PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
For 2010
 

This page contains details of events that we hope will be of interest. Please put the dates in your diary and join us if you can – you will be most welcome.

We have graded walks as leisurely, moderate or strenuous. Leisurely walks are for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience and may include unsurfaced rural paths. Moderate walks are for people with a good level of fitness and country walking experience and may include some steep paths and open country. Strenuous walks are for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. They may include hills and rough country.

Grades are provided as a general guide only. If you have doubts about your ability to cope with a particular walk please contact John Surtees, the walks organiser, contact details below. Bear in mind that the distance, terrain and weather can affect the difficulty of a walk. Walking boots and appropriate clothing are required for all walks and food and drink are normally necessary. Individuals booking for walks will receive additional information from the walks organiser before the event.

We recommend that walkers, especially those that live on their own, carry emergency contact details on their person during walks. Please note that the Society carries public liability insurance and limited personal accident cover. The latter is only available to members of the Society, ie it excludes friends of Friends. Should individuals require clarification of that position they are invited to contact the Secretary.

Well-behaved dogs are normally welcome on walks, (not at badger watches), but must be kept on leads during the lambing and tupping seasons.

Bookings for walks must be made with John Surtees – home: 0131 445 4623; mobile: 07948563691 or at john.surtees@blueyonder.co.uk  Different arrangements apply for the walks on 15 August and 25 September – see details below.

Unfortunately there will be no badger watches this year. Work is taking place in the vicinity of their sett and, consequently, they are likely to more reticent than in the past. Equally we feel we should not cause them any unnecessary disturbance. We expect to be able to stage badger watches again next year.

Sat 14 Aug    It has been decided to hold an ‘Away Walk’, ie outwith the Pentlands. John Surtees will lead a 9 mile, moderate, linear walk along the Fife Coastal Path from Aberdour to North Queensferry. Bob Paterson will act as a local ‘guide’ and provide a commentary on the walk which will end at his home for tea and scones/cakes. Travel by train from Edinburgh is encouraged as both the start and finish points are on the Fife Circle line.

Sun 15 Aug    We are holding two walks on this date as part of the Midlothian Walking festival.

John Surtees will lead a strenuous, 12 mile, circular walk from Flotterstone via Glencorse Reservoir, Maiden’s Cleugh, Harlaw Visitor Centre, Black Springs, Green Cleugh, Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoirs. About 6 hours. Refreshments may be purchased from a mobile catering unit at the Harlaw Visitor centre. Places must be booked through the Midlothian Ranger Service on 01875821990 by 6 August.  Numbers will be restricted.

David Pritchard will lead a leisurely, circular walk from Theipmuir to the Harlaw Visitor Centre and then back to Threipmuir. About 5 miles/4 hours. This walk is being specially arranged for wheelchair users but members are encouraged to join in. Refreshments may be purchased from a mobile catering unit at Harlaw. Places must be booked with David Pritchard on 0131 667 8436 or at: thedavidpritchard@hotmail.com For further details please contact David.

Sat 4 Sep      Two walks will be held on this date. John Surtees will lead a strenuous, linear 7 mile walk from Flotterstone to Silverburn via Glencorse, Loganlea, The Howe, Scald Law and South Black Hill. About 4 hours. Linda Stirling will lead short Silverburn local walk starting at 2.00 pm and lasting about one hour. At the end of both walks walkers will be able to purchase tea, scones and cakes in the Silverburn Village Hall. Should members wish to come for just the teas they should turn up at Silverburn just after 3.00 pm. Walkers must book with John Surtees but there is no need to book if you just intend to enjoy the tea.  Arrangements will be made to get those who walked from Flotterstone back to their cars from Silverburn.

Sat 25 Sep   John Surtees will lead a strenuous, linear walk from Crosswood to West Linton, via Garvel Syke, White Craig, Covenanter’s Grave, Medwynhead and North Slipperfield, as part of the West Lothian Walking Festival. About 10 miles/6 hours and 30 minutes. Walkers will meet in Livingston and travel by bus to Crosswood and then return from West Linton to Livingston by bus. Places must be booked with West Lothian Council on 01506 775626. Numbers will be restricted.

Sat 23 Oct     Teas & Cakes day at Harlaw from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Open event, no need to book.

Sun 24 Oct   Please note change of date – this walk was originally to be held on 17 Oct.  John Surtees will lead a 9 mile, moderate circular walk from West Linton via Stonypath, Baddinsgill, Muckle Knock and Baddinsgill Burn. About 4 hours 30 minutes.

Thur 11 Nov   Talk at Merchiston Castle School starting at 7.30 pm. Neil Ramsay, ScotWays Heritage Paths Officer will give an illustrated talk on his work. Neil has been working on this project for nearly three years and will have much to tell us that will be of considerable interest. Open event, no need to book.

Sat 4 Dec      Walk in the footsteps of RLS and Henry Cockburn. John Surtees will lead a moderate, 5 mile, circular walk from Swanston via Swanston Cottage, Chucklie Knowe, Bonaly, White Hill, the bottom of Howden Glen and Smithy Cleugh. Hopefully the walk will start with a visit to Swanston Golf Club for refreshments (coffee and bacon rolls?). Bob Paterson will tell tales of RLS and Henry Cockburn at Swanston Cottage and Bonaly respectively.