Bearsden and Milngavie 
Ramblers began life in June 1988 with a public meeting, held in Kessington Hall. More than one hundred people attended and the decision was made to form a local Group. It began as a “spin off” from Glasgow Ramblers, some of whom were early members and active in its formation, driving its organisation and leading walks. By the end of 1990, The Ramblers Association constitution was in place. The first Chairman was Robert McNab and Secretary June Kerr.
Walking programmes were already underway. Initially, one weekend walk was offered. A Wednesday morning, and subsequently evening ramble, soon entered the list. Grading for walks, making sure members knew what to expect, was always key.
Today’s Group is now known as Bearsden and Milngavie Ramblers and Hillwalkers, to reflect the height and range of walks on offer. Every walk is a social affair but some are more athletic, others more geared to convivial conversation. Strenuous efforts are made to cater for every level of fitness, aptitude and attitude. Members can enjoy a full day out most Saturdays, Sundays and alternate Wednesdays (with the ‘Wanderers’) and a shorter, local option every second Wednesday.
Group Holiday to Cairngorms 2018.
Programme records reveal a burgeoning appetite to travel further afield and make the most of Scotland’s landscape. Organised bus walks, weekends away and longer holidays became, and are still, popular. Hadrian’s Wall, coastal and other long distance paths, the Lake District and Cairngorms have featured prominently. Holidays abroad have also become highlights. Spain has been a favourite, but not exclusive, destination. Walkers have flown all over Europe! Group members are indebted to those generous souls with the imagination, energy and organisational flare, who make these events happen.
Over time volunteer leaders have made considerable efforts to find and share walking routes. Programmes are peppered with pleas for people to come forward and contribute to this effort. Those who did were helped. Teaching navigation has been key and there are very early references to offers of mentoring new leaders.
Early printed programmes were black and white, foolscap, featuring an appropriate sketch on the cover. Very soon, there was more to be found than walking routes. “How to be safe on the hill” and “What to do in the event of a tick bite” are only two examples of advice given! Today’s more sophisticated productions feature beautiful photographs taken by skilled, some award winning, members and carry more detail about the planned walks.
In 2008, a website was launched. This has enhanced members’ access to information and allowed more flexibility when there’s a change in circumstances and a need to communicate within a short timeframe. More recently, the ‘online’ experience has extended to a page within the Ramblers Scotland website and to a Facebook page, in the hope of attracting more younger members.
Cutting the cake at the 30th Anniversary ceilidh .
The Group has never just walked. Shortly after its “birth”, social events began to be organised. Eating and drinking featured, beginning with the legendary Burns Suppers to the impressive series of 30th anniversary celebrations in 2018. Then, and now, the emphasis has been to offer a social calendar which need not be costly. Tasting evenings, quizzing, visiting places of interest are as popular as ever and the numbers applying for recent ‘Heritage’ walks reflects the Group’s enthusiasm for a full social package.
It hasn’t all been self indulgence. In 1991, some members took part in a sponsored walk through the Lairig Ghru and raised £1205 for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children. Today’s members are also doing award winning charitable work, notably in their efforts for Milngavie in Bloom, in Mugdock Park and on improving The West Highland Way, which begins in Milngavie.
Over the years, a significant number of people have made praiseworthy contributions to the Group, not least Andrew Summers who, when he retired in 2010 after many years as Secretary, was recognised by Ramblers for his work in attracting new members and furthering walking in the local area. In 2017, he and his wife Lilias were jointly celebrated for their outstanding contribution to walking.
In partnership with other groups and organisations, Bearsden and Milngavie Ramblers has encouraged and protected walkers’ enjoyment and rights of access to the countryside. This involvement was reinforced when the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into effect in 2004 and is still an important function for us.
External events impact on local group plans, no more so than with the data protection regulations which came into effect in 2018 and presented significant management challenges.
The group belongs within a hierarchy: North Strathclyde Area Council, Ramblers Scotland and the UK organisation all impact on local activity. Beyond walking, socialising and managing its own finances, today’s committee is recruited in a variety of campaigns and initiatives on Ramblers’ behalf, not least growing its membership, but the core ‘reason for being’ is still to provide opportunities to enjoy a good walk in one another’s company.