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 1pm Wednesday the week before each trip. Spaces often fill up fast so set yourself a reminder!
Mailing list Sign-Up
2
Join the Give It A Go trip or meet us at a social
The Give It A Go 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 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 2021/22 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 often take us into extreme environments, so below is a list of the essential gear you’ll need 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.
Trip Essentials
- Waterproofs (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!
- Backpack: Large enough to hold everything you take on the hill! Anything else can stay in the bus during the day.
- Water bottle: 1L+
- Food for the trip: You’ll need packed lunches for Saturday and Sunday, and for Saturday evening if you don’t want a pub meal (bring some money for that if you do!). We usually stop at a services for food en-route on the Friday and Sunday nights.
- Comfy bunkhouse clothing: Its nice to have something warm and dry to wear after a day in the mountains. Clean footwear is also sensible!
- High energy emergency snacks: In case you get stuck or delayed.
- Any personal medication: Inhaler, epipen etc.
- 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.
- Roll mat*
- Tent*
- Stove*
* – Can be borrowed from club stores
Winter Trip Essentials
In addition to trip essentials
- More warm clothing: Avoid cotton all you can and definitely no jeans!
- Snow goggles
- Gaiters
- Ice Axe (Mountaineering/Alpine)*
- Crampons*
- Helmet*
* – Can be borrowed from club stores
Recommended Extras
- Camera: For the views!
- Guide & skills books: We recommend: ‘Winter Skills’ (Winter Mountain Leader handbook), ‘Scottish Winter Climbs’ (Nisbet & Anderson), Cicerone’s ‘Scrambles in . . .’ series and ‘Scotlands Winter Mountains with one axe’ (Garry Smith).
- 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
- Evening entertainment: Card game ideas, books etc.
- Winter mountaineering boots (B2 or B3): Stiffer & insulated boots compatible with hybrid and step-in crampons for more extreme winter use. Better for very deep snow and front pointing. Also necessary for Winter climbing.
- Rope & fall-protection gear*: Saves the club stock for someone else!
- Climbing Axe/Ice Tool(s)*: Allows higher-grade Winter climbing than regular mountaineering/alpine Ice Axes
These are never needed for Ben Lairig trips, but there is rarely no option to complete harder routes!
Bring whatever else keeps you happy in the mountains – as long as you’re prepared to carry it!
MONEY
We 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:
- 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. Membership fees are also supplemented by a grant from York Sport Union. A member benefits fully after 2-3 trips.
- 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. All money collected goes to the team.
