2012 Easy Walks

Wednesday walks are short duration low-level sometimes urban walks. They are intended as starter and more social activities, and designed to allow people the opportunity to get fitter prior to undertaking more serious and extended walks in more remote countryside as they wish. As well as 'walking and talking' there are refreshments afterwards. If you are new to East Perthshire these walks are an ideal way of finding out about the area and meeting new friends.

The programme of events is open to all. Meet at Blairgowrie Town Hall 9.15am, walks commence approx 9.30am (leaders please try to be there for 09:00).

A downloadable schedule of the Wednesday Walks (pdf) is available by clicking this link.

Date	Walk		Stagecoach	BaDNS
11 Jan	Meikleour Woods		Bus
18 Jan	Ardler - Meigle		Bus
25 Jan	Davy Park – Keithbank		-
1 Feb	Drimmie Woods – Alyth		Bus (33 st)	Minibus
8 Feb	Fun Run course		-
15 Feb	Airlie		Bus
22 Feb	Meigle Belmont		Bus
29 Feb	Dunkeld – Inver – Birnam		Bus
7 Mar	Cancelled, with the IWD 8th March in its place
Thursday 8 March	International Women's Day event - 101 women to the top of a Munro! For details follow this link.	£10 registration fee	Buses	Minibuses
14 Mar	Kirkton of Lethendy		Bus
21 Mar	Braan Walk		Bus
28 Mar	Inchtuthil		Bus
4 Apr	Northballo Hill		Bus
11 Apr	Stormont Loch		Bus
18 Apr	Newtyle Railway Walk		Bus
25 Apr	Dunkeld River Walk		Bus
2 May	Kirkmichael – Enochdu	Cateran	Bus
9 May	Bluebell Woods		-	Minibus
16 May	Kincairney		Bus
23 May	Tullybaccart		Bus
30 May	Mill Dam		Bus	Minibus
6 Jun	Blackcraig – Bridge of Cally	Cateran	Bus
13 Jun	West Banchory		Bus
20 Jun	Ardblair Trail		-	Minibus
27 Jun	Alyth – Muirton – Alyth Den		Bus

If you have any fitness concerns or queries please give the Health Visitors a call on 01250 876668 for advice.

There will be at least two walks per session. One suitable for those who prefer a slow pace, which will cover less distance, and another which will cater for a medium and/or fast pace covering a greater distance. Because of the time constraints is not possible for slow walkers to have a particularly long walk on this schedule, but it is possible by special arrangement.

All times are approximate and will depend on weather, ground conditions and speed of walking, and include an allowance for the bus journey and refreshments.

Registration All of these events are open to all, however those coming for the first time are required to complete a registration form and brief health questionnaire. If in any doubt about your fitness for a walk please consult your GP or other medical advisor or give Liz White a call on 01250 876668. Many of the walk leaders are appropriately qualified outdoor first aiders but this is not a substitute for qualified medical advice from a health practitioner. Children and Vulnerable Adults must always be accompanied by an adult carer. In order to minimise inconvenience and in consideration for all the participants everyone is expected to abide by our code of conduct.

Medical It is extremely important for your own safety that if you feel unwell during a walk that you advise the leader in charge.

Duration It is expected that walks will have returned to Blairgowrie by 12:30. However depending on bus journey timing, speed of walking due to inclement weather, scenery viewing and so on, the exact finish times cannot be predicted.

Walks There will always be at least a choice of two walks, differentiated by the speed of the group. Every week there will be a slow walk and at least one faster one. As the walks are intended to fit in to a period of between 45 minutes and 1½ hours the fast walk will cover a longer distance. The slow walk is specifically intended for those who cannot maintain a fast walking pace, who do not wish to go as far, or have difficulty in negotiating a hill or steep path. The faster walk will usually have an alternative cut off point to allow those who wish to walk at an intermediate pace the option of returning earlier. This cannot be guaranteed and depends on the location of the walk and the availability of walk leaders.

Everyone is welcome to try whichever walk they wish, however if you find you have difficulty keeping up or are not sure of your own capabilities please go on a slower walk first.

Bus Some walks require the use of a bus, however to ensure that we can provide sufficient spaces it is essential that participants book in advance. There is no guarantee of a space otherwise. If a minibus is indicated above this is for the short/slow route walkers only. First priority for any bus seats unfortunately has to go to those who have booked a seat in advance. It is often the case that people who have booked do not turn up, so if you wish to take a chance you are welcome to come along, but please do not be disappointed if we cannot fit you in.

Assisted Access Some walks are buggy and wheelchair friendly (possibly requiring some assistance). We ask that participants phone any of the walk leaders in advance for advice.

Clothing Please wear appropriate footwear and warm and/or waterproof clothing to suit the expected conditions. If you are not appropriately dressed for your own safety we may have to ask you to stay behind.

Refreshments There will be time for a coffee and chat at the end of each walk, but participants are responsible for bringing their own meals or snacks during the walk if these are required.

Charges There is a fee of £3 per event. For this fee participants have the use of Blairgowrie Town Hall, tea/coffee and transport as appropriate.

Cancellation If there are insufficient numbers pre-registering or for other matters outwith the organisers control, the right is reserved to cancel, re-schedule or relocate the walk. As much notice as possible will be given, but this may not always be possible. In the event of any changes fees paid for any pre-booked walks are refundable or transferable to a different date and event.

These events are intended to be fully socially exclusive. If you need any further information or wish to discuss any matter relating to this or confidential medical matters please phone Nick or Sue on 01828 640763.