Introduction
This document is in three parts:
1. General: outlining the ‘non-walking’ aspects of the club
2. Walks: giving general information and guidance for our walks
3. Rules: we don’t really like the idea of laying down rules – most of which are second nature to our members – but new members may find them helpful, and they may prevent disagreements or arguments!
1. General
The Club
The name Am Monadh Ruadh (pronounced Am Monna Roo-a) means ‘the red hills’ distinguishing them from Am Monadh Liath –‘the grey hills’ to the west of the River Spey. Am Monadh Ruadh is the correct (original) name for the range now known as the Cairngorms – which is a confusing misnomer, for Cairngorm means ‘blue cairn’. The distinction between the two ranges is based on the contrasting geology; the ‘red hills’ are formed of red (pink) granite whereas the ‘grey hills’ are grey schist.
The club was formed in 2010 as an independent walking club and although based in Strathspey and Badenoch it occasionally runs walks elsewhere, especially in summer.
The club’s website can be found at
Constitution
The club’s constitution is available to be read by all members, and is reproduced on the club’s website.
Subscriptions
The current subscription is £5. Details of payment dates etc are given in the constitution.
Insurance
The club has a policy covering public liability. If the club is guilty of negligence, it will be covered against claims from, for example, landowners, farmers or individual club members. So if the negligence of a committee member or walk leader when engaged in the club’s activities results in a claim against the club, the club will be covered.
The club’s insurance will not cover an individual whose personal negligence whilst engaged in an activity run by the club (e.g. through ignoring a walk leader’s instructions or the club rules) causes damage or loss to a third party. Such an individual will be personally liable. Nor will it cover personal injury or loss suffered by any individual through no fault of the club.
Meetings
There will be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the last quarter of each financial year. All members are invited to attend and are entitled to vote. The main purpose of the AGM will be to outline a new walks programme for the year in general terms. Minutes will be kept to record agreed decisions and actions.
It is not intended to have regular formal committee meetings, but should the members wish to raise a serious issue of concern they may call for a formal Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) as explained in the constitution. Minutes will be kept on the same basis as for the AGM.
The Walks Secretary will from time to time arrange informal meetings for potential walk leaders to develop the outline walks programme.
Interaction with Relevant Local Organisations
The club will interact with Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA) and Cairngorm Outdoor Access Trust on matters of mutual interest/concern.
Committee:
Chairman/Walks Co-ordinator: Graham Sage
Treasurer/Membership Secretary: Tina Jack
Secretary: Elspeth Sage
Committee Members: Bill Steele, Sandra Dougall, Duncan Grant
To contact us, please send an email to amrwc2010@gmail.com
2. Walks
It is essential that walkers listen to leaders & follow their instructions. The leader’s decision is final on all matters relating to the walk.
Come prepared with adequate weatherproof clothing and proper walking boots as appropriate to the grade of walk and the time of year – and remember that in this part of the world we can have winter weather any month of the year! If in doubt contact the walk leader. Bring food and drink (hot in winter!)
The leader reserves the right to refuse to take any person who in his/her opinion is not properly prepared.
All intending walkers should contact the walk leader beforehand so that numbers can be catered for, and to advise on any change of plan, e.g. timing, route etc as may become necessary for example due to weather or underfoot conditions.
Please try to arrange car sharing beforehand (but we won’t leave you behind!)
Passengers are encouraged to contribute to the driver’s fuel costs.
Dogs are generally welcome as long as they are kept under control. Dog owners who come on our walks should expect to have their dog on a lead for at least part of the time as instructed by the walk leader or as required by conditions, e.g. the presence of ground nesting birds or livestock. However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to refuse dogs. If you intend to bring a dog on a walk you must inform the leader beforehand.
Smoking is not permitted on walks.
Although we ask you to ‘leave nothing except footprints’, even footprints should be minimized, especially on fragile ground e.g. beside paths.
Walk leaders should carry first aid kit and mobile phone.
Walks Grading System
Our grading system is generally similar to that used by many walking clubs throughout the UK and beyond:
A Suitable for fit and experienced hill-walkers. Long mountain days with lots of ascent and descent over rough terrain, some of it steep.
A+ indicates a grade at the top end of this category requiring scrambling experience, a good head for heights and the ability to cope with sustained traverses over very rugged and demanding terrain.
B Suitable for regular walkers, fit novices or anyone who takes regular aerobic exercise. Mixture of paths, tracks and rough terrain with some steeper gradients in places.
B+ indicates a grade at the top end of this category because of longer sections of rough terrain and/or steeper gradients.
C Suitable for walkers with average fitness, limited experience, or anyone wanting to walk at an easy pace. Mainly on paths and tracks with easy gradients.
C+ indicates a grade at the top end of this category because of some short sections of rougher terrain or steeper gradients (but not both together).
WW Short walks of 3-4 miles on good paths with little ascent for those who cannot do our other walks.
3. Club Rules
Walkers must listen to leaders & follow their instructions. The leader’s decision is final on all matters relating to the walk.
When dogs are permitted on a walk they must be kept under firm control, and if required by the walk leader they must be on a lead (short if required).
Smoking is not permitted on walks.
Respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Remember that the Scottish Outdoor Access Legislation brings us unsurpassed rights of access in the countryside, but with these rights come responsibilities:
Take responsibility for your own actions
Respect the interests and occupations of other people (this includes the right of ordinary individuals/property owners to privacy and peace of mind. You should also co-operate with land managers and farmers. This should include reporting anything unusual, e.g. fence down, gate damaged, animals loose etc.
Do not damage gates or fences, and leave gates as you find them (if in a group, as the group leader finds them).
Take care to minimize disturbance of game or farm animals. This is especially important during breeding/mating/lekking/rutting.
Care for the environment: ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.’ Remember also that access rights do not apply in certain locations.
For details of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code see
http://www.outdooraccess- scotland.com/
Am Monadh Ruadh Walking Club 