Extra Guidance from Ramblers
Safety
Hillwalking and rambling are activities with an inherent danger of injury or even death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their actions and involvement.
All our walks have a LEADER. Contact details for the leader should be in the walk description in our Walks Programme. People mustn't allow themselves to become separated from the rest of the party unless the leader agrees that it is safe to do so.
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 leader.
In case of bad weather, a decision on whether or not to proceed will be made by the leader. An alternative walk may be arranged. You are advised to listen to the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. If in doubt, contact the leader beforehand.
Clothing
Walking boots are essential for most of our walks. Also a waterproof jacket and trousers, of breathable material. Many people find a layering system of clothing to be flexible. A hat and gloves should also be carried. Avoid cotton clothing, such as denim jeans, which soak up water and become cold and heavy. If in doubt, group members will advise on these items.
Depending on the season, don't forget sunglasses, sun-cream and insect repellent!
Equipment
Each member must bring an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, face-covering and first aid supplies including gloves.
Our walk leaders are all competent navigators and will carry the relevant maps. Nonetheless, it is good practice, when walking in remote areas, to always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. To that end, we run navigation courses and encourage everyone to learn how to navigate. Most people prefer the OS Landranger 1:50000 maps (red covers). The 1:25000 OS Explorer maps (orange covers) contain more detail but can be difficult to read. The Harvey Superwalker maps are probably the best-designed and easiest to understand but are only available for popular areas such as the Cuillin or Glencoe. Electronic devices such as GPS are great but should not be relied on - batteries die and rain gets inside!
Mobile phones can be extremely useful but again should not be relied on as signal coverage, while generally good near main roads, is patchy, to say the least, in much of our area.
Our walks normally finish before dusk but, in the short winter days, carrying a head torch is a sensible precaution. Everyone must carry an emergency bivvy bag on all walks.
Each member must bring an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, face-covering and first aid supplies including gloves.
In winter conditions, some of our walks require crampons and an ice-axe - the leader will advise if this is the case.
Food and Drink
Bring hot and/or cold drinks as well as snacks and a packed lunch on all walks.
Transport
Plan how you will get to the walk carefully.
Car sharing is encouraged. It is recommended that passengers make a voluntary contribution to the driver's out-of-pocket expenses. Mileage is calculated therefore at 25 pence per mile, divided by the total number in the car, including the driver. This 45p per mile rate may also be claimed by any member on official Group business approved by the committee.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome only on those walks indicated in the Programme. At all times, dogs must be kept under control by their owners and if needed, dog owners may be asked for their dogs to be kept on a short lead.
Membership
Membership of a Ramblers group elsewhere in the UK entitles you to join us - it is a national membership. If you want to transfer to the Lochaber and Lorn group (get added to our email list and be informed of our walks and events), you should log in on the national Ramblers website and change your profile - set your Group to be "Lochaber and Lorn" in the "Highlands and Islands" Area.