Ardgrain

BOOTS Hillwalkers

BOOTS is an informal hillwalking group based in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire

BOOTS offers people living in the Aberdeenshire area and their friends and visitors the means of organising access to the hills in the company of others with a similar interest in hillwalking. Prior to booking on their first outing, new members should confirm their experience and current level of fitness with John Baillie or John Hughes and contact the walk organiser in good time for the first walk they wish to join. Walkers, including the less experienced can take part in outings that they might not otherwise have tackled, developing their own capabilities in the process. The group actively encourages the development of hillcraft amongst its members, and can organise instruction in navigating skills and safety awareness and practices.

Membership of the group is open to all prepared to abide by its guidelines given in greater detail in the leaflet issued with the current year's programme . Prior to booking on their first outing, new members should confirm their experience and current level of fitness with the walk organiser .

Planning

The organisers plan their assigned walks in advance. Persons intending to go on a walk should contact its organiser in time to ensure that sufficient transport is available and any other arrangements can be made.

Frequency and Timing of Outings

Every second or third weekend, leaving the Town Square, Oldmeldrum, at the stated time on this schedule, possibly picking up en route. (or as arranged between individuals for weekend outings), returning typically from 17.00 to 19.00. Timings depend upon the length of the walk, distance from home and the time of the year.

Other Activities

During winter months if conditions are more appropriate, cross country skiing may be organised in place of planned walks. Hire costs of any necessary equipment is payable on the day. Weekends away allow excursions further afield than the local hills. Chalets, B&B, youth hostels, bothies and camping are used for accommodation on trips away. Instruction in map and compass work, hillcraft and safety awareness can also be organised. Mountain biking, possibly combined with hillwalking, is an option for some outings.

www.bootshillwalkers.org.uk

E-mail John Baillie at webmaster [at] bootshillwalkers [dot] org [dot] uk or John Hughes at john.hughs [at] btconnect [dot] com

The Ardgrain local weather and live webcams are a great way to check conditions before setting out in Aberdeenshire:

	Ellon Webcam - Live pictures of the Ellon Area looking towards Ellon, the Ythan and Balmedie. Click here to see the Ellon Webcam
	Gardenstown Webcam - Live views of the North Aberdeenshire coastline at Gardenstown. Click here to see the Gardenstown Webcam
	New Deer Webcam - Views from New Deer towards Bennachie and Inverurie. Click here to see the New Deer and Bennachie Webcam
	Gardenstown Weather - The Gardenstown Weather Station provides constantly updated weather info and forecaster predictions for the top of Aberdeenshire. Gardenstown Weather Dashboard
	Inverurie Weather - The Inverurie Weather Station has live weather for Inverurie and Bennachie to the west of Aberdeen. Inverurie Weather Dashboard