View from Ardnoe Point near Crinan, Argyll BearsdenBearsden andand MilngavieMilngavie RamblersRamblers andand HillwalkersHillwalkers

ProgrammeProgramme MayMay -- AugustAugust 20112011 Inside This Programme Booklet Important Note When sending in cheques for Buses or Social Events, please make cheques payable to “Ramblers Associa- Page No. tion, and Group”. Write the name and date of the event on the back of the Bus & Wednesday Walks inside cheque. front cover Please use a separate cheque for each bus or event. Important Dates 2

Forthcoming Events 2

The Programme 3

How About Trying This? 12

Information Feature On Ticks 13

Wednesday Walks Walk Gradings 14 Wednesday morning walks are held on alternate weeks. a) Wednesday Wanderers (often with pub lunch) normally meet in TESCO’s car park at 09:30. We Need Extra Leaders 14 The next walk will be decided on the day of the previous walk. Occasionally, the start time and place is different. Watch the website for any late changes. For information, phone Bob Diamond or Graham Murray. Walks Around Milngavie Leaflet 15 b) Short Walkers meet at Milngavie CE Leisure Centre at 10:00. For information, phone Andrew Summers . All Saturday & Sunday walks meet at Milngavie Station Car Park (MSCP) The Website 15

Walks with Buses The 2011 Summer Bus programme runs from May to September and bookings for each bus will Committee 16 start about six weeks prior to the date of the walk. Details of these booking start dates will be found inside with each of the bus walks and in the “Dates To Remember” feature on page 2. Adverts back cover Cheques and bookings received in advance of the published bus/minibus booking start dates will be returned. All the bus information is included on the booking form which is enclosed with this programme. Further copies can be downloaded from the website “Downloads” section. Bumper Programme For the large bus walks in June, July, August and September, please send a bus booking form and a cheque for £10 (payable to “Ramblers Association, Group”) to You may have noticed that this programme is a bit thicker than previous ones. Peter Allan. Well spotted! It’s because leaders are now providing more extensive informa- For the minibus walk on May 7, please send a bus booking form and a cheque for £12 (payable to tion about their walks which has exceeded the space we normally have. So “Ramblers Association, Bearsden and Milngavie Group”) to this time, not only do you get lots of details about the walks, but there is space Fiona Taylor. for some additional general information as well. We hope it will be useful. Please note that there will be no refunds for cancellation less than a fortnight before the bus, unless the place on the bus can be filled from the waiting list. Page 1 Programme May - August 2011

This Programme’s Dates to Remember Sun May 1 Walk: Duncryne and Loch Lomondside C Leader: Mary Darke 10km (6.5miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:30 • Mar 26 First date to book the N. Berwick minibus walk (May 7) Height of hill: 142m OS Sheet: LR 56 Exp 347 (466ft) Other Details: Starting from Gartocharn, a short climb up • May 1 Last date to book for the Titan Crane (May 14) GR: NS 428 863 Duncryne to gain extensive views of the loch, • May 7 Minibus Walk at North Berwick return to Gartocharn, then a lovely level lochside walk returning same route. Height of hill 142m. • May 7 First date to book the Glen Trool bus (Jun 18) Coffee at the Hungry Monk. • May 14 Visit to the Titan Crane, • May 21 Last date to book for the Canal Trip (Jun 21) Wed May 4 Wednesday Short Walk • May 27 - 31 Group Holiday to Braemar Sat May 7 Walk: Gullane to North Berwick • Jun 4 First date to book the Dunkeld bus (Jul 16) C Leaders: Lilias Clark • 9km (6miles) Doreen Kingsbury Jun 18 Bus walks in the Glen Trool Area Meet at MSCP: 08:30 • Jun 21 Boat Trip on Forth & Clyde Canal + Fish & Chips OS Sheet: LR 66 Exp 351 Other Details: Walk along lovely beaches with fine views over • Jun 25 2 Walks at Innellan with a boat trip to and islands in foreground - • Jul 9 First date to book the Loch Tay bus (Aug 20) Minibus walk Fidra with its lighthouse, Craigleith, the Lamb and • Jul 16 Bus Walks in the Dunkeld Area No meal the Bass Rock (once a prison for Covenanters) (To book, see now a haven for seabirds. • Aug 6 First date to book the Peebles bus (Sep 17) details on inside Coffee in Gullane before start of walk. • Aug 20 Bus Walks in the Loch Tay Area front cover) Booking for the bus opened on March 26 Sun May 8 No organised walk

