Hi! We are the walking society. We are a large and very active club here at the university. We typically run 3 levels of walks every Saturday, but occasionally we do run on a Sunday. We try to go out in almost all weather, from rain, snow, and occasionally the sun. We try to cancel as few walks as possible due to the weather and may change the location to a more sheltered valley or coastal walk to allow us to still get out. On our walks, we try to run 3 different levels to allow people of all abilities and experiences to join us. If you're interested in which level you should join, have a look at our group explanations below. All our walks are led by fellow uni students who have undergone our leader training, which we run throughout the year if you are interested in leading. We also run a social every Tuesday which typically starts at The Castle, where we have a hangout and chat for a few hours before we move on to the Albion to play board games. Our socials are very chill, and there is often little to no drinking involved. We also run other socials such as film nights and BBQs. Finally, we have post-walk drinks after our walks, typically at Bar Uno to refuel after a long day of walking.
Lowland walks are relaxed and relatively easy walks with significantly less elevation change than our other walks. Recommended to those who are new to hiking, or those looking for a calm social day out with some nice views.
Chill hills is a mountain walk with a less intense pace and a moderate length route, typically only hitting one or two mountain peaks. May rarely involve some easy scrambling. Recommended for intermediate hikers or anyone new to walking in the mountains.
Mountain walks are longer and more intense than our other walks, often hitting more than one peak in a day. May occasionally involve some scrambling and high exposure. Recommended for people with experience hiking, or those looking for a full on day in the mountains.
-How often do you meet?
We have our walks every Saturday throughout the year, including through most holidays!
-What should I wear?
Since we are in the Welsh outdoors, appropriate gear needs to be worn, including 2L of water, waterproofs, lunch and snacks (we could be out for 6 hours on some routes), and ankle-supporting walking boots and warm layers as appropriate for the forecast and remember it can be 10 degrees colder on the top of the hills compared to Bangor.
-I don't have all the kit, what should I do?
You can borrow it! As a club, we have a wide range of kit to borrow and it's completely free for club walks! Just put what gear you need and your size on the sign-up forms, and we'll bring it on the day. You can also rent it out for your own adventures. Also, we do charge a small fee for this. If you would like to know what kit we have available, have a look at our equipment list and fill the request form. And if you're unsure on sizing, speak to a committee member or message us on socials or email.
-What is expected of me on walks?
Since all the walks are led, you don't need to do any navigation, but we do ask that you respect and listen to the leaders and other members so everyone can have an enjoyable day out.
-I'm not sure what level of walk I should go on. Which should I do?
For the first couple of weeks, we will only run a lowland and a slower, shorter mountain walk to make the decision easier, but if you are unsure, it's always easier to start on something easier and work up, or come along to our route planning sessions on Friday night and have a chat with the leaders.
-I have a medical condition, can I still come on walks?
We try to be accommodating of as many conditions as possible; however, we are often three 3 hours away from professional medical help, so please let us know of any conditions and check with your doctor if this is a good idea. But if you want to ask about it, please contact the inclusivity and well-being officer, Oliver at lvw23svn@bangor.ac.uk or come speak to any committee member.
-Do I need to come every week?
No! We have lots of members who only join us on a few walks throughout the year, so you're welcome to come as often as you like.
-What students' union pass do I need?
You only need a silver! You also get two free sessions with us throughout the year before you need to pay. If you have any questions around this please feel free to speak to any committee member or contact the students' union.