Do I have enough experience?

The club is for experienced mountaineers. You must be able to:

• be responsible for your own safety on the hill;
• be comfortable navigating for yourself; and
• have the appropriate equipment (including ice-axe and crampons in winter) and the skills to use it. 

Many people who join are keen summer hill walkers who want do things which they would not attempt by themselves, such as scrambling, winter walking/climbing, or bagging some of the more remote Munros.

We don’t provide tuition, but many of our members are highly experienced mountaineers, so you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills.

Do I need to be able to climb?

No! We have a very active group of climbers in the club, but not all members would call themselves climbers. If you are an experienced hill walker who is also keen to try climbing, the EMC provides an opportunity to do this, provided you know how to belay. See the climbing page for more information.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness levels vary across the club, but you should be comfortable walking for at least 6 hours and 1000 metres of ascent at a reasonable pace.

Does it matter if I don’t have experience in winter?

Not necessarily. However, if you’ve never used an ice axe and crampons before then you must do a winter skills course prior to coming out on a winter meet.

How old are most members?

The youngest of the active members are in their twenties and the oldest are in their seventies. All members must be over 18 years.

How do I find out more?

Contact our Membership Secretary and tell them a bit about yourself and your interests/experience. They can add you to the mailing list and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, come along to the pub night to meet some members. This takes place on the first Tuesday of the month at the Red Squirrel on Lothian Road from 8pm. Click here for a map.

How much is membership and what are the benefits?

Membership costs £10 per year plus Mountaineering Scotland membership, payable in April (2025 rates). All members must have Mountaineering Scotland membership which gives you access to affiliated club huts, discounts on skills training courses, a regular magazine and, most importantly, third party liability insurance cover. You can pay this through the club as well. Members are eligible to apply for BMC travel insurance and are also entitled to a range of other discounts with Tiso and other outdoor providers.