Forthcoming Events Wed May 11 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch • Sat May 14 Walk: Balloch Country Park Thu Sep 8 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Outing C Leaders: Isabel Walker A visit to the theatre to see a matinee performance of My Fair Lady. 8km (5miles) Jean McManus The performance begins at 14:00 Meet at MSCP: 09:30 A booking form is included in this programme and can also be obtained from OS Sheet: LR 64 Exp 347 the Downloads section of the website. The form should be returned to Andrew Other Details: A lovely walk through Balloch Country Park, with Summers. good views over and a visit to a wellplanted walled garden, Chinese garden and the outside of Balloch House. We will also visit • Sun Sep 17 Two Bus Walks in Peebles Area Fairy Glen where there is a slight incline. The last bus of the season will travel to Peebles for two walks - an A walk to Coffee stop and walk start at Jenners, Lomond Hundleshope Heights and a C/C+ walk whose details have not yet been Shores. finalised. There will be a high tea after the walk possibly at the Glentress Hotel. Bookings for this bus open on Saturday 6 August. Book with Peter Allan, Did you notice the space above where there is “No organised walk”? You using the Bus Booking Form which is enclosed with this programme and can also be obtained from the Downloads section of the website. could have been leading a walk then! You don’t need to worry that you Check the Breaking News page of the website for any updates. lack experience or are nervous about ‘going it alone’. The group has set up ways of helping and supporting new leaders in their early walks. See page 14 for more information.

Page 2 Page 3 May 2011 May - June 2011 Sat May 14 Titan Crane, Clydebank Fri May 27 to Group Holiday to Braemar Venue: Titan Crane, Garth Drive, Clydebank Tue May 31 The coach will leave MSCP on Friday 27th May and there will be a Time: 10:30 lunch stop on the way. The coach will be available for the transport to and Cost: Concessions £4, Adults £5 (Pay on the day) from the walks. A 2 hour guided tour of the crane, with a trip in the glass lift to the crane jib, There will be a choice of 3 walks on each of the 3 days Saturday to Monday. 150ft up, for views over the Clyde and surrounding countryside and the exhibition in the wheelhouse. There is currently a waiting list for this holiday but, if interested to find out Meet and park at the ticket office, Garth Drive, Clydebank. about any cancellations, phone Andrew Summers. Please send a Social Events Booking Form (downloadable from the website) to Jenny Kane by May 1. Wed Jun 1 Wednesday Short Walk

Sun May 15 Walk: The Cobbler Sat Jun 4 Walk: Black & Hare Hills (Pentlands) A Leader: Fiona Taylor B Leader: Peter Bartos 11km (6.75miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 16km (10miles) Ascent: 920m OS Sheet: LR 56 Exp 364 Ascent: 450m Meet at MSCP: 09:00 (3018ft) Other Details: Popular hill with clear paths but with some steep (1470ft) OS Sheet: LR 66 Exp 350 GR: NN 294 048 sections particularly on the descent which is GR: NT 165 637 Other Details: Walk approaching the Pentlands from the North. rugged, rocky, and very steep and requires some (start of walk) Paths and grassy slopes, climbing two of the minor scrambling. The route explores both peaks prominent hills. Excellent views. of the Cobbler and is a ‘lollipop’ shaped route. Coffee stop considered at the end of the walk. Re-scheduled from November 2010. Coffee / pub at end. Sun Jun 5 Walk: Dollar to Rumbling Bridge and Return C Leader: Euan Kilpatrick Wed May 18 Wednesday Short Walk 11km (7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 GR: NS 963 979 OS Sheet: LR 58 Exp 369 Sat May 21 Walk: The Classic Pentland Walk Other Details: A pleasant flat circular walk from Dollar through A SHW Leader: Michael Lane varied countryside to Rumbling Bridge with the old 17km (12miles) Meet at MSCP: 08:30 bridge and deep gorge below. Ascent: 770m OS Sheet: LR 66 Exp 344 Coffee stop probably at Castle Campbell Hotel (2525ft) Other Details: Splendid walk with superb views along the main where cars will be parked. Grid ref: NT 234 631 ridge of the Pentland Hills. Circular from (Flotterstone) Flotterstone via Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill, Wed Jun 8 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch Scald Law, East & West Kip. Return via Hare Hill and road / path along reservoir. Sat Jun 11 Walk: Beinn a’ Chleibh Coffee at Flotterstone Inn. A Leaders: Moira Allan 8km (5miles) Helen Donnachie Sun May 22 Walk: Goldenberry Hill Ascent: 730m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 C+ Leaders: Thea Stanton (2395ft) OS Sheet: LR 50 Exp 364 12km (7.5miles) Jenny Kane GR: NN 251 256 Other Details: One of the smallest Munros. We start from Glen GR: NS 202 471 Meet at MSCP: 09:30 (summit) Lochy. A mixture of paths and open hillside. OS Sheet: LR 63 Exp 341 River crossing at start - could bring wellies or old Other Details: A walk along the beach to Hunterston, then a shoes which can be left hidden for return crossing. gradual climb to 218m on a good path, followed by Suitable refreshments after walk. a gradual descent,returning to the coast at Portencross and back along the beach. Coffee at Seamill Hydro.

