What to Buy for an Ascension Day Walk

An Ascension Day walk needs more than water and sandwiches. Plan supplies for the route, registration, rest stops, and the final venue, then buy items that can handle changing weather and several hours outdoors. Use the final participant list to calculate food, drinks, cups, maps, wristbands, and first-aid supplies. Shop at least two days ahead, and leave fresh items and ice until the day before or the morning of the walk.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Registration desk
Tableclothqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Route signsqty 8
Conesqty 12
Clipboardsqty 4
Markersqty 12
Route mapsqty 60
Wristbandsqty 60
Umbrellasqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Tea towelsqty 12
Towelsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

First aid kit
Hand pump
Water tap
Groceries
- Still water - 60 liters
- Sparkling water - 24 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Sinas - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Plant-based milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Nut bars - 30 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as coffee or tea for the start and rest areas.
Buy snacks in portions that are easy to carry and serve, such as fruit, rolls, or individually wrapped items. Allow at least 2 snack portions per person for a walk lasting several hours, plus extra for late arrivals.
Prepare one printed route map per group or household, not just one per table. Buy or print 10% extra maps, route signs, and arrows so missing or weather-damaged copies do not stop the walk.
For an outdoor start or rest stop, provide one party tent for each area that must stay usable in rain. Add battery lanterns if people may arrive before daylight or finish after dark; do not rely on extension cords along the route.
Keep first-aid supplies, participant information, dietary notes, and emergency contacts at the registration desk. Pack them in a clearly labelled waterproof container before shopping is finished, rather than assembling it just before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for an Ascension Day walk?: For each participant, plan 2 to 3 drinks in the first hour and about 1 more drink per hour afterward. Allow at least 2 snack portions per person for a multi-hour walk, with 10% extra for unexpected participants or damaged food.
What should I buy for the start of an Ascension Day walk?: Buy coffee, tea, hot-water capacity, cups, water, snacks, route maps, wristbands, and signs for registration. Have these ready at least 60 minutes before the planned start so the table can be set up before participants arrive.
How many route maps and signs do I need?: Prepare one route map per group or household and add 10% extra. For route arrows and signs, count every turn, crossing, and decision point during the route check, then add at least 5 spare signs and arrows.
When should I shop for an Ascension Day walk?: Buy shelf-stable food, drinks, disposable or reusable serving supplies, maps, and signage at least 2 days in advance. Buy fresh food and ice the day before, and check the weather forecast again 24 hours before the walk.

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