Meeting Places and Lifts

Unless otherwise indicated all walks will meet at the front of Helensburgh Pier Swimming Pool for departure at 9.30 am prompt. There is free parking available at the far end of the car park. We encourage people to meet at the car park in order that car-sharing may be arranged so reducing the number of vehicles driving into the countryside. On occasion we arrange for mini-bus transport (for which we charge) and this is noted in our programme.

Leaders

The leader is not a professional guide; he is simply a fellow member of the Ramblers' prepared to lead.

Consideration for other walkers

As groups are usually made up of members with varying walking abilities, please consider those at the back. Leaders will SET AND CONTROL THE PACE OF THE WALK to reflect these differing abilities, and WILL NOT allow the pace of walk to be dictated by a few members of the party who may tend to force the pace. Conversely failure to maintain a reasonable pace can cause problems and spoil the enjoyment of the group as a whole. Failure to observe these considerations may deter members from fully enjoying the walks or developing gradually onto higher grades of walks. In the interest of safety members should stay in sight of the Leader at all times and should not leave the walk without first advising him/her.

Dogs

We do not allow dogs on our Group walks.

Children

Children on walks must always be the specific responsibility of a parent or other accompanying adult. Leaders are not responsible for children brought on walks.

Insurance

Please note, that neither the Group nor the Leader can accept responsibility for any accident which may occur on any Group walk. Although every effort is made to ensure the safety of parties, it is pointed out that persons coming on walks do so entirely at their own risk. Personal accident insurance is recommended.

There is Public Liability Insurance taken out by the Ramblers' Association covering certain eventualities - this policy does not cover acts by persons who are not fully paid-up members of the RA.

Equipment and Clothing

Warm and waterproof clothing should be carried and strong footwear should be worn.

In Scotland, on or among the hills, it may be winter any day of the year and to cope with the wide variations of weather and temperature the “layer” principle of clothing helps. Several layers of clothing incorporating essential outer wind and hooded waterproof layers.

Don’t forget a hat and gloves and bear in mind that you can at any time meet wind-driven rain, hail or snow.

Denims are not suitable as they get wet very quickly and do not dry out.

Walking boots are considered essential for hill walking.

A map relevant to the walk, a compass plus a knowledge of how to use it,  are desirable and probably essential on ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade walks.

A whistle is essential  for summoning help or indicating an emergency.

If you are going on winter mountains an ice axe and crampons may be necessary; again a knowledge of how to use these items is necessary.

Food and Refreshment

Food and a hot drink should be carried; sweet treats or chocolate can provide additional energy. Liquid intake is important even on a cold winter’s day. Similarly a breakfast before you commence a walk may be considered essential.