Wed May 25 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch

Page 4 Page 5 June 2011 June 2011 Sun Jun 12 Walk: Kinlochard and the Crannog Tue Jun 21 Boat trip on the Forth and Clyde Canal with fish and chips C Leader: Stuart Ferguson Venue: A wee boat at Southbank Marina 14km (8.7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 Time: 18:00 Ascent: 210m OS Sheet: LR 64 Exp 365 Cost: £11 (689ft) Other Details: Easy circular walk on forest track with excellent A 3 hour trip “doon the watter”, Kirkintilloch style. Fish suppers will be GR: NN 447 020 views over Loch Ard. One short climb rewarded provided, although the adventurous are welcome to try and catch their own with good Trossachs views. over the side (but they would need to cook it themselves)! Coffee stop in Aberfoyle at start. Please send a Social Events Booking Form (downloadable from the Boat Meal website) and a cheque for £11 to Wed Jun 15 Wednesday Short Walk No Walk Jenny Kane by 21st May.

Sat Jun 18 Three Walks in Glen Trool Wed Jun 22 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch

A Walk 1: Merrick - circular via 3 lochs Sat Jun 25 Two Walks around Innellan 15km (9.25miles) Leader: Fiona Taylor Ascent: 910m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Easy B Walk 1: Innellan Circular (2900ft) OS Sheet: LR 77 Exp 318/319 13km (8miles) Leaders: Andrew Summers GR: NX 414 803 GR: NR 705 152 Neil Weir (start of walk) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 sharp for 10:10 ferry from Gourock OS Sheet: LR 63 Exp 363 B+ SHW Walk 2: Merrick - tourist route Walk Details: On forestry tracks from Innellan, with some 13km (8miles) Leader: Peter Bartos inclines, with beautiful views of Isle of Bute etc. Ascent: 780m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Travel from pier to Innellan & back by bus. (2500ft) OS Sheet: LR 77 Exp 318/319 GR: NX 414 803 C+ Walk 2: Innellan to Toward (start of walk) 10.5km (6.5miles) Leaders: Lilias Summers GR: NS 765 173 Liz Weir C Walk 3: Loch Trool - circular Meet at MSCP: 09:00 sharp for 10:10 ferry from Gourock 9km (5.5miles) Leader: Maria Pieri OS Sheet: LR 63 Exp 363 Ascent: 100m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Walk Details: This walk is from the pier to Bishops Glen then (330ft) OS Sheet: LR 77 Exp 319 forestry track to Innellan. Views over the Firth of GR: NX 372 786 Clyde with open aspects. Return from Innellan by (start of walk) bus or walk 5 miles. Other Details: Merrick at 843m is the highest Scottish mainland mountain south of Ben Lomond, offering Other Details: Bring Concession Passes. panoramic views over Southern . Coffee and toilets available on ferry. Two walks aim for the summit: a circular via three Ferry sails from Gourock at 10:20. The ferry times lochs (A); by the standard route up & down may change due to new tendering for this ferry (B+SHW). The third goes around Loch Trool, Boat Walk route. which includes a section of the Southern Upland No Meal Check with leaders and website nearer the time. Way and may be extended. Bus Walk Coffee stop for the C walkers at the Glen Trool Sun Jun 26 No organised walk No Meal Visitor Centre. Booking for the bus opens on May 7 Wed Jun 29 Wednesday Short Walk

