GENERAL - The Club was originally founded in June 1983 for NALGO (now UNISON) Trade's Union members, however in January 1994 previous membership restrictions were removed and the Club name changed. The Club is an affiliate member of Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council and stages events throughout the year. There is a Saturday walk each month; three or four weekend trips are arranged each year; and we have an annual week trip. When selecting the locations of walks, the Committee have tried to cater for the varying standards and capabilities of our 45 members; however, the nature of the terrain is such that we have to assume that they have a reasonable level of fitness.

SATURDAY WALKS - We meet in the car park of Gateshead Civiic Centre for a 08.00 departure to various destinations in the north of England. A Transport Unlimited self-drive minibus is usually provided by the Club; however, to enable more than 17 members to participate in each walk, members who either own or have access to a private vehicle are requested to allow it to be used as Club transport on a maximum of one occasion each year. In return, their £10 fare is refunded, petrol expenses @ 15p per mile are paid, and the driver is effectively guaranteed a seat on the minibus for the rest of the year. Both high and lower level routes are usually suggested; new or inexperienced members are requested to carefully consider which route they will best be able to safely complete in view of the terrain, fell and weather conditions and the hours of daylight - if in any doubt, please choose the lower level walk. We usually break our homeward journey for about an hour with a stop for refreshments. Over the Summer months we usually arrive back at Gateshead Civic Centre at around 22.00; in Winter we arrive back earlier as walks are obviously more restricted by the hours of daylight.

Members may make a booking up to TWO weeks in advance of a Saturday walk either by leaving an answer phone message (9am-5pm each working day) or by Email. Members who are prepared, if necessary, to use their private vehicles as Club transport or drive the minibus are able to make a ‘privileged booking’ up to FOUR weeks in advance of the walk. A member may make a booking on behalf of an ‘invitee’ from the Wednesday prior to the walk. Anyone who insists in using their car to travel to an event or wants to return early (i.e. miss out the refreshment stop) will not qualify for petrol expenses and must pay £1 for each of the car’s occupants. The required £10 fare (cheques made payable to Mr G. Page & Mr A. J. Austin) must be received by the Secretary by the Saturday following the walk. If notification of a cancellation is received at any time prior to 08:00 on the morning of the walk a reduced fare of £5 will be due (this will be waived if all seats in all Club transport can be filled). If notification of cancellation is not received, unfortunately the full £10 fare will remain due.

WEEKEND TRIPS - For weekend trips we invariably hire selff-catering cottages, although we occasionally stay in youth hostels or camp. Members usually travel to the venue on the Friday morning in order to undertake a short walk Walks are usually planned on the day after studying a map and the local weather forecast. We try to have a short walk on the Sunday before returning home, usually arriving back in the evening.

WEEK TRIPS [3rd - 10th May] - This year we will be staying in LochCarron in the north-west highlands of Scotland.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS - These are held at least every six months in Gateshead Civic Centre.

NAVIGATION - New or inexperienced members are more thaan welcome to accompany the more experienced members on walks that take place during Club events. However, for those with little experience of navigation it is advisable, for member's own safety and enjoyment, to use Club walks to learn and/or develop navigational skills. Experienced members will always be ready to give help and advice about navigation during Club walks. For members wishing to learn the basic principles of navigation, the Club has a very readable reference book called ‘Mountain Navigation’ by Peter Cliff.

SHOPPING - Privileged shopping facilities (usually 110%) are available to members at NevisSport, 100 Grainger Street, Newcastle, on production of a current Club membership card.

MAP READING - A map is a representation, on flat paper,, of the three-dimensional features of the earth. Some members boast that given a map of some part of the country, they can scan a part of it and have a mental picture of the landscape it represents. This is possibly an exaggeration. The map certainly details the bones of the landscape, the flesh is left to the imagination. The Club has some experienced map-readers, however that task is invariably left to them. This is unwise; everyone should take a turn! Map reading is important as it is the key to enjoying the countryside. Anyone who lacks this easily acquired skill is denied an essential freedom.

CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT and PREPARATION - Safety, efficiency and comfort should be your guide. Clothing should be warm, comfortable, windproof, waterproof and colourful. The longer and higher the route, the better the equipment which is required.

Winter conditions (i.e. any time when there is snow, ice or frozen turf underfoot), plus the reduced daylight hours, can transform a pleasant summer stroll into an epic journey and paths normally posing no real dangers or problems can change overnight. It is obviously essential, in such conditions, that the correct equipment is carried and clothing worn.

€ Obtain a local weather forecast with fell conditions.

€ Learn how to use a compass, read a map and administer simple first aid.

€ Walk in company - it is safer and more enjoyable.

€ Start the day with a cooked breakfast.

€ Plan your route beforehand, balancing the terrain, the hours of daylight, the fell and weather conditions against your own experience and ability. You should allow at least 1hr for every 4km [2.5 miles] of your route plus 1 minute for every 10m contour line crossed during ascent.

€ Allow a large safety margin and always anticipate the worst.

€ Ensure that other party members are adequately clothed and equipped and that no one is overburdened.

€ Before you set off leave precise written details of your party, intended route (with possible variations) and expected time of return with a responsible person.

APPLICATION FORM

FURTHER INFORMATION - If you require additional information, pllease send an email: