Hill Walking

 

OIR Winter Walking Group

Programme Changes – October 2007

This year sees the introduction of two walking programmes presently called A and B. These walks are scheduled for alternate Saturdays and it is likely that members will attend some from both lists. The routes for the A programme are mostly on the hills or mountains, and rough ground must be expected, particularly as no recognisable path may exist. The B walks are on tarmac or good paths with occasional minor hills. Most of the notes that follow apply to both A and B walks – the most important exception relates to the terrain expected –see Note 2.

NOTES for 2007 - 08

1 Meeting Point   Unless stated otherwise in the programme, we meet near the exit in the Barrfields car park in time for a prompt departure at 0900. Here we decide how many cars (if any) to use. Those without cars are welcome as there is usually plenty of spare capacity. Return to Largs is generally in the late afternoon ( 4.00 to 6.00 p.m.). 2 What sort of walking?   A Walks: Usually we walk on paths of some description but there are times when we cross terrain where we are lucky if we occasionally find useful tracks – it is not like walking along the prom in Largs! Most of our walks involve some hill climbing which may require crossing obstacles such as fences and dykes. Conditions underfoot are often very muddy and suitable footwear is essential. [ B Walks: These walks restricted to routes on tarmac/good paths/occasional minor hills.] There is always a chance of changing weather conditions during the walk with a possibly unpleasant combination of wind and rain. There are normally few actual stops once we have started. We stop for coffee and to eat our packed 'lunch', but these stops are rarely prolonged because of the rapid loss of body heat in winter. Apart from these refreshment breaks we try to keep going at a steady pace. The return journey may be punctuated by a tea break if a suitable establishment is encountered en route. 3 Clothing   Weather in the West of Scotland is highly variable (and difficult to forecast), particularly in winter, so every individual must wear adequate protection from wind rain and cold, and have strong footwear. After one walk I heard someone say that they were 'wet through', and feeling rather cold. This is potentially dangerous and of course avoidable. It is possible but quite unnecessary to spend a small fortune on specially designed gear. Most people already possess a thermal vest and anyone living in Largs should have a reasonable waterproof to go on top of a jacket. Boots are likely to be the most expensive single item. Many members find walking poles helpful. 4 Food and other spares   There is a need for a reasonably robust small rucksack to carry a hot drink and food, plus waterproofs and other clothing when they are not needed. Rain driven by strong winds seems to penetrate even the best quality bags so it is desirable to wrap the contents of a rucksack in plastic bags. Leaders carry a compass, map, first aid kit and a survival bag. Several regular walkers also carry a survival bag. 5 Cost   Passengers in cars contribute to the petrol cost and we share the cost of ferries. The petrol cost contribution rarely exceeds about £5. Taking cars on ferries inevitably means that the cost of going to places such as Bute is higher but is unlikely to exceed £12. In addition, participants on each walk are asked to contribute 50p to a fund for the purchase of maps and guidebooks. 6 Programme Changes  The programme is subject to change on the day e.g. if the weather is poor a local low-level walk may be substituted. Such a walk might be, for example, Knock Hill, Greenock Cut, Hunterston to Seamill along the coast, or a look at the waterfalls on the Gogo Burn. [If possible, postponed walks will be rescheduled for later in the year.] Newcomers should note that there will be a walk starting at 0900 regardless of the weather. 7 New Members   New members are welcome. Some walks are more strenuous than others and occasionally a new member is taken by surprise by the level of fitness of our bunch of ‘oldies’. 8 Leaders   Each walk will have a leader. John Turcan 687364 26 October 2007