Sun Jun 19 No organised walk

Page 6 Page 7 July 2011 July 2011 Sat Jul 2 Walk: Schiehallion Sat Jul 16 Two Walks in the Dunkeld Area A (SHW) Leader: Peter Bartos 10km (6.1miles) B/B+ Walk 1: Deuchary Hill and Beyond Ascent: 750m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 23km (14.3miles) Leader: Euan Kilpatrick (2470ft) OS Sheet: LR 51 Exp 386 (may be shorter Meet at MSCP: 08:30 GR: NN 750 558 Other Details: A slow hill walk up one of the best known and on the day) OS Sheet: LR 53 Exp 379 (start of walk) prominent Munros. A steady climb along the main Ascent: 514m Other Details: A fairly long walk with a little of everything - some path following the East ridge. Some stony ground (1686ft) road, estate tracksand a bit of hillwalking thrown near the top. GR: NO 037 485 in. Coffee stop considered at the end of the walk. No coffee at start (Dunkeld)

Sat Jul 2 Walk: Cambuslang / David Livingstone Centre C+ Walk 2: Dowally to Dunkeld C+ Leaders: Doreen Kingsbury 13km (8miles) Leaders: Lilias & Andrew Summers 11km (7miles) Lilias Clark Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Meet at MSCP: 09:20 (Train departs at 09:35 for Cambuslang) OS Sheet: LR 53 Exp 379 OS Sheet: LR 64 Exp 342 Other Details: We will have coffee in Dunkeld then take the bus Other Details: Bring your Concessionary Pass. to Dowally on the A9. Walk along side of Clyde on narrow grassy track We walk on good tracks with uphill sections and to “fin-me-oot” and the green bridge. Continue into alongside the Dowally Burn to Loch Ordie, a very woodlands along banks of the Clyde to Bothwell popular beauty and picnic area. There is the option Castle. Time to wander around the grounds. Leave to walk round the loch before returning to Dowally. the Castle into woodlands to the David Livingstone Memorial Bridge and then into the Centre. Bus walk Check the Breaking News page on the website for any last minute Coffee stop at Morrison’s Café, Cambuslang. No Meal details of these walks.

Sun Jul 3 No organised walk Booking for the bus opens on June 4 Wed Jul 6 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch Sun Jul 17 No organised walk

Sat Jul 9 Walk: An Caisteal Wed Jul 20 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch A Leaders: Frank Pieri 11km (6.8miles) Peter Allan Sat Jul 23 Walk: Tillicoultry to the Gartmorn Dam and Return Ascent: 900m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 C Leader: Euan Kilpatrick (2953ft) OS Sheet: LR 56 Exp 364 11km (7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 GR: NN 369 238 Other Details: We follow the path beside the River Falloch for GR: NS 917 965 OS Sheet: LR 58 Exp 366 (summit) 2 km then a steep climb to Sron Gharbh at 709 m Other Details: A pleasant fairly flat circular walk from Tillicoultry high and continue over Twistin Hill to An Calsteal to the Gartmorn Dam Country Park via the village at 995m. of Coalsnaughton. Return by the Clackmannan Pub visit after walk. cycle path. Coffee stop to be recced. Sun Jul 10 No organised walk Sun Jul 24 Walk: Beinn Dubh Horseshoe Wed Jul 13 Wednesday Short Walk B+ Leader: Stuart Ferguson 12km (7.5miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 Ascent: 650m OS Sheet: LR 56 Exp 364 (2133ft) Other Details: Excellent views of Loch Lomond in good weather. GR: NS 360 930

