The objective of our club is to foster interest in, and knowledge of, Scotland's wild places. We hope to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors through the activities of hillwalking and rambling.
Joining The membership fees have recently changed to £5 per person, payable annually in April. This annual fee allows the club to support Mountain Rescue Teams and footpath repairs. We welcome new members, whether experienced walkers or novices.
Member benefits Trespass online will give a 10% discount online, enter at checkout. There is also a discount on offer at the Trespass Stirling store, currently (April 2024) 15%. Code may be changed/withdrawn at any time in the event of misuse.
If you are interested in walking with the club follow the steps below:
Contact the club secretary for more information. You will be informed about the meeting place and time and get answers to any questions.
Come out with us for a trial walk to help you decide if the club is right for you before joining.
Got a question? See our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions (updated 24 April 2023)
Will I be fit enough to walk with the club? If you have never done any hillwalking before it is best to try a lower level walk initially. These tend to be on the winter programme. If you have walking experience come out on a mid-level walk to start with. It is always best to discuss with the walk organiser beforehand if in doubt.
What equipment do I need? At the very least you need walking boots with good ankle support, waterproof jacket, a rucksack with food, water and spare clothes. For example, during winter, a 750ml of fluid is often sufficient, whereas during summer walks more would be advisable. See the Equipment Information page for more detail.
Do I have to book in advance? Booking is always required with the walk organisers, and if you have not walked with the club before you should contact the club secretary for information.
What time do the walks start? The group meet-up at walk start locations, often before 9am though sometimes later. Car-sharing is useful, if you are comfortable with the practice, as parking at walk start locations can be limited. Passengers contribute to the cost of fuel. If there is a different meeting time this will be indicated on the programme.
How long do the walks last for? This depends on the distance and the terrain.The walk organiser will be able to give more detailed information.
How much food do I need to take? Generally the longer the walk the more food you need. We have a mid-morning snack and lunch stop on most walks and on longer walks there can be an afternoon snack break as well.
What do the numbers in the programme/walk info mean?
Lift: the total amount of ascending over the course of the walk (also termed 'ascent'), measured in metres.
Distance: the length of the walk from start to finish, measured in kilometres.
Map/Grid ref: the number of the Ordnance Survey map and the grid reference of the starting point. For more information visit the Ordnance Survey website
What do the grades mean? The grades must be considered along with the total ascent (climb) and distance of a walk. They are meant to give you an idea of the steepness and type of terrain the walk will be on. See a description of the grades.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the forecast is bad the walk organiser may decide to change or cancel the walk.
If the weather turns bad during the walk, the organiser may opt to turn back, or shorten the walk, depending on conditions.
How much does it cost to join the club? The membership fees are £5.00 per individual aged 17 and over. Membership is free for 16 year olds and under. Membership is renewed annually in April.
What is the age group of the club members? Members can be any age (see below). Currently we are all adults.
Is there an age limit? There is no age limit.16 year olds and under must be accompanied by an adult member. 17 year olds may be unaccompanied by an adult, but their parent/ guardian should provide written consent for participation in walks. Whatever your age you should be sufficiently fit for the walk.
Can I bring my dog? Stirling Hillwalking Club does not allow dogs on walks, except for certified assistance dogs.
