WHAT IS THE GENTIAN MOUNTAINEERING CLUB?
The Club was founded
in 1974 and is affiliated to the British Mountaineering Council. It was originally
started by George Watkins, a member of the Stroud Ramblers. Since then it has
grown to be a national club, with members from all over Britain (and one or two
from further afield). We currently have 60+ members.
A shared love of the hills and mountains is our common bond. Our purpose is to arrange a programme of mountaineering,
walking, climbing and similar activities for our members. Also, as the Club
constitution says.
"arrange social activities to promote good fellowship amongst the members"
The Gentian is a blue, alpine flower that grows only in the high mountains. A very appropriate emblem for a mountaineering club.
CLUB MEETS
The Club arranges a
programme of meets throughout the year. Most are weekend meets (Friday to
Sunday) but we also arrange some week long meets. We have meets in the Lake
District, Wales, the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. Normally there's a Scottish Winter
Week (February) and a Spring Bank Holiday meet. There is also an annual
backpacking meet. Members often organise overseas trips, to the Alps or
Himalayas for example, to which Club members are invited.
We stay in simple accommodation to keep the cost down, often other Clubs' huts.
As a consequence, a weekend meet is very inexpensive, averaging between £25 and
£35, including the meals.
WHAT HAPPENS ON MEETS?
As well as the
outdoor activities, our Club prides itself on being very friendly and welcoming
to new members. A typical weekend starts with everyone arriving on Friday
evening, and members who arrive early often get together to cook a meal or eat
in a pub. Unlike many clubs we cater together and eat as a group. On Saturday
morning we all have breakfast together and members who have offered to lead
walks describe their plans. Members sign up for the walk, scramble or climb as
they wish.
(You may wish to
look at the "Recent Meets" & "Members Exploits" pages to
see some of what goes on.)
The Club is probably
best described as a "hard walking club". Most members are not in the
"super fit" category but we do have many strong hill walkers. We are not the Ramblers!!
Our purpose is to enjoy a good day on the hill. The routes vary in difficulty depending on
the location, who is leading and what the weather is like on the day.
At the end of the day we have a meal together, prepared by volunteers. There is
a vegetarian and non-veg option as well as starter and dessert. There's wine as
well. Saturday evening is a great opportunity for a chat about the day's walks
or to catch up on other news. Sunday proceeds in the same way and we generally
leave late afternoon. Sometimes there is an option to stay on Thursday or Sunday
nights as well.
ORGANISATION
Once you book on a meet you will get a sheet beforehand with information including directions, facilities at the accommodation and contact details of those attending. Members often share transport. Anyone using public transport can often be picked up at local train or bus stations.
COME ALONG TO A MEET
If you like the
sound of the Club we'd love to see you on a meet! For insurance purposes it is
necessary to join the Club to attend a meet. However, if you come along and
decide it's not for you, we will refund your membership fee.
You must be over 18 to join and currently the membership fee is £30.
HOW DO I JOIN?
That's easy! Just click HERE
