Women New to Hill Walking

Tentative plan to summit Dumyat in the Ochils
About this Event

Join the Shee Climbs Community Walk for women who are new to hillwalking and would like a friendly, supportive introduction to the Scottish hills.

Expect good company, a gentle pace, plenty of opportunities to stop for a breather, chat and enjoy the views. Nobody will be expected to keep up with a fast group, and there is no pressure to prove anything.

If you have wanted to start hillwalking but have been unsure where to begin, this walk is designed to give you the opportunity to get outside with other women who are learning, building confidence or simply looking for supportive company in the hills.

More information about the Shee Climbs community can be found online.

📍 Walk Overview

• Level: Suitable for women new to hillwalking who have a reasonable level of everyday fitness.
• Terrain: We will choose an accessible hill route, generally using established paths. There may be uneven ground, mud, stones and some steeper sections.
• Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the route, weather and pace of the group.
• Pace: Gentle and sociable. We stay together and adapt the pace so nobody feels rushed or left behind.

The exact route will be confirmed closer to the day once the weather and ground conditions are clearer. The route may also be shortened or changed if conditions make the original plan unsuitable.

❄️ Weather and Seasonal Conditions

Scottish hill weather can change quickly, even on relatively short walks. Cold temperatures, wind, rain and occasionally icy ground are possible, particularly between autumn and spring.

Please bring warm layers, waterproofs, a hat and gloves, suitable footwear, food and water. A warm drink can also be very welcome on colder days.

If conditions require equipment beyond what would reasonably be expected for a newcomer walk, we will change the route rather than expecting beginners to tackle terrain that requires skills or equipment they do not yet have.

If you are unsure about clothing, footwear or equipment, please get in touch before the walk. Questions are always welcome.

⚠️ Important Information

This is a peer-led community walk rather than a professionally guided or instructed mountain day. A walk coordinator will organise the meeting point, intended route and group arrangements, but everyone taking part remains responsible for their own wellbeing and for deciding whether the walk is appropriate for them.

We will stay together as a group and look out for one another throughout the day.

You do not need previous hillwalking experience or advanced navigation skills for this particular walk. If you are unsure about your fitness, equipment or whether the event will suit you, please contact the organiser beforehand.

🎒 What to Bring

• Comfortable, supportive walking boots or footwear suitable for the route
• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
• Warm layers
• Hat and gloves, with spares in colder weather
• Food and water
• Any personal Medic*tion
• Small personal first-aid kit if you carry one
• Headtorch, particularly from October to March
• Map and compass if you have them and would like to begin becoming familiar with them

Any additional kit requirements will be shared before the walk once the route and forecast are confirmed.

🚗 Transport

Our initial meeting point will be Stirling Park & Ride.

We will organise a car-sharing discussion before the event so that participants can coordinate lifts where possible.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Meet & Greet
Host: Shee Climbs

Info: We will meet at the Park n ride in Stirling. The first parking bay to the right after turning in off the roundabout. Here we will get together and role call who we have joining us. We will discuss the plan for teh day, car sharing, and ensure any questions are answered about he day before we set off.

🕑: 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Set off to our route
Host: Shee Climbs

Info: Together we will head to our destination where we will regroup and set off on our walk together as a group. Times are only an indication of possible length of the day and may not be reflective of our true start and finish times.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Return to the Park n Ride
Host: Shee Climbs

Info: We will ensure all are back together to our starting point before we embark on our return to the Park n ride. Role call will be done to ensure all are accounted for. Times are only an indication and may not reflect our true finishing time.