A local walking club is looking forward to the autumn season, and is encourage budding ramblers to join.

Phil Gaunt, secretary of Langcraigs Walking Club, spoke to Reporter Outdoors about the club, and gave some advice for walkers as the weather begins to turn.

He said: “When the frosty and icy weather comes in, we have to start making sure you have suitable equipment.” He said the club were going strong, 40 years after they formed.

Monthly meetings are held, which new members and potential members are welcome to attend, as well as regular walks.

Mr Gaunt said: “We currently do two walks a month, the second Saturday and last Sunday of the month usually.

“We have about 40 members, but we don’t get that many people out on each of the walks. We celebrated 40 years of the club this year.” Talking about the changing season, with Scotland’s short summer looking to be over, Mr Gaunt said those taking to the hills need to be prepared for colder weather.

He said: “It’s up to individuals, but I would always make sure to get rain proof clothes – an anorak and trousers, and suitable boots before going out walking.

“It’s always advisable to have the proper equipment.” He said as the winter months approach, walkers should consider taking ropes and ice axes – especially from November to April if they are out in the hills. Langcraigs can supply this equipment for those who don’t already have it.

He added: “From November onwards, the weather can really change quite a lot, and you can notice it being quite snowy on the hills.” The club regularly travels around to take on new challenging climbs, leaving from Gilmour Street car park, Alexandria, at 8am on the morning of its walks.

Mr Gaunt said: “That gives us plenty of daylight, you don’t want to be on the hill as it starts to get dark. In the winter months that can be as early as 4pm.” The group routinely donates to mountain rescue organisations around the area, which Mr Gaunt said they did as often they could as the team relies on donations.

Members travel from Kilcreggan, Helensburgh, Glasgow, Dumbarton, Alexandria and other towns around the area to go on the walks.

The walking club has an annual membership of £15.

Mr Gaunt said there was ‘a variety’ of difficulties in the walks, with it working out there was usually a more strenuous walk and a less challenging walk each month.