Wed Jul 27 Wednesday Short Walk

Page 8 Page 9 July - August 2011 August 2011

Sat Jul 30 Walk: Crossford Circular Sat Aug 13 Walk: Dollar Law C+ Leaders: Lilias & Andrew Summers B+ SHW Leader: Michael Lane 11km (7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:30 12km (8miles) Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Ascent: 100m OS Sheet: LR 72 Exp 343 Ascent: 610m OS Sheet: LR 72/73 Exp 336 (300ft) Other Details: From Crossford we walk along the (2000ft) Other Details: Tracks and pathless hillside, climbing Greenside footpath and up to Braidwood for our picnic lunch GR: NT 199 287 Law, Notman Law, Fifescar Knowe and Dollar Law. before returning along Fiddlers Gill right of way to (car park) Circular from top of the Manor Valley. the start. No coffee at start. Coffee stop at Dobbies on Clyde Valley. Sun Aug 14 No organised walk Sun Jul 31 Walk: Castle Hill and beyond B Leaders: Thea Stanton Wed Aug 17 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch 11km (7miles) Madeleine Blackley GR: NS 206 585 Meet at MSCP: 09:00 Sat Aug 20 Two Walks in Loch Tay Area OS Sheet: LR 63 Exp 341 Other Details: Nice walk above Largs with lovely views. Some A Walk 1: Meall Greigh and Meall Garbh steep steps and a steep slope, otherwise relatively 13km (8miles) Leaders: Frank Pieri easy. Ascent: 1090m Peter Allan (3576ft) Bob Diamond Wed Aug 3 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch GR: NN 673 438 Meet at MSCP: 08:30 (Meall Greigh OS Sheet: LR 51 Exp 378 Sat Aug 6 Walk: Beinn Each summit) Walk Details: We follow the path beside the Lawers Burn for B Leaders: Hazel Miller 2km, then climb North-Eastwards to gain the 7.5km (4.7miles) Moira Allen broad South ridge of Meall Greigh to reach the GR: NN 6018 1579 Meet at MSCP: 08:30 summit, and continue onto the grassy shoulder of OS Sheet: LR 57 Exp 365 Meall Garbh. Other Details: Follows a right of way along Glen Ample, then up Subject to recce and possible changes of route. a steep path / track to the summit (813m) for panoramic views. Some rough walking on descent. C+ Walk 2: C+ walk details are not available. Updates will be Remote possibility of being affected by stalking. available from Breaking News on the website. Refreshments after walk. There will be a planned coffee stop for the C+ Bus Walk walkers. Sun Aug 7 Walk: Kirkintilloch / Circular No Meal Booking for the bus opens on Jul 9 C Leader: Stuart Ferguson 14km (8.7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:00 Sat Aug 21 No organised walk Ascent: 125m OS Sheet: LR 64 Exp 342/348 (410ft) Other Details: Circular walk from Kirkintilloch to beyond Milton of Wed Aug 24 Wednesday Short Walk GR: NS 652 734 Campsie, passing Mount Dam and Alloch Dam. Mainly disused railway tracks but some Sat Aug 27 Walk: The Crown of Scotland crossings which may be a bit muddy in places. B+ Leaders: Moira Allan Varying scenery and good views over if 15km (8miles) Helen Donnachie fine. Ascent: 570m Meet at MSCP: 08:30 Coffee stop in Kirkintilloch at start. (1870ft) OS Sheet: LR 78 Exp 330 GR: NT 081 150 Other Details: Starting at Newton Farm near Moffat, the walk Wed Aug 10 There will be NO Wednesday Short Walk today (summit) takes in Whitehope Knowe, Barncorse Knowe and, after reaching the Crown of Scotland, on our return we enter the Devil’s Beef Tub. This is an area of great historical importance, having associations with Robert the Bruce and the legendary Merlin.

Page 10 Page 11 August 2011 Sun Aug 28 Walk: figure of 8 via Mealybrae Road Information Feature on Ticks C+ Leader: Andrew Summers 11km (7miles) Meet at MSCP: 09:30 Ticks are little, dangerous, nasty parasites. The bites of some of them can infect you with a bacterial illness OS Sheet: LR 64 Exp 342 called Lyme Disease. Not every tick carries the disease and not every bite is infectious but it is wise to take Other Details: Starting at Balmore Garden Centre we walk along preventative measures and know how to deal with bites as we move into the tick ‘high season’ the River Kelvin to Torrance and then up the Mealybrae Road to Lennox Forest before returning So, exactly what is a tick? through Barrastan and back to Balmore. Mixture of Ticks are small parasites, which feed on the blood of mammals, birds, paths and quiet lanes with short uphill section at reptiles and humans. They belong to the same family as spiders. Ticks Mealybrae. vary slightly in colour (ranging from reddish to dark brown or black), Coffee stop at Dobbies and differ in size, depending on the age and sex of the tick, and whether it has fed - typically around 2.5 to 3 mm unfed and around 11mm after a Wed Aug 31 Wednesday Wanderers - Longer walk with pub lunch meal. So they are very small! Top Five Defence Tips for Walkers The best and easiest defence against tick- borne infection, is to avoid being bitten. Simple precautions to help you stay safe include: 1. Out walking, wear suitable clothing: use gaiters, or tuck long trousers into socks, and choose clothes with elastic or drawstrings at the waist, wrist, and ankle, to help deter ticks from crawling under clothes and attaching. Clothing made from smooth or waxed material is hard for ticks to climb, and light- coloured fabrics make them easier to see. Wearing shorts in tick habitat is an invitation to be bitten! How About Trying This? 2. Use a repellent: Insect repellents that contain “permethrin” can be sprayed on clothing. DO NOT APPLY THIS CHEMICAL DIRECTLY TO SKIN. Allow clothing to dry thoroughly before wearing. This is a new feature for the programme and may continue if there is interest from members and a Repellents that contain 25% “DEET” can be applied to skin but they evaporate quickly and need suitable amount of space in the programme. The walk is from the Walking Scotland website. repeated application. N.B. Confine application to small areas of the arms, legs and neck, as treatment over large areas can cause toxicity, especially in children. “DEET”-free and herbal products for topical application are available from various outlets. The Borders Abbeys Way 3. Carry a tick remover: When visiting tick habitat carry a tick removal tool (e.g. fine tweezers) and The is an area which is rich in history as this part of Scotland bore witness to numerous antiseptic wipes. disputes, battles and occupation over the centuries. 4. Walk in the centre of paths: Avoid overhanging vegetation at the edge of paths where ticks may be waiting. One of the best ways to explore this rich and intriguing history is by walking the 64.5mile Borders Abbeys 5. Have a “tick buddy”: When planning an excursion into tick habitat, have a designated “tick buddy” Way over the course of five days. The route links the four magnificent ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh and also the Borders towns of Hawick and Selkirk to return to Melrose. to help you check your body. Pay particular attention to the scalp as ticks can easily hide under the hair. Near the route you’ll also come across a Roman Fort, imposing Floors Castle and the Abbotsford Museum The right way to remove a tick which tells visitors all about Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s most famous novelist. 1. Use a bespoke tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers and wear rubber gloves. In the absence of Other points of interest along the way include the mighty River Tweed and the Eildon Hills overlooking gloves, shield your fingers with a tissue or paper. Melrose. The route is waymarked throughout, in both directions, with an ‘AW’ symbol denoting ‘Abbeys 2. If using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the host’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, Way’. even, pressure. To find out more about this long distance route and for a map of the walk see the Borders Abbeys Way walk 3. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick, because its fluids (saliva and gut page on the Walking Scotland website contents) may contain infective organisms. (walking.visitscotland.com/perfect-walks/borders-abbeys-way/). 4. Do not handle the tick with bare hands, because infective agents may enter through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. Walk Distance: 64.5 miles/103 kms 5. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water. Time Taken: 5 days Do not use ‘petroleum jelly’, any liquid solution, freeze or burn the tick, as this Terrain: Varied but much is fairly flat will increase the chances of infection. Explorer Map: Explorer Maps: 322, 330, 336, 337, 338 For more information, go to the Tick Prevention Week website at www.tickpreventionweek.org

