Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses most of the frequently asked questions about walking with the Club. Scroll down and click on a white section to see questions and answers.
The Club is open to members over 18 years of age.
The Club operates a car-pooling system for walks when public transport cannot be used. While there is no obligation to drive it is good to share driving among Club members.
It is customary to give €5 to the driver per person to cover fuel etc. when you take a lift while going on a walk.
Yes you can. Non-members may avail of three opportunities to try a walk before committing to join. This is a good opportunity to ‘get your feet wet’ and give it a go. A completed Guest Walker Form (available for download from our Info page) needs to be completed and given to the Walk Leader before beginning any walk.
One of our biggest objectives is to encourage people to get out and enjoy the hills, irrespective of whether they are seasoned walkers or have never been hillwalking before. The idea being to enjoy the walk, rather than being an endurance test. You can always check with the walk leader in advance in order to assess the difficulty level of any walk. You should also contact your GP if you have any concerns about physical exercise.
No, not unless you wish to, as the walk will be lead by a walk leader. Rambles do not usually require map reading and navigation skills but hill walks do and leaders will have done a pre-walk ‘recce’ of the route to ensure the group’s safety.
On the typical day trip you will need a pair of walking boots if going hill walking, preferably waterproof, comfortable clothing, but avoid jeans as these can be very heavy and conduct heat easily if they become wet, a rucksack, size depending on how much you bring. Waterproofs are also an essential item, whatever the time of year. Gloves, hats and a warm coat are also a good idea in the winter, along with a windproof to help keep out the cold wind. For the summer, you will need sun cream and a sunhat, along with clothing that offers suitable protection from the summer sun in order to avoid heatstroke. Plenty of fluids are essential, particularly in the summer, along with a packed lunch and other snacks for eating during the walk. If you are unsure about items you can contact the walk leader in advance.
Depends on the location and weather on the day. On an average day for hill walks we usually walk between 12 and 16 kms, but this can be reduced depending on conditions. Rambles vary and can be from 10 to 14 kms but on occasions can be over 20 kms.
Walks are led by volunteer members from the club. While it is not expected that everyone will lead a walk, the Club is indebted to those who do as without them there would be no walks programme.
Generally the meeting point for car pooling is Eurospar at Skerries Point Shopping Centre, Skerries.
Yes, weekends away have become a feature of the Club over the past few years with trips in Ireland and abroad.
Children are not allowed on Club walks and dogs are not allowed on Club walks.
As a member of Skerries Walking Club and affiliated to Mountaineering Ireland, you have Civil Liability and Limited Personal Accident cover insurance.
You can pay by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to Skerries Walking Club, Progressive Credit Union, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. BIC:BLCUIE21 IBAN:IE83BLCU99102411185186 You must include your name in the narrative so we know the lodgement is from you. If paying by EFT, please email skerries.walking@gmail.com when you have made the lodgement. The completed membership form can then be scanned and emailed to skerries.walking@gmail.com, sent by post or hand delivered.
If you wish to pay by cheque or money order made payable to Skerries Walking Club, please contact skerries.walking@gmail.com to request the postal address to which payment may be sent.