Frequently Asked Questions

We hope these comments will answer some of your immediate questions. Do get in touch for more information. 
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How can I meet up with the club?

You don't need to know a club member to come out with us - we are really welcoming.
Please complete this brief information form and email to the Membership Secretary, who can then contact you and send further information.
The Club’s main activities are weekend meets which are held throughout the year. 

How do I book myself on a meet?

Contact the Membership Secretary who passes on your details to the coordinator of the meet.

There are also ‘local’ activities based in Central Belt, Inverness and Perth. Depending on the season these can be outdoor or indoor climbing and in the winter we meet locally to share pictures of adventures from the previous season, see Regional Events.

What level of fitness and competence is expected to come out with the club?

This is not a beginner’s club. Unless you are coming with a member who will go with you on the hill, you should have some experience of mountaineering (map reading; walking on steep ground; the fitness to enjoy a full hill day). If you are less experienced we encourage you to join us for a few weekends outwith the snow season to develop your competence before committing to a winter’s day.
(You don’t need to meet all the criteria for membership at this stage. You will be invited to make a membership application once you have been out on at least 8 days with the club.)

Do I have to be a rock-climber to join the LSCC?

Not if you join as a graduating member, but you should aspire to climb. You have to have done some rock-climbing to become a full member (details are in the Join pages) but you don't have to lead.
See: Safety tips for climbing and mountaineering.

Why have a women's climbing club? 

Things are a lot better for women than they were, but still, the achievements of men tend to be more celebrated, talked about and, by some, valued more than the achievements of women. We are working to change this!
In the Ladies Scottish Climbing Club we find that women can be supportive role models for each other. There are more opportunities for our members to become independent climbers in their own right, making their own decisions on the mountain, to learning essential skills to enjoy a full day on the hills, whatever the weather.
We find that women's clubs tend to be supportive and encouraging and are a space where women of all kinds and all ages can find common ground and friendship together. 

'Ladies' is a bit stuffy isn't it?

The Club and the name dates back to when the Club was founded in 1908. It was started by 'Ladies' as they had both leisure time and resources to access and enjoy the mountains. We have often debated whether we should change the name but history wins out, and we have learnt to embrace it. Lady or not (few of us are in the traditional sense) we encourage all women to come and join us and enjoy the mountains.

What do I need to bring for a weekend meet?

Basic mountain kit, plus sleeping kit (which may vary depending on the venue) and food. Ice axe and crampons are required for winter meets. Transport is shared wherever possible. Please check details with the meet coordinator before you go.

How is the walk or route planned?

Every weekend is different depending on location and numbers attending. We tend not to go out in a big group, preferring to split into smaller groups. The groups emerge out of discussion about what people want to do. You are welcome to contribute your own ideas about what you would like to do over a weekend.

Can I come on any weekend?

In principle yes, but the weekend coordinator will have the final say. While we are keen to welcome new members, this has to be balanced against the experience of the coordinator, the balance between the number of guests and members requesting places, the number of beds available and the mountain conditions (i.e. winter).

What activities might I expect on a weekend?

All sorts: summer and winter hill-walking or rock climbing, depending on the people there and the weather conditions.

Are there only weekend meets?

The Club often makes use of bank holiday weekends to extend a trip especially if it is far flung. e.g. Skye, the Lakes or Wales. There are some mid-week meets and day meets. We also organise longer trips abroad to the Alps and other mountain ranges.

Can men attend the meets?

Men can attend our meets if they are guests of members (usually friends, relatives or partners). Members can bring up to two guests on a meet, if space allows.

What sort of accommodation is used?

Mountain huts, hostels and camping. The accommodation can be quite basic and you may need to be prepared to ‘rough’ it.

What will it cost for me to go on a weekend?

Typically around £20 per night, depending on hut/bunkhouse or hostel, plus transport.  Some mountaineering huts are cheaper.

Can I access formal training through the LSCC?

The Club organises formal training courses for members in ropework, navigation, climbing and winter skills. Some non-members may sometimes attend (see above and contact Membership Secretary).

What about informal training?

We are not a training club but less experienced people will always learn by going on the hill with more experienced people.

Am I insured for civil liability if I go out with you?

Our civil liability insurance covers guests for four meets only. After these you are not covered unless you have civil liability insurance for mountaineering under another policy, e.g. as individual member of Mountaineering Scotland, British Mountaineering Council or of a Club affiliated to either body, see Liability for prospective members and guests.   We ask you to read this, please.

Why should I join the LSCC?

You will meet inspirational women who have a wealth of mountaineering experience, you will know that when you go on the hill with a full member, you are with a competent mountaineer; you will be encouraged to try new things, explore new places, and extend your own skills - and you'll have a lot of fun!

Do you have a Facebook page or use WhatsApp?

Our Facebook page is for members only, but we have two WhatsApp groups: one for Climbing Partners, and one for Social chat. You can be added to these groups after you send the Membership Secretary your Information sheet.

What does it cost?

The annual LSCC membership fee is £40, of which £20.15 is the cost of affiliation to the Mountaineering Scotland.