AIMS
BOOTS offers people living in the Aberdeenshire area and their friends and visitors the means of organising access to the hills in the company of others with a similar interest in hillwalking.
Members of the group benefit from each others' skills and experience.
Walkers, including the less experienced can take part in outings that they might not otherwise have tackled,
developing their own capabilities in the process.
The group actively encourages the development of hillcraft amongst its members, and can organise instruction in navigating
skills and safety awareness and practices.
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the group is open to all prepared to abide by its guidelines given in greater detail in the leaflet issued with the
current year's
programme.
Young people under the age of 18 are welcome to come out with the group provided that they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prior to booking on their first outing, new members should confirm their experience and current level of fitness with John Baillie or John Hughes and contact the walk organiser in good time for the first walk they wish to join.
New members may apply to join the BOOTS Hillwalkers' Yahoo! Group on the recommendation of existing members, and in particular once they have been out on one or more walks.
Membership of the group enables them to receive and send e-mails about walks from and to all other BOOTS Hillwalkers Yahoo! Group members, and to have access to earlier messages and information held on file.
Click on the button below to join BOOTS Hillwalkers Yahoo! Group.
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PLANNING
The organisers plan their assigned walks in advance. Persons intending to go on a walk should contact its
organiser in time to ensure that sufficient transport is available and
any other arrangements can be made.
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FREQUENCY AND TIMING OF OUTINGS
Every second or third weekend, leaving the Town Square, Oldmeldrum, at the stated time on this schedule, possibly picking up en route (or as arranged between individuals for weekend outings), returning typically from 17.00 to 19.00.
Departure times depend upon the length of the walk, distance from home and the time of the year.
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BOOKING
Persons intending to go on a walk should contact its organiser (shown on the programme)
in sufficient time to allow transport and other arrangements to be made.
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TRANSPORT AND COSTS
Transport is normally by private car, but a bus may be hired when more convenient.
Travellers will pay their share of the vehicle hire on the day. In any event, passengers should offer to contribute
towards fuel costs.
Persons who book on an outing involving hired transport or other financial commitments and cancel
after arrangements have been finalised, are liable to pay their share if others would otherwise incur increased costs.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
During winter months if conditions are more appropriate, cross country skiing may be organised in place of planned walks.
Hire costs of any necessary equipment are payable on the day.
Weekends away allow excursions further afield than the local hills. Chalets, B&B, youth hostels, bothies and camping
are used for accommodation on trips away. The organiser can help to co-ordinate transport and accommodation bookings, but unless
otherwise agreed, it is up to the individual to arrange his/ her transport and accommodation.
Instruction in map and compass work, hillcraft and safety awareness can be provided.
Mountain biking, possibly combined with hillwalking, is an option for some outings.
Other suggestions are welcomed.
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