ramblers Walks Programme January to June 2019 Departure point & time Consideration for other walkers Unless otherwise stated, all walks will depart the car park, Brymner St Greenock, • The Group will have varying walking abilities, please consider those at the back at 9am. of the Party. Rotate the forward positions within the Group. Where requested, please confirm to the Leader if you are coming on a walk, so that • Leaders will set a reasonable pace for the walk, considering the least able. travel arrangements can be made and advised. If not, you may miss out! • The Leader may vary the route, length etc of the Walk on the day to suit Meetup weather and ground conditions (but maintaining the same or lesser degree Changes to this schedule are subject to change so please check our website or our of difficulty than is quoted in the programme). Meetup site for up-to-date information. See inside cover for website addresses. • As far as practical, stay within sight and earshot of the Leader. Lifts by car to walks • Members are discouraged from leaving a walk part way, for safety reasons. Whilst there is no formal policy on sharing expenses, with each walk in the programme If you must do so, then advise the Leader at the outset. there is an amount stated. This is a suggested passenger contribution that should be • In the interests of safety, the Leader may refuse to allow on the Walk anyone made to the car driver. whom he/she considers to be not properly equipped. Whilst every effort will be made to arrange car sharing, it is not incumbent on the Leader • Follow the Country Code to arrange transport. • Please accept the advice and direction of the Leader, consider the others Equipment & clothing in the Group and most of all enjoy the Walk and the Company! Warm and waterproof clothing should be carried and strong footwear worn. In , on or among the hills, it may be winter on any day of the year. To cope with Duration the wide variations of weather and temperature the multiple layers of clothing principle Whilst the duration of walks will vary, you should generally allow the full day should be adopted, with a wind & waterproof final layer. Hat and gloves are essential in for a ramble. winter. Walking boots are essential for hill walking. Denims are not suitable wear as they quickly get wet and don’t readily dry out. Children Children on walks are the specific responsibility of the parent or other A whistle is essential for summoning help or indicating an emergency. It is also a good accompanying adult. Leaders are not responsible for children brought on walks. idea to carry basic first aid kit and a ‘space blanket’ or similar. Dogs A map, relevant to the walk and perhaps a compass will certainly help you get more out Members are reminded that only registered assistance dogs are allowed on walks. of the walk and are essential on the higher grade walks. Abbreviations Food and refreshment T.B.C. To Be Confirmed Food and a hot drink should be carried, as there will usually be lunch and other breaks. T.B.D. To Be Decided Liquid intake is important, even on a cold winter’s day. Sweets and chocolate can provide additional energy. Breakfast before going out on a walk may be considered beneficial. Further walk information Descriptions for the walk grades are given on the back of the Programme and as far as Visit our websites: Other websites of interest: possible, length, height climbed and terrain are stated for each walk. www.inverclyderamblers.org.uk www.ramblers.org.uk www.meetup.com/Inverclyde-Ramblers www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland If necessary, contact the Leader for further information on a walk. On some occasions www.ramblers.org.uk/wales you must ring the leader beforehand – these are indicated.

If you are inexperienced or unsure, you must speak to the Leader, who can advise if the

Walk is appropriate for you. The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. Remember – Times are those for leaving. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes beforehand, to allow the leader to sort numbers etc.

Further Walk Information Further Contacts, if you can’t get the leader:

• Walk grades are given. Descriptions for the walk grades Walks Programme Joan Boyle 07479 511 658 are given on the back of the programme. As far as possible, Secretary length and height climbed, along with terrain are stated for each walk. Secretary David Souza 07801 781 847

• Please contact the Walk Leader for further information Co Chairs Emily Robinson 07709 318 424 on walk, if necessary. Contact number is given. Thomas Jones 07770 886 918

• We publish walks information on our website and our Local Walks (meeting Lunderston Bay carpark) on Meetup site (see inside cover for details) and wherever possible Wednesdays at 12.15. on www.inverclydenow.com and in the Greenock Telegraph, but have no control over when, or if, it will actually be Walks will be decided on the day, taking account of members inserted. When in doubt please check our websites or present and weather conditions. contact the leader! In order to offer more varied walks, on occasional Wednesdays • Always carry emergency contact details on walks: keep members will be informed of the new starting point and/ emergency contact details and any necessary medical or time of the walk, as appropriate. Members are advised to information on your person and if you have a mobile store check Meetup and emails for up to date information and for an ‘in case of emergency’ (ICE) number on it. any changes to the walks.

For further information on the Wednesday walks, please contact: Joan Boyle 07479 511 658 Sheena Cairns 07956 099 386 DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Sat Emily Robinson New Year Lunch and Walk Meet 12.30 for 1.00 for lunch. 12:30 05 Jan 01475 528930 Fusion, 2 Hopeton Street, Time and details of walk to be decided. 07709 318 424 (above Victoria Bar). More information to follow. Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walks starting at Length and type of walks to suit weather 12:15 09 Jan 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Lin Carmichael 50 Pigs Walk, Dunoon. Mainly low level, undulating track with 8:10 Gourock 12 Jan £5 ferry fare 07500 133 322 some road walking at start. Approximately Ferry Terminal plus bus fare 8 miles depending on weather. for 8:20 Bring concession card if applicable. Argyll Flyer

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 16 Jan 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C Peter McElwee Westerton to Partick via Forth and May include a section from Central to 9:23 train 19 Jan Train fare 07923 472 720 Clyde Canal and Kelvin Walkway. Partick if it’s a dry day. from Gourock Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 23 Jan 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat B Emily Robinson Isle of Cumbrae. Over the top visiting A mixture of good paths, pavements and TBC 26 Jan Ferry fare 01475 528930 the Glaid Stane and Cathedral of the open fields. Will be muddy in places. 07709 318 424 Isles. Meet Cumbrae Ferry Slip, Largs.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 30 Jan 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Emily Robinson Largs to Wemyss Bay via Knockhill. Pavement and track. 10 miles. Bus return. 10:00 02 Feb £5.50 01475 528930 Bring concession card if applicable. Largs ferry plus ferry fare 07709 318 424 terminal DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 06 Feb 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat B Liz McEwan Isle of Arran circular. Circular walk from Brodick Pier 9:45 ferry 09 Feb £5.50 plus 01475 522368 6.2 miles (10km). Clauchlands and from ferry fare Corriegills. Ardrossan Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 13 Feb 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat C+ George Mckinlay Chatelherault and Avon Gorge 7 miles of scenic paths, some steep sections 9:00 16 Feb £7.00 07754 893 408 – historic buildings and ancient and steps. Brymner woodland. Street Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 20 Feb 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat B Margery Bicket Lauder Monument to Whistlefield Long uphill stretches with undulations. 8:10 Gourock 23 Feb £5 ferry fare margery.bicket on forest track. Glorious views of Loch Eck. Ferry Terminal plus bus fare @gmail.com Bus leaves Dunoon at 8.50. Returns 15.14. for 8:20 Argyll Flyer Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 27 Feb 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat C+ Bill Johnston Old Town, Edinburgh. A walk round the old town enjoying the TBC 02 Mar Bus fare 01475 522650 atmosphere of the city. 07539 601 491 Bring concession card if applicable.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 06 Mar 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat C John Littler Glasgow Parks. Spring walk around Walk of around 8 miles. Meet under clock 10:00 09 Mar Train fare 07933 525 243 some East Glasgow parks. in Glasgow Central station at 10 o’clock Glasgow 9:08 or 9:24 train from Gourock. Central Details to follow. Station DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 13 Mar 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Bineke Linn Ardentinny to Ardentinny. 7 miles Ferry to Dunoon, then bus to Ardentinny. 8:10 16 Mar £5 ferry fare 01475 635613 forestry paths, with lovely views over Bring concession card if applicable. Gourock plus bus fare Loch Long. Ferry Terminal for 8.20 Argyll Flyer

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 20 Mar 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Peter McElwee Milngavie to Killearn via Mugdock Park. 10 miles approximately, or 13 miles, 8:30 23 Mar £4.50 07923 472 720 depending on weather. Bus connection at Brymner Killearn at 9.51 Street

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 27 Mar 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Jan Pettifer Bute. Circular walk from Kilchattan First half uphill and some very boggy 8:45 Wemyss 30 Mar Ferry fare plus 07885 440 897 across ridges to Tor Mor, joining West sections. 9 miles. Bay for 9:00 bus fare Island Way back to Kilchattan. Bring concession card if applicable. ferry

Wed Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 03 Apr Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Emily Robinson Drymen to Balmaha via Conic Hill. 7 miles, one section of mild ascent. 9:00 06 Apr £10 01475 528930 Brymner 07709 318 424 Street

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 10 Apr 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Sat B+ Brian Brown Doune Hill, the highest of the This walk is fairly strenuous. A steep ascent 9.00 13 Apr £6 07734 325 660 hills, via Beinn Eich and Beinn Lochan, to begin with then easier going over Brymner starting from Luss. 12 miles (5 on broad ridges, mostly grass. Return via Glen Street tarmac and 7 on grass) 3170ft ascent Mollochan, if dry, reverse route otherwise. to reach 2408ft on Doune Hill. Full equipment is needed – boots, gaiters, poles and waterproofs plus sufficient additional food and clothing. A clothing change is recommended. Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 17 Apr 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat C+ Bill Johnston Balmaha to Rowardennan on the West Undulating walk on the West Highland Way. 9.00 20 Apr £9 01475 522 650 Highland Way. Distance is 9 miles. Extra car is required. Brymner 07539 601 491 Street Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 24 Apr 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. Sat C+ Bineke Linn Ardentinny to Carrick Castle and back. The walk is mostly on forestry track, with 8:10 Gourock 27 Apr £5 ferry fare 01475 635613 great views over Loch Long towards Ferry Terminal plus bus fare Lochgoilhead. 14 miles there and back for 8.20 8.20 ferry to Dunoon, then bus to Ardentinny. Argyll Flyer Bring concession card if applicable. Sat A Brian Brown Meall Budhe, a north of Glen One of the easiest , there is a short 8:00 27 Apr £15 07734 325 660 Lyon. Starting from the parking area walk over rough moorland followed by a Brymner east of the Giorra dam of Loch an broad ridge approach to the summit. Full Street Daimh. 5.25 miles over grass to reach equipment is needed – boots, gaiters, poles the summit at 3057ft after an ascent of and waterproofs plus sufficient additional 1804ft. food and clothing. A clothing change is recommended. Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 01 May 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Sat C+ John Littler Alloway and the Heads of Ayr. The walk We will travel by car to Alloway and park 9:00 04 May £10 07933 525 243 combines a seaside walk to the Heads at the Robert Burns’ Birthplace museum, Brymner of Ayr, a short Riverside walk and a Murdoch’s Lone, Alloway, KA7 4PQ. Street ramble in Alloway village, visiting Burns related locations, and is around 9 miles.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 08 May 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat B+ Jan Pettifer Beinn Bharainn Horseshoe, Arran. 9 miles. 892m ascent. TBC 11 May Ferry fare 07885 440 897 Circular walk around the tops of the Dorothy Pirnmill hills, starting at Pirnmill. Some Macgregor scrambling (can be avoided), muddy on 07825 041 089 approach.

Sat C+ Bill Johnston West Highland Way. Rowardennan to Undulating walk on a beautiful section of TBC 11 May £8 plus ferry 01475 522650 Inversnaid. Distance 7 miles. West Highland Way. fare 07539 601 491

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 15 May 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat Michael McEwan Proposed Bus Outing - The Two Lairigs, A walk of 9.5 miles, with ascent of 573m. TBC 18 May 07753 654 572 Glencoe. More details to follow. Bus organiser Peter McElwee 07923 472 720

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 22 May 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending. DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Sat A Michael McEwan Stob Beinnen. Munro, leaving from Initially steep to the ridge and then 8:00 25 May £13 07753 654 572 Inverlochlarig. reasonably straightforward ridge walk over Brymner Stob Coire An Lochain (Corbett) to Stob Street Beinnen returning by same route (10km). Sat Book direct www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ 3 day event (Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th, See event 25 May via event walkingfestival Monday 27th May) walking festival, website ~Mon website A variety of walks will be on offer in organised by Clyde Muirshiel Ranger 27 May www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/walkingfestival different parts of Muirshiel Country Service, with input from local walking Park over the weekend. groups.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 29 May 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat C+ Bill Johnston West Highland Way, Inversnaid to Challenging section of the West Highland TBC 01 June £8 plus 01475 522650 Inverarnan, visiting Cailness bothy and way. Undulating with a small scramble. ferry fare 07539 601 491 passing the Darion Melaragni post. Bring concession card if applicable. Distance is 7 miles.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 05 June 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat A+ Brian Brown Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg Four rounded hills, mostly grassy with a few 8:00 08 June Contribution 07734 325 660 Meall nan Aighean. Four Munros on steep and rocky parts, linked by a series of Brymner tbc the north side , starting from broad ridges and bealachs. Full equipment is Street Invervar. 11 miles with 4297ft ascent needed – boots, gaiters, poles and waterproofs to reach the summits at 3376ft, 3176ft, plus sufficient additional food and clothing. 3419ft and 3219ft respectively. A clothing change is recommended.

Sat C+ Adelheid Circular walk starting from Dunoon pier 7 miles, forestry roads, tracks, open hillside 8:40 Gourock 08 £5 ferry fare Raque-Nuttall to Kilbride Hill. Excellent views of the and some steep slopes. Ferry Terminal June 01369 870 220 towards Helensburgh, for 8:50 07720 684 929 Loch Long and . Argyll Flyer DATE GRADE LEADER LOCATION COMMENT DEPART Contribution TIME Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 12 June 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat B Peter McElwee Glen Sannox and Saddle walk. Ascent of approximately 2400ft and 6:45 ferry 15 June Ferry fare 07923 472 720 Onwards to Brodick via Glen Rosa. distance of approximately 9 miles. Stunning from plus bus fare views and scenery all the way. 6.45 ferry Ardrossan from Ardrossan to connect with 8.00 bus to Sannox. Bring concession card if applicable. Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 19 June 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat A Michael McEwan and Bheinn Ghlas. Two Munros from the car park near Killin. 8:00 22 June £15 07753 654 572 Although Ben Lawers is the 10th highest Brymner Munro the start point is already quite high Street up and there is a good path all the way to and on the return through the nature reserve (11km/7miles).

Sat C Peter McElwee Lang Craigs, Dumbarton. We will park at Overtoun House car 9:00 22 June £4 07923472720 park and walk up to Lang Craigs back Brymner to Overtoun House, a distance of Street approximately 8 miles. Stunning views.

Wed 01475 639639 Afternoon walk starting at Length and type of walk to suit weather 12:15 26 June 01475 722548 Lunderston Bay car park. and those attending.

