PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
For 2012
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.
Details of events up to the summer are given in detail below and dates are shown for the remainder of the year. Full details of events during the second half of 2012 will be issued in the summer. Please put the dates in your diary and join us if you can – you will be most welcome. Friends of members are welcome on all walks but members are responsible for passing on information about the walks to their friends.
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 members. 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
Sat 14 Jan Two ‘Winter Warmer’ walks will be held on this date finishing with mulled wine and mince pies at the Harlaw Visitor Centre.
There will be a moderate, 5.5 mile circuit with a climb of about 700 feet from Harlaw via Black Springs, Black Hill, Green Cleugh, Bavelaw and Threipmuir. Meet at the Harlaw Visitor Centre at 11.00 am.
A second walk will be a leisurely, 2 mile circuit of Harlaw Reservoir starting at the Harlaw Visitor centre at 1.00 pm.
Should members just want to join the walkers for mulled wine and mince pies that’s fine but you MUST book in to ensure that the catering ladies get their quantities right. There will be no charge for the ‘goodies’ but there will be a ‘begging bowl’ so don’t forget to bring some change!
Wed 15 Feb Talk at Fairmilehead Parish Church starting at 7.30 pm. Peter Wright, author of Ribbon of Wildness, is the speaker and he will be talking about walking the watershed of Scotland which starts in the middle of the Scottish Borders and ends at Duncansby Head. Peter walked the 1,100 km ‘Watershed’ in 2005. Visit www.ribbonofwildness.co.uk for more information.
Sun 11 Mar Arthur Mckenzie will lead a moderate, 5 mile circuit from Flotterstone with a climb of about 900 feet via the lower slopes of Castlelaw Hill, Fala Knowe and Castlelaw Hill Fort. Meet at the Flotterstone Visitor Centre car park at 11.00 am.
Sat 21 Apr Teas & Cakes day at the Harlaw Visitor Centre from 11.00 am to 4.00pm. Open event, no need to book.
Tue 8 May The AGM will be held at Merchiston Castle School starting at 7.30 pm. After business has been completed Bob Paterson, whose tenure as Secretary expires at the AGM, will speak briefly about the Society’s formation and subsequent development.
Sun 20 May John Surtees will lead a strenuous, eight mile circuit from Swanston with a climb of about 1,800 feet. The route is via Smithy Cleugh, White Hill, Capelaw Hill, Fala Knowe, Woodhouselee, Boghall, Erraid Wood and the lower slopes of Caerketton. Meet at the car park for walkers at Swanston at 11.00 am.
May/Jun Following the success of last year’s event for people with disabilities we will be holding a similar event in 2012, probably over two days. Details will be published later.
Fri 15 Jun The annual BBQ will be held at the Hillend Snowsports Centre starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £12.00 per head and include food, wine, beer or soft drinks, and must be purchased in advance from Averil Sutherland, 14 Craiglockhart Drive North, EH14 1 HT. Tel: 0131 443 1925. Members are encouraged to bring their friends to the BBQ.
A short walk will be held prior to the BBQ starting at 6.00 pm from the Hillend upper car park. The route will be a leisurely+ 3 miles via Lothianburn, Swanston and White Hill.
It is not necessary to participate in the walk prior to enjoying the BBQ!
Sat 23 Jun Teas and Cakes day at the Harlaw Visitor Centre from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Open event, no need to book.
Jul/Aug John Stirling will be organising a series of evening badger watches for members. Each session will be able to accommodate three people. Places must be booked with John on: 0131 449 3456 or at j.stirling@btinternet.com These events are likely to be very popular so early booking is recommended.
Aug We anticipate being invited to lead a walk(s) as part of the Midlothian Walking Festival. Details later.
Sat 1 Sep Early Autumn Walk – details later.
Sat 8 Sep Teas & Cakes day at Harlaw Visitor Centre from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Open event, no need to book.
Sun 14 Oct Autumn Walk – details later.
Sat 20 Oct Teas & Cakes day at Harlaw Visitor Centre from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Open event, no need to book.
Thur 8 Nov Talk at Merchiston Castle School – details later.
Sat 1 Dec Winter Walk – details later.