Page 12 Page 13 Walk Gradings Walks Around Milngavie Leaflet A+ Walks For the very experienced and very fit. Very strenuous. Walks are often over high ground (3000+ feet), sometimes in very exposed conditions. Very steep mountain ascents and descents may be involved. Walks are often over 15 miles. A Walks Strenuous. For the fit. Usually over hilly and rough terrain. Could involve steep ascents and descents. Usually 11-15 miles. A new colour leaflet has been produced by the Group to encourage B+ Walks Moderate to strenuous. These walks are easier than ‘A’ Walks but more strenu- walking as a healthy exercise. It contains details of 8 walks around ous than ‘B’ Walks. Usually 10-13 miles. Milngavie, ranging from a 3 mile circuit of the River Allander to a 12 mile circular walk to . The walks were developed by SHW Slow Hill Walks are intended to enable slower climbers to reach Munros etc. Andrew Summers as a result of the Wednesday Short Walks activity. Emphasis on slow pace but walkers still need to be fit and properly equipped. Could have ALL the features of an ‘A’ Walk. It is hoped that all members will purchase and advertise the Walks Leaflet. It is priced at £2 to meet a grant repayment and can be B Walks Moderate. These walks are easier than ‘A’ Walks but could have at least one of obtained from the Tourism Office in Milngavie or from the the features of an ‘A’ Walk. Usually 8 -10 miles. Committee Office Bearers. C+ Walks Easy to moderate. Mostly on level ground but could involve either short uphill sections, rough ground or longer distances than ‘C’ Walks. Usually 6 - 8 miles. C Walks Easy. Mainly on the flat. Usually on paths, tracks or minor roads. Around 5-7 miles. The Website

WE NEED EXTRA LEADERS

In this programme, there are spaces for over 30 Saturday and Sunday walks with another 9 Wednesday Wanderers walks. It is always difficult to find sufficient leaders for all grades of walk, but it is now a particular problem with C walks, where some of our older leaders have now retired from leading. The Committee wishes to encourage new leaders to come Many members view the website on a regular basis particularly to keep up with the latest news about walks forward and ensure that the gaps in the programme are and social events after each printed programme is published. The committee and individual leaders are eliminated. For those worried about starting as a leader, we anxious that as many members as possible use the website so that last minute changes to walks due have a ‘mentoring’ scheme in place where an inexperienced to weather conditions or problems with the route are communicated to members as quickly as leader can be paired with a more experienced leader for help possible. DON’T RELY ON RECEIVING LAST MINUTE CHANGES BY EMAIL - VIEW and support as part of a training process. And there are, BREAKING NEWS A FEW DAYS BEFORE A WALK. from time to time, courses on map-reading and navigation mounted by experienced Group members. Another popular feature is the Walking Galleries page where you can view slide shows of past walks and Some of the experienced leaders have pooled their lists of social events. Have you checked to see if you appear in a funny pose/hat/face somewhere on a walk or in an popular walks from the past and these ideas are readily unguarded social moment? available within the group. The contents of the Group library are listed along with a set of links to other websites that members have If you need ideas for walks, consult any of the leaders or the found useful in providing information about all aspects of walking. Librarian, Peter Allan, who has a number of books on walks Can you afford to miss out on that? If you don’t have a computer, you can get free access in any library - in various areas and some maps. There is a full list on the and the staff will help you out if you’re not sure what to do. website. Remember the website address: Contact any member of the Committee if you feel you can contribute. www.bearsdenandmilngavieramblers.org.uk

Page 14 Page 15 Committee Chairman Peter Bartos Secretary Bob Diamond Treasurer Moira Allan Social Secretary Jenny Kane Membership Secretary Thea Stanton Walks Co-ordinator Hugh Hopkins Programme Compiler George Kirkland & Webmaster Bus Convener Peter Allan Assistant Bus Convener Fiona Taylor Publicity Stuart Ferguson Mail Distributor Mary Darke Librarian Peter Allan Minute Secretary Helena Bartos Other Members Helen Donnachie Brian Donnachie

Wednesday Wanderers Coords. Bob Diamond Graham Murray Wednesday Short Walks Coord. Andrew Summers

Chairman’s email: [email protected] Secretary’s email: [email protected] Bus Convener’s email: [email protected] Membership Secretary’s email: [email protected] Social Secretary’s email: [email protected] Webmaster’s email: [email protected] The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Page 16 Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW