SCHC Walk Grades

This is what we are about, and here are a few key points you need to know. If you have any queries, please email schc.info@yahoo.co.uk

LIAISON If you wish to attend a meet, please contact schc.info@yahoo.co.uk at least 2 weeks before the meet. The final details including, as necessary, catering arrangements, location of venue and attendance (to enable members to arrange lifts and car sharing) will normally be sent by email early in the week immediately prior to the meet.

YOUNG PEOPLE Those under 18 years of age may attend Club meets subject to the following:

Those aged 16-18 must be accompanied on walks and in sleeping accommodation by their parent or guardian, or at least two other adults.
Those aged under 16 must be accompanied on walks and in sleeping accommodation by their parent or guardian.

GRADES These indicate the anticipated walking possibilities in the area to be visited, but remember that what in good summer conditions is an undemanding walk, can rapidly become a long and demanding day in adverse conditions.

Grade 1	Full details in the programme.
Grade 2	A long mountain day, normally with upwards of 7 hours on the hill and 1200m of ascent; ice axes and 12 point crampons normally required in winter.
Grade 3	A mountain day, perhaps climbing one or two Munros, involving between 750m and 1200m of ascent; ice axes and 12 point crampons normally required in winter.
Grade 4	A hill day, not involving Munros, of about 6 hours and 600m of ascent but staying below the snow line.
Other	A more relaxing meet.

ON THE HILL We walk in groups and avoid becoming widely dispersed for safety and fellowship. Hillwalking boots, waterproofs and associated kit are essential on all meets. The following kit is normally required.

Hillwalking boots and socks

Leg wear (not cotton)

Several tops (not cotton)

Waterproof jacket and trousers

Rucksack

Hat, gloves and spares

Spare clothing/extra fleece (based on what is needed plus one spare)

Map, compass and whistle

Head torch and spare battery

First aid kit/medication

Bivy bag/survival bag

Sun block, sun hat and sunglasses (especially in snow conditions)

Food and drink

Midge repellent (in summer)

Ice axe and 12 point crampons (in winter)

If you would like any advice on kit, you can email schc.info@yahoo.co.uk

WEEKEND MEETS We stay at a variety of venues including youth and independent hostels, club huts and cottages. We normally assemble on the Friday evening although there are sometimes longer weekend meets, so check the details. You are welcome to attend weekend meets for a day provided you liaise with the Meet Contact in advance.

All hill parties, however well experienced and in accordance with good practice, complete a route card including their estimated time of return.

The Club aims to provide gender segregated accommodation wherever possible, but this may not always be possible either due to the nature of the accommodation or the presence of third parties. The Meet Contact will normally have full details of the accommodation and attendees are welcome to check the precise position beforehand.

Normally, everyone brings their own breakfasts and lunches, while the Meet Contact will ask everyone to bring a contribution to a communal dinner on the Saturday evening. If attendees have a particular dietary requirement, the Meet Contact should be advised at the time of booking so that it can be included in the meet details.

There is a fixed cost (excluding food and transport, unless otherwise stated) for a weekend. This is paid to the Club, unless we are staying in an SYHA hostel when members book directly with the SYHA. However, it is always advisable to liaise with the meet contact prior to booking a place in case there are any changes in the arrangements. Please note that if you book a place on a meet and are subsequently unable to attend, you may be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of the unused place.

Dogs are not to be brought into any accommodation as a courtesy to those who are allergic to or frightened of them. Dogs may be taken on walks provided they are well behaved so as not to adversely affect the enjoyment of others.

We always walk on Saturdays. Some people also walk on Sundays while others go to Church. We aim to have a time of informal worship together one evening during the meet.