Weekend trips are at the heart of UBES. Throughout the academic year, we travel to mountain areas across the UK for walking, scrambling, climbing and mountaineering, with trips designed to accommodate a range of experience levels.
You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer to take part. For many trips, a reasonable level of fitness, suitable walking equipment and a willingness to get involved are all that is required.
Explore where we go →
View the weekend trip kit list →
What to Expect
A typical UBES weekend trip involves travelling from Bristol on Friday evening, spending Saturday and Sunday in the mountains, and returning on Sunday evening.
Each day, participants divide into smaller walking or activity groups. A range of routes is normally offered, from more relaxed mountain walks to longer days, scrambling and other more demanding objectives where appropriate.
Routes are chosen according to the destination, weather, conditions and experience of the group. We aim for groups to be led by appropriately experienced members, including Mountain Leader trained members where possible.
Weekend trips can involve long and tiring days, but they are also one of the best ways to explore new areas, develop mountain experience and get to know other members of the Society.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation varies between trips and may include bunkhouses, hostels, camping or other suitable group accommodation.
Food included within the trip normally covers:
- Saturday: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sunday: breakfast and lunch
Participants will normally need to provide their own food for Friday evening and, where required, Sunday evening.
Trip Costs
Most weekend trips cost approximately £50, although the exact price varies according to transport, accommodation and other trip costs.
The trip price normally includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Meals as described above
- Group equipment such as maps, compasses and safety equipment
UBES aims to keep trips as affordable as possible. Information about typical Society costs and available financial support can be found on the Costs & Financial Support page.
How to Sign Up
Weekend trip signups normally take place around two Wednesdays before the trip. The exact signup time and arrangements are communicated to members in advance.
Places can fill quickly, particularly at the beginning of term, so members wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive in good time.
At signup, participants complete the trip signup form and payment process once a place has been confirmed. If the trip is already full, members can join the waiting list and may be contacted if a place subsequently becomes available.
Signup Location
In-person signups normally take place on the University precinct. The location is shown below.
If you later need to withdraw from a trip, please refer to the Documents & Policies page for the applicable refund arrangements.
What to Bring
Participants are expected to bring suitable clothing, footwear and personal equipment for the conditions expected on the trip. The precise requirements vary depending on the destination and time of year.
UBES owns a range of equipment that members can borrow, including some walking, camping and group safety equipment.
View the Weekend Trip Kit List →
Where We Go
Weekend trips visit mountain areas across England and Wales, including the Lake District, Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, Yorkshire and Dartmoor. Dedicated climbing trips also visit areas such as the Peak District, Portland and Cornwall.
Our Where We Go page includes photographs from previous trips and links to routes recorded by UBES members.
Explore destinations and routes →
When Are the Trips?
Weekend trips run throughout the academic year. Dates, signup information and other Society events are published through the UBES calendar and member communications.
Larger trips, including Scotland and Summer Expeditions, use different arrangements and have their own information pages.
