HILLWALKING for BEGINNERS [Compiled 2002 by Bishopstown Hillwalking Club (B.H.C.)]

This guide is for new members of the Bishopstown Hillwalking Club.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE:
BHC current members depart from the Melbourn Business Park car park (on the Tennis Village side of TEXACO Garage), Model Farm Road. This place is about 300 metres away from the Tennis Village. 9.30am for most C and D walks, weather permitting. BHC current members also meet at or near the walk venue at a later time as per Fixtures List & weekly e-mails.

WALK GRADES:
 ‘A’ Strenuous walk (sometimes with scrambling over steep exposed rocks) on open moorland at a fast pace and on very steep gradients for up to 10 hours.
‘B’ Tough walk (sometimes with some scrambling over steep ground) on open moorland at a good pace and on steep gradients for up to 6 hours.
‘C’ Moderate walk usually on open moorland over less steep ground at a moderate pace and on gentle gradients for up to 4 hours (A and B walkers on C walks are expected to slow down to C pace).
‘D’ Easy walk, mainly on relatively flat roads / paths (forests and cliff tops), at an easy pace for up to 2 hours.
 

BEGINNERS / NEW-MEMBERS / LAPSED MEMBERS / NON-REGULAR WALKERS:
All  these  must do at least 5 C walks before attempting a B walk, likewise at least 5 B walks before attempting an A walk, and must be recommended by at least two Walk Leaders before attempting a B or an A walk. Experienced hillwalkers can claim exemptions from the above requirements.

CLOTHING:
Having good, expensive gear will not make a hillwalker out of you (but it helps!). Beginners should wear old clothes such as warm tracksuits (no  jeans / cords), gloves, woollen cap, comfortable walking boots of a recognized brand (with good sole grips), rainwear (jacket and over-trousers), etc. Have a change of clothes in your car for when you return.
After a few outings and if you intend to continue, especially in the winter time or on A / B walks, then it is recommended that you gradually get some proper hillwalking gear, such as good hillwalking boots, thermal tops (e.g. Lowe Alpine ‘dry flow’ tops), ‘power stretch’ pants, fleece, gaiters, pair of walking sticks, etc.

OTHER GEAR:
A rucksack is needed to carry food, stainless steel Thermos flask, bottle of water, extra clothing, etc. A pair of walking sticks helps, especially on the way down.  O.S. 1:50,000 scale laminated maps of the walk areas (and to a lesser extent a compass and a GPS) are needed if you are really interested in hillwalking! Survival bag, torch, first-aid kit, whistle, guide-books, spare food, sunglasses, sun screen, etc. It is best to take your money (in a waterproof bag), keys & valuables with you on the walk as cars can be broken into.

COURSES:
Mountain Skills courses (MS1, MS2, & MS Test) are run throughout the year by Cappanalea O.E.C.  and by BHC. Details in BHC newsletters and e-mails.  BOHC runs annual 10-week Navigation Courses in October and in January. If you are interested in navigation the Walk Leaders and others on the day will show you the basics. First-Aid courses are also run.

OTHER RULES:
1. All walkers on BHC walks must be current BHC members. Non-BHC walkers, who produce current MCI membership cards with insurance symbol, may take part in a maximum of two walks.
2. All walkers must register with the Walk Leader before each walk. “NO M.C.I. CARD, NO GO”.
3. All new walkers, lapsed members, and non-regular walkers, must do at least 5 C walks before attempting a B walk, likewise at least 5 B walks before attempting an A walk, and must be recommended by at least two Walk Leaders before attempting a B or an A walk.
4. All walkers must be over 18 years of age for all A, B & C walks, must wear suitable hillwalking gear, including boots, for all A, B and C walks and must make their own personal judgement as to their capacity to undertake the category (Grade) of walk. Be sensible/realistic re your own capabilities.
5. For everybody’s safety and security those starting out together must stay together during the walk. Group walkers are expected to walk as a group, i.e. the people at the front must at all times keep an eye on those behind them and wait for them at appropriate places. Group walks as organised are non-competitive and all participants are to finish the walk together. If you are on a walk of a lower grade than your usual then you must slow down to the slower pace of that lower grade or else organise your own group and transport for that day.
6. If you go ahead of the Walk Leader & group, then you are no longer considered to be part of the group and you are responsible for your own actions and for those who follow you.
7. If you are on medications or suffering from any physical, mental, or other condition / state that might affect you or the group on the walk, then you must inform the Walk Leader of it before the walk starts.
8. All mobile phones, except those of the Leaders and Assistant Leaders,  must be switched off.
9. Dogs not allowed on any walk.
10. The walk as advertised may be cancelled or changed at the discretion of the Walk Leader.
11. Please take home your litter (including orange peel and banana skins).
12. Please observe The Country Code and The I.F.A. Farmland Code of Conduct.
13. You are requested not to smoke in the presence of fellow BHC members at all times.
14. Any member who does not adhere to the above, and other BHC rules, may have their membership withdrawn.

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