©Andrew Lawson
Last updated: 28/06/08

Club Activities

The Club arranges one-day meets, known as Day meets, every third or fourth weekend. They are usually advertised by reference to some mountain or route, but there is no expectation that everyone should tackle that particular objective and there is no question of the Club going there in one large group. Suitable transportation will be arranged (coach, mini-bus or car-sharing), depending on the destination, proposed walking routes and the projected number of meet attendees. Where time allows, a stop will be made on the return journey for either high tea, a pub meal or fish and chips.

The Club accepts no official responsibility for arranging parties, and members are left to decide where and with whom they will walk. However, the committee does ensure that an experienced member goes with a group, called the President's Party, which newer members can join, affording some measure of supervision and tuition, as well as a chance to get to know other members.

Day meet destinations are as varied as possible, going farthest afield in the longer daylight hours of summer. During the shooting season, when access on to the hills may be restricted, most meets are cross-country walks following public rights of way.

It is for members themselves to ensure that they are adequately equipped (See Equipment Checklist) for what they plan to undertake, to choose objectives in keeping with their capabilities, and generally to be responsible for their own safety. Even when walking with others, it is essential that each member carries his or her own map, compass and whistle, and in winter an ice axe and/or crampons (See Winter Essentials). Other necessities are proper boots, adequate warm and waterproof clothing, and ample food and liquid.

Bookings for Day Meets should be made with the co-ordinator for the particular meet (see Meets Calendar).
Please contact the co-ordinator by email or telephone in the first instance to check seat availability.

Day Meet contact:
day@cairngormclub.org.uk
 

Another important activity is Weekend meets. These are whole weekends away, with transport by car, once a month throughout the year, based on camping, club huts, hostels or hotels according to availability and members' preferences.

Weekend meets tend to be held further afield than Day meets allowing for a greater variety of more-distant hills to be climbed.

Weekend meets do not include a President's party group. The Club accepts no official responsibility for arranging parties, and members are left to decide where and with whom they will walk.

Depending on the meet destination, members will either cook for themselves or dine out somewhere local to the meet. From time to time , a communal meal will be prepared for all participating attendees.

It is for members themselves to ensure that they are adequately equipped (See Equipment Checklist) for what they plan to undertake, to choose objectives in keeping with their capabilities, and generally to be responsible for their own safety. Even when walking with others, it is essential that each member carries his or her own map, compass and whistle, and in winter an ice axe and/or crampons (See Winter Essentials). Other necessities are proper boots, adequate warm and waterproof clothing, and ample food and liquid.

For details of forthcoming meets (see Meets Calendar)

Weekend Meet contact:
weekend@cairngormclub.org.uk

Rock-climbing, and in winter snow and ice-climbing, is also actively pursued within the Club.

From spring until autumn there are evening climbing sessions on a variety of North-East coastal cliffs. The climbing calendar is prepared in advance based on members wishes and tidal forecasts. In mid-Summer, climbing sessions often take place at inland crags e.g. Clachnaben, Pass of Ballater, etc.

In winter, as well as outdoor climbing, there are sessions on indoor rock walls.

Equipment owned by the Club can be made available to assist those who do not yet have their own, but members who climb regularly are expected to provide their own gear. Members that require club equipment should contact the co-ordinator before the meet.

For details of forthcoming meets (see Meets Calendar)

Climbing meet contact:
climb@cairngormclub.org.uk
 

There are regular Mid-week walks, usually on the last Thursday of the month.  Members meet at a central location and then share cars as necessary.  These are less strenuous and are sometimes low level and often not as demanding as the longer Day meets and are popular with people who have time off mid-week and with retired members of the club. Members are asked to arrive promptly at the meeting points.

The meeting points (all car parks) are detailed below: On some occasions arrangements will change, so please contact one of the co-ordinators if you are in doubt or need further information (see Meets Calendar ).

Code "K" - Kingswells Park & Ride (Grid ref 868063)
Code "R" - Riverside Drive (Grid ref 928036)
Code "P" - Persley (Grid ref 910093)

Mid-week Walk contact:
Jack Connell
 

Indoor Meets take place from September to March and usually take the form of a slide presentation.

All members, and guests, are welcome to come along. Indoor meets are an ideal event to meet Club members if you are interested in finding out more about the Club or other Club events.

The first Indoor meet of the year is a Member's night when everyone is invited to bring along some digital photos or slides and share experiences or simply some good views with the rest of the Club.

The venue for Indoor Meets is the Seafield Club, Seafield Road, better known as the Gordonian's Club). The price of £3.00 includes tea or coffee and biscuits.

Indoor (Social) Meet contact:
social@cairngormclub.org.uk
 

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