FAQ
What do you do?
Any sport that can be done on a mountain, and a fair few that can be done in other places too. We have members who enjoy hillwalking, scrambling, indoor climbing, bouldering, trad climbing, sport climbing, slacklining, drytooling, winter climbing, alpine climbing, skiing, ceilidh dancing, drinking, fell running, swimming, fancy dress, baking, sunbathing, scrabble, mountain biking, kayaking, bothy trips and competitive napping.
I’ve never done thing before. Can I still join?
Yes. If you ask nicely you might find a more experienced member who is happy to let you join them on a walk or climb and show you some skills (though they are under no obligation to do so). There are also subsidised or free places on courses available for navigation, winter skills and first aid.
Is it all scary climbing or do you do walking too?
We just post all the pictures of people hanging off things by fingernails because it looks cool. Plenty of very pleasant hillwalking is done by the club. It is pretty much up to you what activities you want to do on the meets, whether they be tame or wild, just make sure you’re doing them safely.
Do you do day trips?
Not officially, however keep an eye out on the GUMC Facebook and on the informal trips WhatsApp group (that you will have the chance to join with a membership). Also feel free to suggest an informal trip on either of these platforms, as people are often quite keen.
How much does it cost?
Membership is £35 for the full year or £27.50 for one semester (joining for the year is looking like a bargain to me!) GUMC membership covers membership to Mountaineering Scotland and contributes towards club gear and activities. As a member you can also get discount in the GCC, Dram!, and Cotswolds. An average meet costs £30 for 2 nights’ which includes accommodation and transport (subject to comuting distance).
What gear do I need?
How do I join?
Details on how to join can be found here.
Do I need to join the gym?
Yes. See gla.ac.uk/services/sport/membership
How can I become a hero?
Are you over 21, have a UK or EU licence for 2 years, with minimal points? Speak to the /about/committee/ about how to do a bus test and guarantee your choice of tunes and a spot on the meets.
Where do you stay on meets?
Mostly village halls – these are generally warm and dry, you will need a sleeping bag and roll mat though! All have kitchen facilities and toilets, some have showers and Wifi. Occasionally for smaller meets we stay at club huts. Skye, Reiff and the Alps are camping meets.
Am I too late to join?
It’s never too late to become a member, you can join at any time in the year, we would be more than happy to have you.
Do you have a weekly bouldering social?
Yes, we go to the TCA Newsroom every Monday and Prop store every Wednesday, from around 6:00pm onwards. You don’t need to have any experience whatsoever to come along, and indoor bouldering is a great way to start off developing your climbing skills.
How about regular indoor climbing (with ropes), do you do that?
Yes, we do. We have a deal with the GCC that allows the first two members that show up in a day to gain free entry! If you miss out on these passes you can get in as a student for £11, or £10 off-peak. There are also top ropes and autobelays available at Prop Store
I was previously a EUMC, can I join?
Yes.
Is Smith’s route in condition?
Probably not. 🙁