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Author: Toby Speight
Cambridge University clubs
For a full list, see the Sports Service's list. Of particular interest to hillwalkers will be
- C.U. Mountaineering Club
- C.U. Rambling Club
- C.U. Caving Club
- C.U. Orienteering Club
- C.U. Scout & Guide Club
- Clare RATS (Rock-climbing And Trekking Society)
- Churchill College Mountaineering Club
In addition to the outdoor clubs, members may be interested in the CU First Aid Society.
Cambridge city clubs
Also in Cambridge are the Cambridge Climbing and Caving Club.
Mountaineers' associations
- The British Mountaineering Council represent all aspects of hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing in Britain and abroad.
- The Mountaineering Council of Scotland are the representative body for mountaineers (including ski-mountaineers, climbers and hill walkers) in Scotland.
- The Scottish Mountaineering Club is a private club; their list of Publications include an extensive range of guidebooks for the Highlands.
- In Ireland, the Mountain Council of Ireland serves a similar role.
Walkers' associations
- The Ramblers' Association is a charity which encourages rambling and campaigns for greater access to the countryside.
- The Long Distance Walkers' Association's interests lie mainly in extended walks in rural areas and especially those walks that exceed 20 miles in length.
Fell-runners' associations
The Fell Runners Association represents fellrunners in England.
Training
Mountain Leader Training UK is a UK-wide body setting standards and awards for leaders of outdoor activities. Most courses are organized through the national bodies MLT England, MLT Wales, MLT Scotland and MLT Northern Ireland (neither of which appear to have their own websites, but details are on the UK site).
Mountain Rescue
- The Mountain Rescue Council of England and Wales (MRC) is a co-ordinating body to which all the various regional bodies belong; they maintain a list of teams covering their area.
- Scottish teams are represented by the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland.
- The National Search and Rescue Dog Association represents the coming together of four SARDA regions, namely: Wales, England, English Lake District and Southern Scotland.
- Incidents at sea, on sea-cliffs, or on offshore islands may involve HM Coastguard.
Accommodation
- Youth Hostels Association of England & Wales
- Scottish Youth Hostels Association
- Privately-run bunk barns in the Yorkshire Dales
Transport
- Caledonian MacBrayne operate ferries in the Scottish Highlands; all their timetables are available, including prices.
- National Rail's rail journey planner may help with finding the right connections for a trip.
- National Express coaches cover most of the UK.
- Scottish Citylink coaches for journeys in Scotland.
National Trusts
- The National Trust has many properties in England, some of which are open land, good for walkers.
- The National Trust for Scotland does pretty much the same sort of thing north Of The Border.
Government Conservation bodies
Natural England exists to advise Government and others on how they can contribute to the conservation of the English countryside, and people's enjoyment of it.
Conservation charities
- The Mountain Bothies Association are a charity which maintains simple unlocked shelters in some of the most wild and beautiful parts of the country, for the benefit of all who love the wild and lonely places.
- Similarly, the John Muir Trust is committed to practical action to protect and restore Britain's remaining wild places.
- The Trust for Conservation Volunteers promote practical conservation work by volunteers.
Hillwalking Etiquette
The Countryside Code offers guidance on good hillwalking etiquette, including how best to respect the environment.