Sat Bill Johnston Proposed Bus Outing - Crinan Canal. Walking from Ardrishaig, Loch Fyne to TBC 29 June 01475 522650 Crinan basin along the towpath of the 07539 601 491 Crinan Canal. 8.5 miles. Bus organiser Peter McElwee 07923 472 720 Departure point & time Consideration for other walkers Unless otherwise stated, all walks will depart the car park, Brymner St Greenock, • The Group will have varying walking abilities, please consider those at the back at 9am. of the Party. Rotate the forward positions within the Group. Where requested, please confirm to the Leader if you are coming on a walk, so that • Leaders will set a reasonable pace for the walk, considering the least able. travel arrangements can be made and advised. If not, you may miss out! • The Leader may vary the route, length etc of the Walk on the day to suit weather and ground conditions (but maintaining the same or lesser degree Meetup of difficulty than is quoted in the programme). Changes to this schedule are subject to change so please check our website or our Meetup site for up-to-date information. See inside cover for website addresses. • As far as practical, stay within sight and earshot of the Leader. • Members are discouraged from leaving a walk part way, for safety reasons. Lifts by car to walks If you must do so, then advise the Leader at the outset. Whilst there is no formal policy on sharing expenses, with each walk in the • In the interests of safety, the Leader may refuse to allow on the Walk anyone programme there is an amount stated. This is a suggested passenger contribution whom he/she considers to be not properly equipped. that should be made to the car driver. • Follow the Country Code Whilst every effort will be made to arrange car sharing, it is not incumbent on the Leader to arrange transport. • Please accept the advice and direction of the Leader, consider the others in the Group and most of all enjoy the Walk and the Company! Equipment & clothing Warm and waterproof clothing should be carried and strong footwear worn. Duration In Scotland, on or among the hills, it may be winter on any day of the year. To cope Whilst the duration of walks will vary, you should generally allow the full day with the wide variations of weather and temperature the multiple layers of clothing for a ramble. principle should be adopted, with a wind & waterproof final layer. Hat and gloves are essential in winter. Walking boots are essential for hill walking. Denims are not Children suitable wear as they quickly get wet and don’t readily dry out. Children on walks are the specific responsibility of the parent or other

accompanying adult. Leaders are not responsible for children brought on walks. A whistle is essential for summoning help or indicating an emergency. It is also a good idea to carry basic first aid kit and a ‘space blanket’ or similar. Dogs A map, relevant to the walk and perhaps a compass will certainly help you get more Members are reminded that only registered assistance dogs are allowed on walks. out of the walk and are essential on the higher grade walks. Abbreviations Food and refreshment T.B.C. To Be Confirmed Food and a hot drink should be carried, as there will usually be lunch and other T.B.D. To Be Decided breaks. Liquid intake is important, even on a cold winter’s day. Sweets and chocolate can provide additional energy. Breakfast before going out on a walk may be considered beneficial. Visit our websites: Other websites of interest: www.inverclyderamblers.org.uk www.ramblers.org.uk Further walk information www.meetup.com/Inverclyde-Ramblers www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland Descriptions for the walk grades are given on the back of the Programme and as far www.ramblers.org.uk/wales as possible, length, height climbed and terrain are stated for each walk.

If necessary, contact the Leader for further information on a walk. On some occasions you must ring the leader beforehand – these are indicated. The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799)

and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). If you are inexperienced or unsure, you must speak to the Leader, who can advise Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. if the Walk is appropriate for you.

Grades of Walk With experience you will get to know how the Group grades walks and what is appropriate for your ability. Start with the C Easy. Mainly level ground, usually on paths, tracks or easy and work your way up! minor roads. Usually 5 to 7 miles. C+ Easy to Moderate. Mostly on level ground, but The Country code could involve either short uphill sections or rough Enjoy the countryside and all its life and work ground. Usually 6 to 8 miles. B Moderate. Although easier than ‘A’ walks, at least • Use gates, fastening them after you, use stiles to cross one feature of an ‘A’ walk may be involved. Usually 10 fences, hedges and walls, or cross them without to 12 miles causing damage. B+ Moderate to strenuous. Usually 10 to 13 miles. • Keep to public foot paths across farmland, or to the edges of fields. A Strenuous, for the fit. Usually over hilly and rough terrain. Steep ascents may be involved. Usually 10 to • Take special care on country roads, walk on the right, 15 miles. facing oncoming traffic. A+ For the experienced and very fit. Very strenuous • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone. walks often over high ground eg. 3,000 feet • Protect wildlife, plants and trees. (914metres), sometimes in very exposed conditions. Very steep mountain ascents and descents may be • Take your litter home and leave watercourses clean. involved. Walks are often over 15 miles. • Make no unnecessary noise. All information should be taken as an approximate guide • Take away only memories and photographs, only, as the degree of difficulty will vary with weather leave only footprints. conditions etc.

Cover photograph by Dave Souza – St Catherine’s to Cairndow