Batrana ridge.
Day 3: The Church in the Cave
In the morning, visit the famous church housed by the Ialomitei Cave and the mountain hermitage in the area. After an early lunch, climb the Butmaloiu trail to the alpine Bucegi Plateau, a 2-3 hr, 500m climb.
Day 4: The Romanian Sphinx
An early start for what will be the longest day of the walk but thankfully most of it is downhill! The first attraction of the day is the Romanian Sphinx (stone with human face) and the Babele (the Ladies) stones. After photo sessions, continue to the highest peak of this part of Carpathians, the Man peak (2507 meters altitude); on the way, see the Heroes Monument, a huge crucifix (60 meters) built on the top of the mountains in the memory of First World War heroes. The climb to the peak should take around 3-4 hrs and lunch will be served at the top. After the lunch break, there will be a 1900m descent through the Hole Valley to Simon village, which should take around 5 hrs.
Day 5: Bran Castle
Transfer by minibus to Bran castle, best known as Dracula’s Castle, which is in fact an ancient stronghold built on a rock outcrop guarding the mountain pass of Bran. After a tour of the castle, the final challenge: a 13 mile hike to Zarnesti and the bear sanctuary, with lunch along the way.
Day 6: The WSPA Bear Sanctuary
A full day at the bear sanctuary where participants will see the bears and learn about the sanctuary's work. After an amazing day, transfer by coach to Bran.
Day 7: Returning to Bucharest.
After breakfast, transfer by coach to Bucharest (3 hours) to catch the flight back to London.
A few facts about Romania
Location: South Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and UkrainePopulation: 22,303,552 (July 2006 est.)
Capital City: Bucharest
Language: Romanian (official), Hungarian, German
Religion: Mainly Eastern Orthodox
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Weather: In September the weather in Romania is usually somewhere between 60–70 degrees Fahrenheit/15–21 degrees Celsius.
Romania has majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking and wildlife.
Romania may be one of Europe's best kept secrets, yet once visitors discover the country's extraordinary attractions, meet its welcoming, friendly people and experience the ease of travelling on good roads through unbeatable natural scenery – they are hooked.
Take your first step on a journey you will never forget
To register, call Community Fundraising on 0800 316 9772 or e-mail fundraising@wspa.org.uk to request your form.Collect sponsorship online
Why not make life easier for yourself and collect sponsorship online? It’s really easy to do and only takes a couple of minutes.
Follow the instructions and set up your own page. You can even upload a picture of yourself if you like.
You can then e-mail your page round to friends and family and ask them to sponsor you with their debit/credit card.
Your sponsors can gift aid their donations online if they are eligible so its tax efficient as well. The money comes straight to WSPA so you don’t need to chase people up.