Well, if you have very accurate surveying equipment, you might be able to tell that Market Hill is slightly higher than its surroundings!
Seriously, the nearest hillwalking areas are several hours' drive away, which is why we have a club - it's much more convenient and cost-effective (and fun!) to travel as a group.
At the start of the academic year in October, come along to the Societies' Fair and/or the club Squash - details appear in our diary and calendar a week or two in advance.
Otherwise, it's best to contact the committee. Coming along to the pub meets is a good way to meet people, if you're unsure about joining.
The majority of members are students at Cambridge University or ARU. We have plenty of graduate students and teaching staff, and even some people with Proper Jobs! We're a friendly bunch, and everyone who has a love of the hills is made welcome.
If you really dislike student clubs, you may find that the Cambridge Climbing and Caving Club (the "4 C's") may suit you better - see other clubs in Cambridge.
We go anywhere there are hills that members want to walk on. The most popular destinations are Snowdonia and the Lake District; we also go less frequently to the North Pennines, North York Moors, Peak District, mid-Wales, Brecon Beacons, Exmoor and Dartmoor. The Scottish Highlands are popular in the summer vacation, though a bit too distant for weekend trips.
We usually stay in bunkhouse accommodation; this means that mattresses are provided, and members must bring sleeping bags. Cooking equipment is generally provided.
Occasionally, we use Youth Hostels (more expensive, but no sleeping bag required) or camping barns (cheaper, but they do not provide cooking facilities).
There is a mailing list for club announcements, generally 1-2 messages per week in term-time. If you want to be added, please email the list manager.
Details normally also appear in the diary and calendar on the web site. The diary includes details of the sign-up procedure for trips; the sign-up for other events varies, and will be in the email announcement.
Our Fell and Mountain Guidelines include recommendations as to what you should have with you on walks. Additionally, for weekend trips in bunkhouses, you may need to bring a sleeping bag, and we occasionally have camping trips where tents and camping stoves are needed (at least to share).
The club does have some equipment for members to borrow - contact the Safety and Equipment Officer (listed in the committee) if you have questions. Note that we don't have boots for loan - you do need your own pair.
If you need advice on buying gear, most experienced club members will be glad to help.
Buying a CUHWC T-shirt is your patriotic duty as a Club member. Get one now!
Okay, it's optional, but they are really good...
CUHWC is not a training organisation, and as such does not provide courses, although it has in the past encouraged members to attend courses run by, for example, the CU First Aid Society.
The club administers the Andy Gibson Training Fund, which provides financial assistance to club members undertaking relevant training.
If life is leaving you unfulfilled, and you want to arrange random socials or trips with other members, or simply exchange idle chit-chat, you probably need to sign up to the CUHWC discussion list. Be warned, though, that it can be quite busy at times - not always compatible with diligent study!
Firstly, I recommend that you get a Cantab.net email forwarding address. This is not essential, but makes life easier, as you don't have to keep telling everyone new email addresses as you move around.
There is a mailing list known as the "Old Duffers" that is used for ex-members to stay in touch and arrange walking trips, house parties, and other events. If you want to be on this mailing list, contact the Old Duffers' list manager stating which years you were a member. Recent graduates are very welcome, as are those who have been out of touch for years!
There's usually at least one club trip in each of the three vacations. Quite often, members may invite others on informal weekends in the hills, and they tend to use the Discussion list to arrange social and hillwalking activity out of term.
Although lunches normally stop at the end of term, pub meets normally continue throughout the year; sometimes extra pub meets or variations are organised through the Discussion List.