| Walking should be an
enjoyable and safe activity, and safety is always the foremost
consideration when we venture into the hills.
Periodically, we arrange talks on safety issues and related matters - e.g.
mountain rescue, sports injuries, first aid.
The Club maintains a
register of emergency contacts which all members are urged to keep
updated.
The following advice is
offered, simply for general guidance and is not in any way intended as a
substitute for more detailed information available in reputable guide
books, or training under the supervision of a qualified instructor. For
more information on safety issues, check the
Mountaineering
Council for Scotland website.
Common sense rules of
Walking:
- You take part in the
activities of the Club entirely at your own risk.
- The leader has overall charge of the group. Make sure you
know who he or she is.
- Try to keep the person in front of you in sight at all times. If, for
some reason you get left behind the group, use your whistle to attract
someone's attention.
- Know the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (obtainable from
Scottish
Natural Heritage). Be aware of the requirement to behave responsibly and
to consider the interests of other countryside users.
- If gates are closed when you approach them, make sure you close them
behind you. Don't always assume someone else will do it.
- If it is necessary to climb over a gate, do so at the hinged end
only, and only one at a time.
- When it is necessary to climb a dry stane dyke, take extra care not
to loosen the stones.
- If you have to cross a fence, spread out and climb at different
sections, so as not to weaken one particular part.
- Don't tramp over cultivated fields - always keep strictly to the
edge.
- When passing close to farms and steadings, please respect the
privacy and amenity of the occupiers, and keep noise to a minimum.
- Take all litter home with you.
- Although AYR walks are under the control of an appointed leader, it
is good practice to bring a map covering the walk, if you have one, and
compass, and to develop basic skills in using these.
Equipment and clothing
Listed below are suggestions of gear considered sensible for
hill-walking. The Club does not insist you follow this to the letter,
but remember you are taking part in a group activity, and if you do not
have enough warm and waterproof clothing with you it can affect the
safety and enjoyment of the whole group. What you wear and what you
carry in your rucksack depend on the weather and temperature at the
time, but be sure to take enough to cope with the worst conditions.
Putting on and taking off layers of clothing makes better sense than
getting too cold or too hot. Modern technical materials are often better
than traditional cotton garments, and denim jeans should be avoided. On
the private buses you can leave a change of clothing and shoes in case
you get soaked on the hills. A checklist of things to take, whether worn
or carried, might include:
Rucksack (never fully waterproof, so anything which must be kept dry
should be inside a plastic bag)
Waterproof jacket (breathable fabric), waterproof trousers or
overtrousers, waterproof gloves
Waterproof walking boots that support your ankles, gaiters at least in
winter, thick walking socks
Warm hat or balaclava and warm gloves in cold weather, and perhaps spare
socks and laces
Warm jacket (e.g. fleece), warm shirt, and spare woollen pullover,
sweatshirt or light fleece
Comfortable walking trousers (thick in winter), with thermal underwear
in cold conditions
Sun screen and insect repellent in summer, and maybe sun hat and
sunglasses
Basic first aid (plasters etc), whistle, torch in winter, watch, mobile
telephone
Plastic sheet or bag to sit on, survival bag
Food for two or three stops, plenty of liquid
Emergency rations (bar of chocolate, dried fruit)
Money for fares, pub stops, etc.
Map and compass
Possible extras include shorts in summer, walking poles, and a GPS
device
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