Information for those going on a walk

Please refer to the quarterly programme for the day (Saturday or Sunday) we are walking each weekend. If you do not fancy the programmed walk for any reason, contact the Walk Coordinator to find out whether or not alternatives have been proposed, or to suggest one yourself. Alternative walks are often arranged at the meeting point. The programmed walks may be changed if weather conditions are unsuitable.

Meeting Places and Times

It is important that you always contact the walk coordinator before a walk so they are aware that you are coming, otherwise you will not be informed of a change in plans or if the walk is cancelled.

The main meeting place is the car park of the UHI North, West and Hebrides College (opposite Morrisons petrol station). Please be there in time for an 8.00am departure. You may also join the group at the pick-up point for the area we are going to:

  • For walks at or north of Spean Bridge: 8.20am at Spean Bridge Woollen Mill car park

  • For walks at or south of Glencoe: 8.30am at the Ballachulish Co-op car park

  • For Ardgour or further west: 8.25am at the Corran Ferry slip. Click here to see the ferry timetable.

  • For Kinlochleven or the Oban road (A828): 8.25am at St Brides School, North Ballachulish

If in doubt, or if you wish to join the group elsewhere, please contact the Walk Coordinator beforehand.

Walks Coordinators

For each outing, we have a "Walk Coordinator". See the Walks Programme, to find out who this is.

The co-ordinator is not a leader, and nor should members expect to be "led" on a club walk.

The onus is on the members to provide relevant information to the co-ordinator. This will aid the organization and safety on the hill. There is a need by members, for good communication (before the walk, on and off the hill and at the end of the walk), responsibility, duty of care and awareness of others. There is a safety issue for those who walk out-with the group and, while members are, of course, free to have their own particular goals, it is very advisable for members to ensure that other members of the group are aware of their intentions.

Members are encouraged to contact the co-ordinator before the day of the walk, particularly when travelling separately or meeting at a different point, and to discuss possible alternatives. The co-ordinator acts as a central contact point to facilitate this discussion. Individual goals and plans should then be discussed and confirmed again at the start of the walk and communicated to the co-ordinator. This will enable like minded individuals to form groups so that members are not left to walk on their own.

Members are reminded that it is club policy for less experienced members to be accompanied by a more experienced member.

Members should ensure that the co-ordinator knows that they are safely off the hill.

Transport

We are grateful to members with cars who provide transport for club activities. Those who take a lift should be prepared to contribute to the driver's mileage costs. If you need transport, contact the Walk Coordinator.

Guests

We always give a warm welcome to guests and people who are thinking of joining the club. If you are considering joining, and would like to come along with us on one of our walks, please contact us at info@nevishillwalking.club.

It would save time if guests could complete the Guest Registration Form and email it to the Membership Secretary or bring it with them already filled in. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied - see the Parental Consent Form, which must be completed both by the juvenile and the parent/legal guardian, for more details on this.

Mobile Telephones

Mobile phones can make a significant contribution to efficient organisation and safety on club walks. We encourage members to use their phones for this purpose. Please pass on your number to the other club members and remember to switch your phone on during the outing.

Be prepared for cold weather draining your phone battery and carry an additional power source.

Always remember, however, that mobile phone network coverage on the Lochaber hills is “patchy”.

Navigation

Always, always have a map and compass and know how to use it.

Smartphones or GPS are excellent navigation aids but should not be relied on solely.

The Walk Programme gives the appropriate OS map details for the route so you can download/copy a map extract for the area you are walking in rather than carry a bulky traditional map.

Training on navigation skills is available via Mountaineering Scotland and well worth investing in. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on club walks.

Fitness

Please ensure that you are fit enough on the day to participate in the planned activity, under the prevailing weather conditions. If in doubt, please discuss with the Walk Coordinator.

Other Information

Membership

Anyone is welcome to join the club — you don't have to be proposed or serve a probationary period or the like. However, it is probably a good idea to come along for a few outings as a guest to find out how you get on. You need to download our membership form which has instructions printed on it.

Club Handbook

The Club Handbook contains a foreword, the club code of practice, the country code, the constitution of the club and the rules of the club. Please contact the secretary if you wish a paper copy.

Affiliation

The Nevis Hillwalking Club is affiliated to Mountaineering Scotland.