SOMER & Biss Mountaineering Club are appealing for new members to join their outdoor pursuits.
The Westbury-based group was set up last year by a handful of outdoor enthusiasts, and is now looking to expand its reach.
They organise activities for a range of ages and abilities, from walks ranging from 6 to 30 miles, mountaineering trips using well trodden paths, to grade 3 scrambles and ice climbing.
Club secretary Darryl Church said, “I would encourage anyone who loves the outdoors to come and join us for an adventure! Whether you join us for rock climbing, mountaineering, a local ramble or just a pint at a social night you will find we are a very sociable bunch.
“I personally started out just walking locally and progressed to tougher and more technical climbs over time. Mountaineering and climbing is for anyone that is fit enough to walk a few miles, wants to push their limits and get outside and enjoy the view.
“Last year the club had numerous summer and winter trips to Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, wild camping on Dartmoor and Exmoor, regular summer rock climbing meets and an international trip to the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
“Our main aim for 2015 is to try and have something happening every week by expanding our membership. We are also hoping to offer training workshops such as outdoor first aid and navigation skills. My favourite thing about mountaineering is being free from all the trappings of modern life: it’s just me and my friends enjoying ourselves in the most beautiful natural landscapes. The physical challenge can be tough but pushing through the pain in sometimes extremely adverse weather really gives you a sense of achievement when you reach the summit; you wouldn’t get that without a bit of suffering along the way!”
Most of the group’s members live along the River Somer and the River Biss, from which the club takes its name, although new members are welcomed from anywhere in the local area.
Current members are mainly in their 30’s and 40’s but membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 with a love for the outdoors.
To find out more about meeting the club go to www.sbmc.club and fill out the contact form, or email somerandbiss@gmail.com
