Walking
with the Bush Club
On this page: What
to expect | Grading of walks | Transport
| Training programs | Notes
for visitors
Walks
Schedule
A Walks Schedule
setting out the details of forthcoming walks is issued to members every
three months. We also have a Short-Notice walks program via email.
A wide variety
of bushwalks is included in our program. The walks include:
- walks any day
of the week
- an average of
30 walks each month
- easy - hard
day walks
- easy - hard
pack walks from single overnighters to several days
- occasional liloing,
kayaking, cycling
- interstate and
overseas walking trips
- base camp and
accommodated walking trips
To show you the
range of walks we offer:
Click
here to download the latest Walks program
Click
here to download the previous Walks program
Note these do not
include contact or meeting details. These are available on the program
sent to members and prospective members.
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Walking
with the Bush Club - what you can expect
For any
walk, the leader:
- sets the grade,
route and pace of the walk;
- is entitled
to inquire about the capacity of a member to complete the walk as
planned; and
- is understanding,
helpful and supportive on the track.
In return,
participating members are expected to:
- have the ability
to complete the walk as described;
- be self reliant
(in respect to water, food, first aid, navigation, clothing, etc);
and
- be a participative
and co-operative member of the group.
Grading
of walks
Each walk is given
a rating 1-6 by the leader of that walk. It includes a difficulty rating,
a description. Within The Bush Club, there are some further qualifiers
that are used, in addition to the walk grading , to help describe and
define the type and style of the walk.
The 'Route &
Description' column explains any special difficulties or features on
a walk.
| Grade |
Definition |
| 1 |
Easy |
Opportunity
for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking
ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made
and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners.
Distance should not exceed about 10km. |
| 2 |
Easy-medium |
Easy walk,
mostly on tracks of low gradient Opportunity to walk easily in natural
environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep.
Distance should not exceed about 15km. |
| 3 |
Medium |
Medium walk
with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to
walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring
a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance
should not exceed about 20 km. |
| 4 |
Medium-hard |
Steeper, rougher
terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter
of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore
and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly
along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep.
There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders
should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass.
Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most
beginners. |
| 5 |
Hard |
Off-track
or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor
knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct
tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep
sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling,
creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed
30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. |
| 6 |
Very hard |
Strenuous
off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced
walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without
reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no
track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing
involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult.
Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners. |
| M |
Qualifying |
Only walks
marked 'M' are membership qualifying walks. However, prospective
members may join any walks with the leader's consent. |
| SEA |
Support,
Encourage,
Achieve |
For those
seeking to build up confidence and fitness, and looking to complete
more challenging walks. For these walks, the leader:
- is purposely
considerate of the needs and wishes of such members when planning
the route and setting the pace;
- systematically
tailors and conducts the walk to suit the capacity of participants;
and
- is an
encouraging mentor and guide on the track.
SEA walks
are for members who:
- are keen
to get to new, exciting and wonderful places but with some uncertainty
about their abilities to do so;
- want
to further stretch and develop their skills and self reliance;
and
- are happy
to be part of a mutually supportive and encouraging group that
stays together on the track.
|
| LTW |
Leadership
training walk |
The leader
is available to instruct aspiring leaders in techniques of walks
leadership. |
Click
here to download a pdf of the guidelines
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of page |
Interested?
If you would like
to join one of our walks, please check our Become a member page, read
our guidelines and contact our Membership
Secretary. We'd love to have you join us.
Visitors
Visitors may take
part in walks only if invited by a full member (who must be present
on the walk) and subject to the leader's approval. Approval should be
requested by the member, not the visitor. A leader has the right to
refuse to take visitors on walks. Visitors will be granted temporary
club membership to enable them to take part in the activity.
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