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GENERAL INFO LOCHABER
& LORN GROUP
MEMBERSHIP:
New members are always welcome. Membership is not necessary for up
to three walks – but thereafter, walkers will be expected to join
the Ramblers Association.
WALKING PROGRAMME AND LEADERS:
The Group Walks
Programme Coordinator, assisted by the Walks Secretary and Walk
Leader’s arrange the walks programme. The leaders put considerable
effort into planning, pre-walking and organising their walks and
their decision will be final on all matters concerning the walk,
including changes in the walk itinerary. Please do nothing to
undermine their authority and, in particular, if you have any
comment to make regarding the conduct of the walk, do so in
private. It is essential for safety reasons that members of a group
do not allow themselves to become separated from the rest of the
party and, in particular, that walkers do not go ahead of the
leader, however fast they may feel themselves to be capable of
walking. It is the responsibility of the Walk Leader to appoint a
Backmarker and to ensure that the Backmarker is carrying the first
aid kit.
SAFETY:
Members are requested
not to attempt walks out with their capabilities. While safety is
always our first consideration, the Ramblers Association and its
agents take no responsibility for any loss or injury incurred during
their activities. When signing in on the Register, members should
give an emergency contact number, not necessarily their own.
All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated
with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of
any person walking with our Group always being of paramount concern,
accidents will occasionally occur. It is important therefore that
when entering into the activity, each person appreciates that they
have a personal responsibility to identify the hazards associated
with it and to take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimize
the possibility of an accident. Personal accident insurance is
available from several sources.
WEATHER:
In cases of inclement
weather, the decision whether or not to proceed will be made by the
leader. If necessary and possible, alternative walks will be
arranged, but it must be appreciated that such changes are made at
very short notice. You are advised to listen to the weather
forecast and prepare accordingly. If in doubt, contact the leader
beforehand.
CLOTHING and EQUIPMENT:
Be prepared for all
kinds of weather conditions regardless of time of year. Boots are
advisable for most walks. Waterproof jackets and trousers,
preferably of breathable material, are essential in winter. Several
light layers of clothing over a thermal base layer allow
flexibility, and hat, scarf and gloves should be carried. In summer
fewer layers are needed, but remember sunglasses, sun block and
midge repellent, which can be carried in a day sack. Avoid denim
clothing which retains water.
FOOD and DRINK:
Sufficient liquid for
drinks is essential, preferably a hot drink in a flask in cold
weather, as well as snacks and a packed lunch where specified.
CARS:
In order to economise, car sharing is encouraged. It is recommended
that passengers make a contribution to the driver's out-of-pocket
expenses. For an average sized car this should be about 20 pence
per mile, divided between the total numbers in the car, including
the driver.
DOGS:
Dogs
may occasionally be permitted on some Lochaber and Lorn walks, this
is at the sole discretion of the walk leader whose decision is
final. If you wish to bring a dog on a walk, it is important that
you check with the leader in advance. Owners are responsible for
keeping their dogs under proper control at all times and not causing
a nuisance to livestock, wildlife or other walkers; they should not
be allowed to run through the legs of other walkers and should be
kept away from other walkers at refreshment breaks. Owners should
be prepared to transport dogs in their own cars.
DISCOUNTS:
Some local firms that
specialise in outdoor equipment and clothing are offering discounts
to members of the Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group on production of
the Ramblers membership card. Details of the discount offered by
each firm, together with the address and contact telephone number
are given below:
The Ice Factor, Leven Rd, Kinlochleven 10%
Nevisport, Airds Crossing, Fort William
10%
Blacks, High Street, Fort William
10%
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