5. The night of the challenge

1. Travel
2. Timings
3. All about the Bra
4. Clothing
5. Food and Drink
6. Toilets
7. Supporters

1. Travel

   Where is the start / finish?

   Meet in Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8AS. Take a look at this google map

   Whilst our Start and Finish area will still be on Holyrood, our Meeting Area, Bag Store and Recovery space will be just a few minutes away at Dynamic Earth.

   Travel by Public Transport

   Car

   We would advise all walkers to travel to Dynamic Earth by public transport to avoid congestion in the area. There are bus services and plenty of taxis leaving Waverley Station. However, if you must travel by car, please be aware that there will be NO parking in Holyrood Park or at Dynamic Earth at any time. If you need to park in Edinburgh, please use the NCP car parks as there is little street parking in the area. The closest NCP car park is Edinburgh Holyrood Road, EH8 9UL.

   Please see https://www.ncp.co.uk/ for more information, and to book a space in advance.

   Coach

   There is NO coach parking in Holyrood Park or Dynamic Earth. There is also no waiting, and your driver must stay with the coach whilst everyone gets off. Your coach company or driver must make their own arrangements for parking – there is no parking in Holyrood Park or Dynamic Earth at any time.

   Plane

   If you are flying into Edinburgh there is an express bus service from the airport to the city centre which runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Airlink 100 terminates at Waverley Bridge, near the mainline station and tickets can be bought from a desk at the bus stop or on the bus itself.

   Please see www.edinburghairport.com for further information.

   There is also a Tram that runs from Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews Square just outside Waverly Station. The Airport Tram stop is located right outside the main terminal next to the plaza. 

   Please see https://edinburghtrams.com/ for further information.

   Train and Bus

   The main station in Edinburgh and the most convenient one for transport connections to Dynamic Earth is Waverley Station, located in the city centre. From there it is just 0.8 miles to The MoonWalk Scotland.

   Lothian Bus Number 35 runs through Edinburgh and stops at Scottish Parliament Building on Canongate Road, which is a 6-minute walk to Dynamic Earth.

   Please see https://www.lothianbuses.com/ for further information.

   Taxis

   Taxis are plentiful from Waverley Station, either from the main concourse or if queues are long, there is another taxi rank on Waverley Bridge. Estimated journey time, 10 minutes depending on the volume of traffic.

   If you need a taxi when you have completed your challenge, they will also be found on Queen’s Drive.

   Walking

   As you are feeling fit and ready to go, walking may be a good option to get your limbs loosened up. It will take around 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Waverley Station depending on your walking speed.

2. Timings

   Arrival times

   MoonWalk City will open at Dynamic Earth at 21.00 (9.00pm) on Saturday 9 September 2023 

   Please note: There will be NO entry or access to the event by the Start - Finish Line on Holyrood .  All information and entrance details will be emailed to you

3. All about the Bra

   Wearing a bra to take on a challenge has always been the Walk the Walk trademark and one of the wonderful reasons we have managed to raise so much awareness and money for our vital causes. We know just how much courage it takes, but it is also fantastic FUN! Within minutes of arriving at The MoonWalk, you will feel the spirit, energy and company of thousands of like-minded walkers at this Carnival of colours, feathers, fringing and fabulousness… and if you do still feel a little self-conscious, then read on!

   But what about my wobbly bits!

   Walk the Walk embraces all bits and we love you for having the courage to get out there make a noise, raise awareness and pound those pavements. One thing you can guarantee at any MoonWalk is that every age, height, shape and weight will be there… In fact, you are so unique you will be the only one that looks exactly like you!

   If that doesn’t convince you, there are many ways of decorating your bra if it will give you a little more confidence on the night, carefully positioned voile and fringing can go a long way!

   Why not read more about our decorating tips here

    

4. Clothing

   So that we all look the part in this amazing thousands-strong team and so you are as comfortable as possible we suggest that you wear / bring the following:

   1. The Bra - You've done the training, you're feeling fit... now it's time to show off your bra. Now it doesn't mean wearing your bra over your T-shirt... not a good look and very uncomfortable, it means wearing your bra in all its splendid glory and that goes for the boys too! More tips here
   2. Walk the Walk T-shirt - Use this to travel to and from the event in (unless you really want to come on the bus in your bra!).
   3. Sweat top - Zip front and long sleeves if possible so that you can wear it tied around your waist ready to put on or simply slip over your shoulders if you get cold.
   4. Event hi-vis Cap - For your own safety your hat has reflective strips, plus if your head is warm the rest of you will so keep your hat on! White peek for Full Moon, pink peek for Half Moon.
   5. Black leggings / shorts - Track pants, jeans etc are not suitable as the seams will rub.
   6. Training shoes - Please use the ones that you have been training in, now is not the time to wear new shoes.
   7. The Weather Protector - is in the clear plastic bag and is fantastic for keeping the elements off whilst allowing you to wear that bra with pride. It does keep you very warm. Don't take it out of the bag until you need it! If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more then we will be asking for a minimum £2 donation per item.
   8. The Space Blanket - is the foil item and should be worn after you cross the finish line. It's also a great reflector and should be tied over your Bumbag as you walk. If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more then we will be asking for a minimum £2 donation per item.
   9. Walker Number - showing your name and number. Please do not laminate your Number or put it in a plastic pocket, it is waterproof. Your Bag Tag is attached to the top of your Number, complete and attach to the bag you are stowing in the Bag Store! Entrance and Finish Line tickets are attached to the bottom of your Number - do NOT remove these

   Drinks are not needed as there will be plenty of water throughout the event.

