|
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, unless the Leader
agrees that it is safe to do so. It is the responsibility of the
Walk Leader to ensure that a first aid kit is being carried and
to appoint a backmarker if necessary.
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 when
thought appropriate. If in doubt, please contact the leader
beforehand.
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. Mileage
is charged therefore at 25 pence per mile, divided between the
total numbers in the car, including the driver. Walk
leaders may also claim 25p per mile from the treasurer for
use of car when reconnoitring walks. This 25p per mile rate may
also be claimed by any member on official Group business approved
by the committee.
DOGS:
Dogs are welcome only on
leisurely walks which take place on the fourth Thursday of each
month (marked L* in the walks programme). Dogs should be kept on
a short lead. In the case of any dispute about dogs on these
walks, the walk leader's decision is final.
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%
Tresspass, Fort
William
10%
|
|
