CLUBROOM
Out and about with the Gay Outdoor Club
Who are they?
The Gay Outdoor Club (GOC) has been going since 1974.They still have a few original members in the club but most are much newer than that! They have just under 2,000 members and as many again as guests – you don’t have to join immediately to come on their events, you can try out a few to see if it suits you. Members and guests include gay men, lesbians and our families, friends and pets!
What can someone expect on a Gay Outdoor Club walk?
The one thing all of their walks have in common is meeting like-minded people whilst enjoying the outdoors. Some of their walks can be done by almost everyone but some of them are more demanding, right up to treks across the mountains for experienced hikers.
Where do they walk?
They’ve walked every part of England, Wales and Scotland. They have local groups in every part of the country so no-one is far from a GOC event.
Do they organise events other than walking?
Yes, they organise about 600 outdoor and sporting events per year including lots of cycle rides and also climbing, caving, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, rafting and skiing as well. To many of their members, GOC is more than just a walking group – they have found enduring friendships as well as partners and the opportunity to get out and participate in activities that they might not otherwise have.
Do they organise events abroad?
This year the GOC has organised trips to Italy, France and two to Mallorca, plus many of their members go on trips with other members. In the past they’ve been skiing in Switzerland, white water rafting in Utah, climbing in Venezuela and walking in Albania. They’ve even been to exotic overseas places like the Isle of Wight!
Do they have any other social events?
Many of their groups have socials as well as their outdoor events. One group has a regular canal boat trip and others organise events like trips to the theatre. Many of the walks include a country pub or a café en route and nearly all the groups have a Christmas get together.
What’s a typical GOC member?
There really isn’t one – all sorts of people love getting out in the outdoors. Some of their members are serious walkers who tackle the highest peaks in the country but most just like a nice walk out and socialising with others like themselves, and age wise they have members and guests from 18- 80.
It’s GOC’s 40th anniversary in 2014. Is there anything special planned?
Each of their groups is planning a walk to the highest point in their area near the anniversary date. That means something very different in Scotland to Norfolk of course!
How do I join and how much does it cost?
Just sign up on the website as a guest to start with and it’s all there (they also have a newsletter if you don’t use the internet). Membership starts from just £12 a year. For more information visit their website at goc.org. uk, phone 08448 700462 or write to BM GOC, London, WC1N 3XX.