   Bumbag and essentials to carry with you: (don't use a backpack as they will rub!)

   • Lip salve, Vaseline (small pot)
   • Toilet paper or tissues!
   • Weather Protector and Space Blanket
   • Some emergency cash just in case
   • Phone / Camera
   • Safety pins(to attach your walker number)
   • Small torch if you feel you need it
   • Sunscreen (if the sun comes up you could get burnt without it...)
   • And nibbles if you need to eat on the way round

   If it's cold on the night

   Don't hide your bra if you can possibly help it! You will get warm once you get walking so prepare for that beforehand - you don't want to stop to take layers off! Once you are at the start line do the following

   • Wear your decorated bra
   • Put your see-through Weather Protector over the top - seriously they are very very effective and so simple
   • Put your Bumbag around your waist over the top of the Weather Protector to keep it down and out of the way
   • Wrap your sweat top around your waist so it's there if you need it
   • Keep your hat on... and if really cold put the hood of the Weather Protector underneath your cap... or buy one of our bobble hats
   • Wear gloves
   • Once you get going you can simply pull your Weather Protector out from under your Bumbag and through it up around your neck so it's like a cape behind you. That way you can get it on easily if you get cold

   Trust us - this is the best way of looking good and keeping warm!

   Weather Protectors and Space Blankets

   The Weather Protector is in the clear plastic bag and is fantastic for keeping the elements off whilst allowing you to wear that bra with pride. It does keep you very warm. Don't take it out of the bag until you need it!

   The Space Blanket is the foil item and should be worn after you cross the finish line. It's also a great reflector and should be tied over your Bumbag as you walk.

   In previous years we have handed these out on the night but sadly many people took more than they needed or discarded the ones they were given. This cost the charity a lot of money.

   We now send these out in your Event Packs. If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more, you will find them at the various stalls in the main tent for a minimum donation of £2.00 per item.

   Is there anywhere I can leave my bag?

   Yes. There will be a manned baggage area in Dynamic Earth that you can use.
   
   Things to have in the bag that you hand in at the bag tent

   • You may like to bring a blow-up cushion or foam to sit on during the earlier part of the evening - please be sure to take this with you when you go home!
   • Marker pen, after you've written your name on your front and back so that everybody knows who to shout for!
   • Change of clothes for when you complete the challenge especially if rain or a cold night is forecast.
   • Something nice to nibble on or your favourite hot drink for when you return (though there will be some catering sites as well)
   • Spare toilet paper just in case - you may want to take this with you on the route!

5. Food and Drink

   Food glorious food...

   This year you will be able to buy Food and hot drinks from the moment you arrive at Dynamic Earth and also when you cross the Finish Line on Holyrood.

   Further information coming nearer the time!

6. Toilets

   We work to a very strict Health and Safety plan on all aspects of the event. We take the number of toilets we should have for an event on this size and then we increase the number massively - we are aware that most of the walkers are ladies and consequently take a little longer in the loo. However, there is not one each - so queuing is inevitable! There are 100's on the site but as the night progresses you will end up queuing! Look around the site - often people will all queue in the same spot when actually there are less busy toilets elsewhere!

   Some thoughts:

   • on your long training walk, how many times did you stop to go to the loo?
   • nerves play a massive part
   • as does drinking too much water
   • as does the cold
   • as does watching everyone else going to the loo!

   On the route itself, you will find toilets approximately every 3 to 4 miles 

   How to help you manage toilet stops:

   1. Do not gulp large quantities of water - sip little and often
   2. Agree with your walking pals when you will stop. Ask them to wait, otherwise, in the few minutes it takes you to use the loo, your pals will be a few hundred yards away and you will have to run to catch up
   3. Do not queue if you have to - if at all possible take a short walk to the next ones. 
   4. Please do not urinate or anything else in the street, just remember that Walk the Walk have to clear up after you and that means everything!
   5. The spacing on the route is planned that way - not everywhere will allow toilets to be placed

   If you have to queue... let's try to remember why you are taking part and that the MoonWalk is not a race!

7. Supporters

   5 easy steps to make sure that you and your supporters get to see each other and have a great night!

   1. ONLY PARTICIPANTS with walker numbers can enter MoonWalk City. Arrange for your supporters to head for the suggested viewing spots on the route map.
   2. Please ask family and friends not to stand on the same side of the road as the walkers as this causes congestion and is unfair to all those taking part.
   3. Supporters wanting to wait at the finish line can be admitted into the park on foot only.
   4. There is NO exit for Walkers out of the Finish Line. When you are completing your challenge, please do NOT ask friends and family to come through the Finish Line with you.  Arrange to meet them outside MoonWalk City at the Exit.
   5. Please do not ask supporters to join you on the walk, previously this resulted in many more people being on the pavement than was expected. We have been informed by the police that if this happens again the event could be stopped which would be very sad for everybody.

   My family or supporters are travelling a long way - is there anything for them to do?

   Yes! Why not get them to become one of our treasured Volunteers? With several shifts available we can put them to work whilst you walk and then you can all meet up together at the end. Lots of people become Volunteers this way.

   Where can my friends and family watch?

   More information nearer the time!

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