OIR Hill Walking Group

January - April 2012

Grade A - Most routes are on the hills so expect rough ground.  Paths are used if they exist

Grade B - Level walks mostly on tarmac or good paths with occasional minor hills

A & B usually means that we start together before splitting into 2 groups

Note:  All walks subject to modification on the day but regardless of the weather there will always be a walk starting at the usual time. Unless otherwise stated meet in time for a prompt 0900 start at exit to Barrfields car park.

The partly joint A&B walks assume the presence of a member prepared to accept responsibility for leading the B sub group.

Sometimes we are lucky with the weather for most of the winter - but not every year! Usually there are some days when it is not sensible to attempt the listed destination but when this happens a different walk will be substituted e.g. a downwind coastal walk in wind driven rain in poor visibility may still be enjoyed.

Local substitutes include Knockhill, Gogo waterfalls, Kelly Cut, Eglinton Park, Lochwinnoch, Kaim Hill

John Turcan

NOTES

1. Meeting Point   Unless stated otherwise in the programme, we meet near the exit in the Barrfields car park in time for a prompt departure at 0900.  Here we decide how many cars (if any) to use.  Those without cars are welcome as there is usually plenty of spare capacity.   Return to Largs is generally in the late afternoon ( 4.00 to 6.00 p.m.).

2. What sort of walking?    A Walks: Usually we walk on paths of some description but there are times when we cross terrain where we are lucky if we occasionally find useful tracks – it is not like walking along the prom in Largs!   Most of our walks involve some hill climbing that may require crossing obstacles such as fences and dykes.  Conditions underfoot are often very muddy and suitable footwear is essential.  B Walks: These walks restricted to routes that are mostly on  tarmac or good paths and may have  occasional minor hills.]  There is always a chance of changing weather conditions during any winter walk with a possibly unpleasant combination of wind and rain.   There are normally few actual stops once we have started.  We stop for coffee and to eat our packed 'lunch', but these stops are rarely prolonged because of the rapid loss of body heat in winter.   Apart from these refreshment breaks we try to keep going at a steady pace.  The return journey may be punctuated by a tea break if a suitable establishment is encountered en route.

3. Clothing    Weather in the West of Scotland is highly variable (and difficult to forecast), particularly in winter, so every individual must wear adequate protection from wind rain and cold, and have strong footwear.   After one walk I heard someone say that they were 'wet through', and feeling rather cold.   This is potentially dangerous and of course avoidable.    It is possible but quite unnecessary to spend a small fortune on specially designed gear.   Most people already possess a thermal vest and anyone living in Largs should have a reasonable waterproof to go on top of a jacket.   Boots are likely to be the most expensive single item.  Many members find walking poles helpful.

4. Food and other spares    There is a need for a reasonably robust small rucksack to carry a hot drink and food, plus waterproofs and other clothing when they are not needed.   Rain driven by strong winds seems to penetrate even the best quality bags so it is desirable to wrap the contents of a rucksack in plastic bags.   Leaders carry a compass, map, first aid kit and a survival bag.  Several regular walkers also carry a survival bag.

5. Cost   We use public transport when possible & for most of us buses are free.  Passengers in cars contribute to the petrol cost and we share the cost of ferries.  The petrol cost contribution rarely exceeds about £6/7 but taking cars on ferries inevitably means that the cost of going to places such as Bute is higher.  This year, 2011,  we will be making more use of buses and occasionally taxis to reduce this transport cost.  In addition, participants on each walk are asked to contribute 50p to a fund for the purchase of maps and guidebooks.

6. Programme Changes   The programme is subject to change on the day e.g. if the weather is poor a local low-level walk may be substituted.  Such a walk might be, for example, Knock Hill, Greenock Cut, Hunterston to Seamill along the coast, or a look at the waterfalls on the Gogo Burn.   [If possible, postponed walks will be rescheduled for later in the year.]   Newcomers should note that there will be a walk starting at 0900 regardless of the weather.

7. New Members   New members are welcome.   Some walks are more strenuous than others and occasionally a new member is taken by surprise by the level of fitness of our bunch of ‘oldies’.

8. Leaders  Each walk will have a leader.

9. Membership and Insurance   Participants on OIR walks must be OIR members.  This is a requirement to ensure that we are covered by the OIR indemnity insurance policy.  A non-member may be allowed to join us on one outing but thereafter they must expect to show a membership card if asked.

10. Photos   After each walk some photos and a map will usually be distributed by email to present and past members of the walking group.

 

John Turcan   687364
7th September 2011