New Members

BOGTROTTERS – What we are about.

NEW MEMBERS

We operate on the basis that you should ‘Try and See’ first, so we encourage people to try an Introductory walk or two before joining. All Grade 3 walks are considered Introductory walks.

You can also come out on a Tuesday walk when running to meet and chat with the members. Our policy is though that as with Sunday walks you are welcome to come along but after 3 walks you must join the club. This then covers you with insurance from Mountaineering Ireland and opens you up to all the other club activities.

Identify the walk you are interested in from the Walks Schedule on the website and email bogtrotters.secretary@gmail.com who will put you in contact with the walk leader to confirm your attendance.

Once you have joined us on 3 Grade 3 Sunday walks and you wish to continue walking with the club we will ask you to join officially by filling out a short Membership Form and paying the annual fee.

The annual subscription is €48. The club only receives €10 of this (€38 goes to M.I. which includes Insurance and a quarterly magazine).

EQUIPMENT
We do not expect beginners to have all the relevant gear but a good pair of hiking boots, a backpack, a rain jacket and some warm clothes is essential. Further details on this are on the website on the
mountain safety page.

BENEFITS SOCIAL/HEALTH
Hiking is known to actively improve your health by lowering stress levels, improving your mood and
enhancing your mental well-being. Being in the open air, you get to meet likeminded people and
enhance your fitness at the same time. Hiking is a great way to build community. Not only can it
forge new friendships, but group activities and after hike socialising over coffee or a beer can
cement these new friendships, over shared experiences.

ENVIRONMENT
The club operates on a Leave No Trace policy and takes part in Pure Mile projects or other environmental ‘clean ups’ on an annual basis.

WALKS and GRADING
Grade 1 – Tough / good level of fitness required. Substantial climbs and a fast pace (6hrs +) 18-24km.
Grade 2 – Strenuous. Suitable for most regular hikers but tougher than grade 3 (5 – 6 hrs) 14-18km.

Grade 3 – Moderate / suitable for people if they have a reasonable level of general fitness and some
hiking experience (4 – 5 hrs). 10-14km
Tuesday Evening walks – Easy. Suitable for all. Mountain, coastal and urban locations. (1.5-2hrs) 8-
11K.