HOW TO JOIN
1
Mailing list Sign-Up
Please compete the fields below to join our mailing list for info about meets & club news.
Trip sign-ups are mailed out at 7pm Friday the week before each trip. Spaces often fill up fast so set yourself a reminder!
Mailing list Sign-Up
2
Join the Freshers' trip or meet us at a social
The freshers’ trip is a relaxed scramble up Striding Edge to Helvellyn. It’s a perfect taster for anyone who hasn’t climbed a mountain before but, if you have some experience, you may prefer to just meet us at a social.
As a part of GIAG week the freshers’ trip does not require membership to join!
Socials are weekly at various pubs, bars and clubs around York. Anyone is welcome to join us to find out about the club!
Find out when and where these are happening by subscribing to our newsletter!
3
Purchase membership through YUSU
Membership lasts for one academic year. It entitles you to: attend all kinds of meets, free use of club gear, access to discounts and to run & vote in committee elections.
Ben Lairig membership for 2020/21 is: £40
Plus athletic union membership (£10) if you don’t have it already.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS FOR ALUMNI & STAFF ARE ALSO AVAILABLE; CONTACT US FOR DETAILS
KIT LIST
Our trips can often take us into some extreme environments, so below is a list of the essential gear you’ll need to have before joining a trip. You will definitely be more comfortable with extras as well, but these basics are must to stay safe; without them you risk being trapped indoors depending on the conditions.
Ask us at a social if you would like advice or have any questions. You may also beg, borrow or buy second hand.
Summer Trip Essentials
- Waterpoofs (Jacket & Over-trousers): Essential for all times of the year
- Walking boots: We always advise you get a quality fitting pair first time. They will last! If you’re buying to join the club, a pair of light crampon-compatible mountaineering boots will cover all the bases (B2 rating is ideal)
- Warm clothing: Including hat, gloves and socks. No jeans!
- 30l-40l backpack
- Water bottle
- Plenty of food for the trip: You’ll also usually be able to buy dinner en-route on the Friday and Sunday nights. Money for a pub meal may also be handy!
- High energy emergency snacks: In case you get stuck or delayed
- Any personal medication: Inhaler, epipen etc
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- Head torch: Days out can sometimes stretch past dusk
- Survival bag*: These are large, strong plastic bags available for about £3 from outdoor shops. Not only are they an effective survival aid, but they also make great sledges!
- Sleeping bag*: Even if we’re not camping, we usually need them for bunkhouses.
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- Roll mat*
- Tent*
- Stove*
* – Can be borrowed from club stores
Winter Trip Essentials
In addition to Summer trip essentials
- More warm clothing: Avoid cotton all you can and definitely no jeans!
- Snow goggles
- Gaiters
- Ice Axe*
- Crampons*
- Helmet*
* – Can be borrowed from club stores
Recommended Extras
- Camera: For the views!
- Guide books
- Map & compass: The club can provide enough for each group, but having a set for yourself is useful & safer!
- Personal first aid kit: As with Map & Compass
- Evening drinks & snacks
- Comfy evening clothing: Joggers/leggings/hoodies etc
- Evening entertainment: Card game ideas, books etc
- Winter mountaineering boots (B2 or B3): Stiffer & insulated boots compatible with higher-rated crampons for more extreme winter use. Better for very deep snow & front pointing
- Rope & fall-protection gear
These are never needed for Ben Lairig trips, but are frequently used by experienced members!
Bring whatever else keeps you happy in the mountains – as long as you’re prepared to carry it!
MONEY
We try to keep mountaineering as accessible as possible, so we ask for as little as we can without compromising the club’s scope. Here’s an outline of where your money goes when you join Ben Lairig:
- Ben Lairig annual membership: All membership monies raised are invested back into the club through the year. These are used to maintain club gear so members can borrow equipment (for free!) and to subsidize trip fees and training courses.
- Ben Lairig Trip fees: These are paid trip-by-trip and include accommodation and transport. We keep these as affordable as we can.
- Mountain Rescue Donations: Every time a member signs up for a trip, there is the option of a £2 voluntary donation to Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team. 100% of the money collected goes to the team.
