Everything you need to know before you walk with us

Walks Classification | Western Walking Club Rules | Starting Times & Meeting Places

Walks Classification

Please read carefully: If you are in doubt about your ability to complete any particular walk, please contact the club to discuss.

NOTE: THE RELATIVE DIFFICULTY OF WALKS MAY DEPEND GREATLY ON THE WEATHER.

EASY	Usually on track and of moderate distance up to 10 km, without many steep slopes.
EASY MEDIUM	May be long, up to 12 km, and may include steep slopes and some off-track walking through bush.
MEDIUM	At least 14 km, and may contain stretches of stony, steep and slippery terrain, and off track sections.
MEDIUM HARD	Greater than 15 km, with steep sections and significant stretches of off track.
HARD	Long, greater than 16 km with steep sections, rough track and may contain thick bush sections.

Classification depends on percentage of walk on/off track, track surface, steepness, thickness of bush etc. The distances above are a guideline only.

Western Walking Club Rules

1	One of the leaders should be informed before any member separates from the group for any reason. Backpacks should be left on the side of the track, to advise walkers that you have left the track.
2	No group member should overtake the leader in front nor lag behind the tail-end leader at the rear
3	When walking on trafficable roads, members are to keep close to the right-hand side of the road and in single file.
4	Conservation laws are to be observed at all times. No picking of wild flowers or disturbing of fauna.
5	No litter is to be left behind. Remember, we leave only our footprints behind.
6	Suitable equipment and clothing to be carried or worn. That is: walking boots, backpack, at least 2 litres of water, compass, first-aid kit, adequate clothing to resist bush, gaiters when appropriate, whistle, packed lunch, and rainwear if necessary.
7	Toilet waste should be buried at least 250mm deep, and 200m from running water.

Starting Times & Meeting Places

Winter walks start from fixed locations in Midland, Kalamunda, Cannington or Armadale. Summer walks have their own specific meeting places, as detailed in the walks program. Walkers are requested to assemble 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE DEPARTURE TIME. Late arrivals should not attempt to find and join the walk party after their departure.

Meeting Places for Winter Walks

CANNINGTON	Civic Park, George Street West - travel 120m from Albany Highway to the carpark entry on the left - park on the right
KALAMUNDA	Jorgensen Park, Crescent Road (off Mundaring Weir Road) Kalamunda
MIDLAND	Bunnings carpark, Lloyd Street, Midland, (southern side of Clayton St). Park at the far left-hand corner (east) of the Bunnings carpark (left, when facing the Bunnings building).
ARMADALE	Pioneer Village car park, corner Albany Highway and South West Highway.

Car Pooling

Passengers are carried at the their own risk. Contributions towards the cost of petrol are appreciated. These have been set down by the committee and vary, depending on the TOTAL RETURN DISTANCE travelled to the start of the walk.

Up to 25 km - $3 per passenger	26 to 55 km - $4 per passenger
56 to 85 km - $5 per passenger	More than 86 km - $6 per passenger

Visitors

Visitors are most welcome to join our walks. We request that you make contact with the club prior to attending. Visitors are also required to apply for membership after completing two walks if they intend to continue participating in club walks.

Please note: Dogs are not permitted on club walks.

Duty of Care

The Western Walking Club wishes to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all its members. The club undertakes training courses for its leaders, and subsidies first aid courses for all members. We endeavour to work within a comprehensive risk management policy to ensure risks are minimised and effective procedures adopted in the unlikely event of an emergency situation.

Insurance

While the club does carry insurance, club members are encouraged to minimise their personal risk by complying with club rules and ensuring a suitable level of fitness and quality of equipment and clothing.

First Aid Kit

A simple first aid kit should contain – Band-Aids, cotton wool, antiseptic spray, 75mm crepe bandage, tweezers, aspirin, scissors, safety pins, UV sunscreen, insect repellent and any other items personally favoured.

Subscriptions

Our annual subscription is $40, payable on the 1st of July each year. A member nomination form must be completed and supplied to the club secretary upon joining.

Name Badges

Name badges are compulsory for all members to wear on club walks. Name badges are supplied by the club for $17.50, this cost is in addition to the initial membership fee payable.