We run a 49 seater coach to all walks. The current bus fare is £15.00 (late 2022). There can occasionally be additional costs such as ferry fares and local buses. A social event such as a club meal would also involve higher charges. All of the costs will be indicated in the email newsletter.

Bookings are taken on a “First Come – First Served” basis. After the email newsletter is published (usually on a Wednesday) walkers (including first-timers) can make a text booking to the booking contact for that walk (The booking contact will be indicated on the newsletter and may differ from the walk leader). All bookings will receive a text acknowledgement.

There may be number limitations on a walk in which case anyone booking after the limit is reached will be placed on a waiting list. Anyone on the waiting list who does not get a booking will have first refusal on the next walk.

If you are unable to attend a walk please let the booking contact know immediately so that someone on the waiting list can take your place. There is no charge for cancellations.

When walking with the club, adequate footwear and clothing are essential. Be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Carry a packed lunch. Boots are essential on “A” and “B” grade walks and are recommended on “C” grade walks. The Ramblers Association cannot take responsibility for damages or loss incurred on a ramble or other club activity.

Follow the Country Code:

✔ Close gates;
✔ Take litter home;
✔ Face oncoming traffic, etc

Please do NOT walk in front of the leader or leave a ramble without informing the leader. Children under 16 years of age should be accompanied by an adult. Holidays and social events are offered to club members. All those interested in walking are welcome to join the group. After participating in two walks with the group we would expect you to join the Ramblers Association, otherwise you may not be accepted on a walk.

Membership forms are available from the Group Secretary. Joining the Ramblers Association gives automatic membership of your local group and the right to walk and socialise with any other groups UK-wide. Walks are subject to change at the Leader’s discretion.

Please inform the walk leader of any medical condition(s) which you have incase of any emergency during the walk.

As a club we pride ourselves in welcoming new members to enjoy the experience of the outdoors and to ensure the safety of all our members. In order to achieve this, we as a committee would like to inform you of how we plan and conduct each walk with your safety in mind.

The Planning of Walks

The planning of a walk begins with the Walks Convener who has to find a suitable walk or walks. This involves (in our club) Ken Paton who generously gives of his own time and effort to research routes that are interesting, scenic and safe. It is not an easy task by any means and consists of weeks or months of research to compile a list for each summer and winter seasons. When Ken has completed the list it is presented to the committee members for their consideration and any adjustments made. This will include the dates of the walks and who will lead them. We rely on the generosity of our members to volunteer for the walks and to be competent in keeping everyone safe.

The Walk Leader

The responsibility of a walk leader is no easy task. The walk they choose has to be recced in advance. They are given a map by the Walks Convener and they then have to go and familiarise themselves with the route. This is done in their own time. To begin with they have to consider a breakfast stop for members. This involves seeking out cafes that can accommodate our numbers, speaking to the owners to ensure they can meet our needs, and assessing where the bus can park safely. They have to find a safe parking spot for the bus at the start of the walk, and if its a linear walk,- where the bus has to pick us up. The Walk Leader will give a brief talk before the walk to make sure everyone is prepared. They will make sure the paperwork is correct The Leader will appoint a Back Marker who will have accompanied the leader on the recce and also is familiar with the route.

This is to ensure that the group is kept together and no one will be left behind. On the walk itself, the leader will have chosen the best place for short stops and lunch breaks. Timing is essential on a recce. It is important to remind everyone that No one should walk ahead of the leader unless they have given permission to do so. Walk Leaders have a legal responsibility under Ramblers Association rules to ensure everyone is safe and it has been known that people have got lost by going ahead of the leader and taking a wrong turning, this results in a delay trying to locate them and affects the timing of the walk. It is important that no one should go off on their own for ‘comfort stop’ without informing the back marker. If any walker has a medical condition they should inform the Walk Leader in the event of an emergency. It is important that walkers wear the correct clothing and footwear as it is well known that the weather changes quickly. The Walk Leader will take control and be assertive when needed.

All of the above is to ensure that members enjoy the walk, are safe and well informed. In the event that there are 2 walks on the same day, each leader will have done the recce and collaborated on the times on starting the walk and finishing the walk and where the starting point will be and the finishing point. There may be a delay on the finishing time due to location of the walks and any problem that may develop. Please be patient as safety is a priority.

Thank you for your understanding

A booking and information sheet will be circulated around the bus for any social events being held during the Winter months, and advertisements will be placed in the “Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser” for the same. Also, the Committee welcomes any suggestions for walks which anyone would like to see on either the Summer or Winter programmes, or suggestions for social events.

Please contact any committee member with regard to this and we will endeavour to include these walks or events at the earliest possible opportunity.

Note to Leaders: it would be helpful if leaders of joint walks could do their reccies at the same time as this would assist with determining the timing of the two walks and would also save on reccie expenses.