What we’re about
Hi there & welcome to Gentle Jaunts.
This group is for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and who wants to get fit while having fun.
As the name suggests, we meet to do walks which are not too difficult and are conducted at a reasonable pace. The group is as much a social activity, as it is a form of exercise. We meet to enjoy others company, get exercise, visit interesting places, meet people and make like minded friends.
WALK DETAILS: A brief explanation of the route, distance, terrain and conditions, is provided for each walk. Read this information thoroughly and decide whether the walk is suitable for you. If you decide it is then RSVP "YES". Come prepared with suitable clothing, footwear and equipment for the walk. i.e. decide if you need boots and warm waterproof clothing, or sun block and plenty of drinking water.
BREAKS/SNACKS: It will state in the details if you should bring a snack or whether we intend to stop off somewhere for a snack or a meal. Remember: It is your responsibility to come along properly equipped for each walk. If in doubt post a question in the comments area of that particular walk/event.
DOGS: Gentle Jaunts has always welcomed people who bring their dogs along. However occasionally a walk may visit grounds where dogs are not allowed, pass through a nature reserve or cross a field during lambing season. In these cases dogs are not permitted (details on the individual walk will advise). Dogs must be kept under proper, safe control. Neither the dog, nor the walker, should create a hazard or problem for others.
MEETUP SUBSCRIPTION: Gentle Jaunts is a non-profit making group and the role of the organiser is purely to administer and facilitate the running of the group... therefore we ask members for a contribution to cover the cost of using the Meeup web site facility. This is a once a year request each September.
RSVP: If you know in advance that you cannot make it along to a walk which you have booked on for, please ensure you visit the Gentle Jaunts web page and change your RSVP to ‘NO’. This ensures that people on the waiting list have a chance to take your place. It's also wise to look out for emails from your event host for walks you have RSVPd "YES" to as plans may change or there may be vital information contained within them.
NOTE: We do not carry public liability insurance, and are not liable for any loss, damage or injury incurred during our activities. No outdoor activity can be completely safe and free from hazard. It is therefore your own responsibility to make a judgment as to whether you are able to safely take part in any of our walks or activities.
SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE: Members attending outdoor events agree to uphold the Scottish Outdoor Access Code - http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
Lastly, if what you've read above interests you then why not take a look at the walks/events currently listed and if there are any you'd like to join us on. It'd be great to have you with us.
Gentle Jaunts Group Organiser
Janet McLeod
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ⛵️WEDNESDAY WALK > FISHERROW HARBOUR TO NEWHAILES ESTATE AND RETURN🌿EH21 6DQ, Musselburgh
This is Peter Toner with Keith’s permission repeating another of Keith’s 4 walks that he scheduled and completed in 2023.
Keith originally and now Peter T would like you to join him on this Wednesday circular walk from the harbour at Fisherrow to Newhailes Estate... and then back to Fisherrow.
From the Harbour we’ll walk along the beach to Musselburgh and then take the River Esk Path to Monktonhall Farm, Conservatory Land, Queen Margaret University, Newhailes House Cafe, Brunstane Mill and finally back along the beach to our start point at Fisherrow.
Please note that this walk requires a level of fitness as although we can have a couple of short stops en route, the main stop will be at the ‘Courtyard Cafe' at Newhailes House, which is around 6 miles into the walk... and therefore near to the end.NEWHAILES ESTATE: Tranquil and lovely grounds with a Palladian house as it’s centrepiece, views across the River Forth an 18th-century tea house, a mysterious shell grotto and the recently restored 18th century ha-ha separating the lawn from the traditional grazing parkland.
GETTING TO AND FROM THE START
🚌BUS: Sunday service - https://www.lothianbuses.com/live-travel-info/journey-planner/
🚙CAR: Please note there’s limited car parking at the harbour and in nearby streets, so ensure you allow enough time to find a parking space before the start time at NOON.EXTRAS:
Distance: 7 miles (approx)
Attire: Dress to suit the weather and wear comfy walking boots/shoes
Break: There’ll be a couple of short stops en route and a cafe break towards the end of the walk
Dogs: Welcome, although they are required to be on lead at all times.
Public Toilets: are available down at Fisherrow Harbour - 🎵EXPLORING MUSIC 🎵 WITH GRAEME & GUESTSEdinburgh Society of Musicians , Edinburgh, EH4 3BL
Graeme Walker (one of our members) is holding 'LIVE' Exploring Music afternoons. These afternoons are aimed at folk who enjoy music but would like to know a bit more about the composers, background etc. They're held monthly, on the 2nd sunday, in 'The Edinburgh Society of Musicians'.
The setting is amazing...a lovely drawing room overlooking the Dean Village.Programme
This is an informal and sociable way to enjoy and learn about music for anybody who loves music, in the beautiful surroundings of the Edinburgh Society of Musicians premises overlooking the Dean Village.
In the First Half I will discuss and show videos of the Missa Papae Marcelli by Palestrina which was one of the great masterpieces of 17C renaissance polyphony. I will explore the context of the composition and the composer.
It really is stunning and uplifting music.
Here's a link to a sublime performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVXFpiL9n54
Interval, a chance to chat over home baking and refreshments.
The second half will have live music on the Steinway from myself and guest musicians covering a range of genres from classical to jazz.Arriving and social chat from 6.30pm
There is ample opportunity to chat with other attendees beforehand and at the interval.
Home baking( I baked an apple sponge, lemon drizzle cake and brownies for previous ones) and refreshments are available pre-event start and at the interval.
The door at the left hand side of the building will be open, just come up the stairs.
####Entry Fee £10#### to cover the cost of the venue and the food and refreshments.
Please try to be at the venue and seated for when it starts promptly at 7pm
The meetings before have been well attended and I have had very positive feedback.
There have been about 30 attending recently.COMMENTS ON PAST MEETINGS
''Again a wonderful experience with music and history and humour. Thank you Graeme and to everyone who played on the superb piano - an afternoon of sheer enjoyment for myself and I am sure for all attending. Roll on the Feb meeting.''(Ivor)
''I have found the Exploring Music Meetups absolutely fantastic; I find myself looking forward to these events. I enjoy both how informative and creative they are. I really appreciate the live performances, they are a gift, especially at this time. Thanks Graeme and friends.'' ( Karen)
''I really enjoyed the experience! Perhaps links to some of the performances could be shared so we could listen to them again. The live performances were wonderful. You worked hard Graeme to create an interesting and varied programme. Thank you for that!!''( Laurie Ann)
"Looking forward to the next year of Exploring Music! Such an eclectic mix of music, audio, video and live music makes this a unique meet up for everyone who loves music and enjoys a lazy Sunday afternoon discovering new musical gems and gaining insights into the world of composers and performers Extremely convivial. Thank you Graeme" (Nicky)
"Graeme, Many thanks for another enjoyable Sunday meeting. From Sibelius to The Sound of Music to Miles Davis to Dina Shore to Chopin, it was all excellent.I am enjoying these Exploring Music afternoons, learning a lot about the composers and the contrasts in performances as well as meeting a very sociable group of people." (Patricia)
