 I've had a few emails off new members/meet virgins a bit concerned about whether an OM meet is suitable for their skill/experience level and whether they'd fit in. I guess it's easy for us older hands to forget how nervous we were before our first meet - so maybe we can give newbies an idea of what to expect.
First of all, you'll be made extremely welcome, no matter what your level of experience, sex, age, religion or anything else. Ordinary meets have no set structure, and no expectations. They're simply an opportunity to meet up with like minded people and share anything from a beer in the local pub after a days walk to a full weekend out on the hills together.
On an average meet we get together at a local watering hole on the friday evening and just chat about what we'd like to do the next day. If someone else has similar aspirations for the day we either join together, or don't, as we see fit. Usually we end up with multiple little groups heading off together doing anything from a bimble around a lake to a 20 miler. There's no compulsion to join in with anyone or anything, and you're free to do whatever you like with whoever you like.
Obviously there are specific meets like the Spain meet where things have to be a little more structured as accommodation etc needs to be booked for the group - but these are more of an exception. These meets generally consist of people who've met up on previous meets and had an idea of something they fancy doing together.
SO in short an OM Meet is nothing more than an opportunity to meet interesting, welcoming, people with similar interests. No minimum skill/experience levels, no elitism and no expoectations. Please feel free to come along - some great friendships await you :)
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 I'd echo everything Dave's said above, and just add a point. The meets, except for proper courses with instructors such as the Winter Skills, are totally informal with no leaders as such. Unlike some other walking groups, nobody designates themselves as "leading a walk up X - who's coming?". We discuss plans and then join in as equals, mates out for a walk, with each person being responsible for their own safety and well-being. That's not saying that we don't look out for each other - in practice I've always found everybody very sensible (in that respect at least! ;) - there's always been sound advice about the suitability of routes and a willingness to see that folk are ok while out. So as a newbie or relatively inexperienced walker don't be put off at all, but it's just worth being aware that OM Meets are not quite like the guided walks on offer elsewhere. But do come along and try it - as Dave says, you'll be made very welcome.
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Very good point Matt - it's important to realise that there are no leaders/guides etc.
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 I lost my OM 'virginity' in May and went to Snowdonia in a state of slight apprehension because a) I hadn't camped for nearly 20 years, b) I was only just getting back into serious walking after an equally long gap, and c) (this may come as a surprise to those who did meet me!), I'm a bit nervous about meeting new people. I needn't have worried, and couldn't have been made more welcome. As it happened, I did walk on my own on the saturday because that's what I chose to do. There was another walker who went off on their own, two other small walking groups and a climbing group, but I'd have been welcome to join any of those if I'd wanted to (or been capable of in the case of the climbers!)
One of the best things was the socialising and putting real faces to the avatars that appear on the forum, and I'm looking forward to meeting more of them later this month!
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 "...and you're free to do whatever you like with whoever you like." Dave - are you sure you meant to say that! ;-)
Seriously though, I went on my first meet at Buttermere in June 05 having done lots of walking but very little camping. A bit apprehensive but had a really great time. On that first meet like Kate I did a walk on my own on the Saturday but on the Sunday a couple of us walked over to the Wasdale Head Inn (for a couple of pints!) and back! Have since been on a few meets including last years winter skills and have made some really good friends ;-)
Very good point that Matt makes about there being no leaders, but that I think is what makes OM meets so good - very informal and absolutely no pressure! Would definitely recommend going along.
Unfortunately I can't make the Sept meet but look forward to making another one sometime.
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 Oh and we are all a tad loopy, but in the nicest possible way of course?????????????
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Agree with all the above, so far only been on the snowdonia meet in may and met Kate and matt, everyone was really friendly.
have since been out several times with tdave roberts walking and backpacking.
Looking forward to my next meet up which is long overdue!
Bushy
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 Yup, I'll agree with that. I'll also add that one common worry seems to be "am I fit enough?" since some newbies have an idea of super-fit mountain men dashing off all over the hills! While that may be true of some, it's not generally the case. Personally, I can't walk uphill without puffing and panting, stopping every so often etc, which is why I like ridge walks (but usually go climbing instead). Many others stop regularly to take photos, have picnics, relax and enjoy the view etc. On any meet it should be possible to fine companions without it turning into a route march!
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 Is there anything coming up in October at all? I'd like to try one of these meets to err...meet a few people.
Would prefer Wales or the Peak District for ease of access though.
I feel a need to get out into some beautiful country for relaxation after the events over the weekend. (I knew most of the people on board the Nimrod that went down in Afghanistan)
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Hi Airman, sorry to hear that.
Not sure about any general meets, but I'll be at the Vaynol campsite in Nant Peris the first weekend in Oct/last weekend in Sept. I'll be climbing, as will a lot of people, but there are at least a few non-climbers going. Hopefully other people will have plans to offer as well :)
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Sounds like it could be a good one Cara-Lyn. I'm off on exercise on Saturday but should be able to grab some leave around then. Think I'll pass on the climbing though!
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Hi folks.
These meets sound like a fantastic opportunity for people who are either new to walking, or like me, haven't done much for a long while. Unfortunately I am not able to get down to the lakes but look forward to coming along to one perhaps a little closer to home at some point in the not too distant future.
Anyone thinking of heading to the Cairngorms, (perhaps to do the Lairig Gruh +/- some tops over a couple of days) sometime in the next month or so, please feel free to get in touch.
Stuart
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 Stuart, you will find fellow Scots and Caledoniaphiles on the "Bennachie" thread. Casual Scottish meets are discussed on there.
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 Indeed KiltedPict! You're welcome to join any of the Scottish Meets. Informal ones are discussed on the Bennachie thread, formal ones usually have their own Thread on here.
Cairngorms? Aye, maybe. Where abouts are you based?
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Hi oot n' aboot.
I'm based in Aberdeen so easy access to the 'gorms. Just a little rusty and out of shape and would be looking to start off easy (did Lochnagar in June though)!
What about yersel?
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I'm fae Aberdeen as well.
We should move this off to the "OM Mini-Meet on Bennachie" thread so as not to spoil this thread.
I'll speak to you over there. Okay?
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