The Bogtrotters are a small but disparate group of about 70 walkers, hikers and hostellers. We also run a surprisingly diverse range of activities. Some members will be found frequently on half day and full day walks based in and around Dunstable. Others will only be found on longer hostelling trips in the mountains. Some of our members relish the more traditional simple (basic) style of hostelling, and will participate in camping barn weekends in the Peak District, others will only go on trips where a certain minimum level of comfort is guaranteed. Some of our members are predominantly social, coming out to meals and evening activities.
The group was formed in 1966 as the Dunstable Local YHA Group. Since then a large number of our members have moved away from the Dunstable area and are now dotted all over the country and indeed the world. Some of these members still frequently attend weekend and trips away, but are rarely to be seen in Dunstable.
New members are always welcome. Prospective members are welcome to get in touch with anyone on our contact list to discuss which of the group’s activities would be most attractive to them. Alternatively you can always just turn up to one of the walks. Look out for a group with walking boots and woolly hats.
Day walks usually involve meeting at the Yum Yum car park (next to the police station) in West Street, Dunstable if the walk is on a Sunday (free parking). On Saturdays the walks meet outside the Priory School in Britain Street (off High Street South).
Sometimes the walks will involve driving out from Dunstable. Members often share cars to do this and this is arranged on an ad hoc basis at the meeting place. It is normally polite to offer a small contribution to the cost of fuel to the driver. This is rarely more than £1.
Social activities are either based in individual member’s houses, or at the venue (bowling, pub meals, the Rex cinema etc.) or in rooms 1 or 5 of Chews House. Chews house is situated in High Street South next to the Little Theatre.
The next New Members Welcome Evening will be held at Chews House on Monday 22st March 2010 in Room 1.
A New Members Introductory Walk will be held on Sunday 11th April 2010.