Question 1

Can I take food and drinks on the bus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but please take any litter home with you. You are NOT permitted to have alcohol on the bus.

Question 2

Do you allow dogs on walks?

Accepted Answer

No. We cannot allow dogs on walks as we frequently pass through farmland and we are keen to maintain our good relationship with those who live and work in the countryside.

Question 3

Is there a minimum age to go on an AYR walk?

Accepted Answer

Individuals aged under sixteen years are not permitted on walks unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other such responsible adult.

Question 4

How much does it cost to be a member?

Accepted Answer

Our subscription currently stands at £15. The subscription year begins on 1st August, but anyone joining after 1st May will not need to renew until August of the following year.

Question 5

Can I pay by cheque for my membership fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please make it payable to ‘ All Year Ramblers Club ‘.

Question 6

What time will the walk finish?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we cannot provide members with an arrival time back in Edinburgh as this is affected by circumstances on the day.

Question 7

Where do the buses leave from?

Accepted Answer

Transport for all walks leaves from the centre of Edinburgh. Private buses leave from Queen Street (one block west of the National Portrait Gallery) at times ranging from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, usually once a month. We have a number of regular pick-up and drop-off points on the way out of the city, depending on which direction we are heading. You can see more on our pick up points page.

Question 8

How much do walks cost?

Accepted Answer

Our private bus fares are charged at a fixed rate to all destinations.

Question 9

What do I need to bring on a walk?

Accepted Answer

Sensible clothing and footwear is a must. We also have a list on our 'information and advice page' with 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.

Question 10

How do I know what walks are coming up?

Accepted Answer

You can check out our 'weekly walk schedule' page and all members are kept informed of walks and other events through a programme and newsletter which are issued every two months.

Question 11

How long are the walks?

Accepted Answer

A typical length of our walks would be about 8 to 10 miles in winter and 11 to 13 miles in summer. But the walks are graded by difficulty too, so there should be something to suit every walker.

Question 12

Where do you go walking?

Accepted Answer

Travelling from Edinburgh, we cover a wide area of central and eastern Scotland, the Borders and the southern Highlands, as well as more local walks in the Lothians and Fife.    We travel by hired coach ("Bookable Bus") as well as by public transport (bus and train).

Question 13

How are the walks graded?

Accepted Answer

Walks are graded from ‘A’ to ‘D’ :

A typical ‘A’ walk might be 10 - 15 miles over rough county with few paths, taking in several hills with significant amounts of ascent. You may not choose an ‘A’ walk for your first outing unless you have the permission of the leader.

‘B’ walks are moderate hill walks or lower level walks in hilly areas, typically a mixture of tracks and moorland.

A typical ‘C’ walk might be 8 - 12 miles over relatively flat farmland, mostly on tracks and footpaths. It may occasionally be necessary to climb over dykes and fences where there are no gates or styles. It may also be necessary to ford small burns, or to walk in snow in the winter.

‘D’ walks are offered from time to time; these are walks of 5-7 miles at a leisurely pace, mostly on level ground along good tracks and paths, including places of interest along the route.

Question 14

How do I book a seat on a Bookable Bus?

Accepted Answer

Please see the instructions under "Information and Advice"

We hope that our website is clear and has answered all the questions you may have about All Year Ramblers Edinburgh. However, we’ve listed some of the frequently asked questions below – but if you still have a questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.