About Breakaway
We are Breakaway, the hillwalking society for the University of St Andrews.
We go on regular excursions out of St Andrews, either by car or by bus, to the farthest reaches of the Scottish highlands and islands. We run walks of all shapes and size, from flat leisurely strolls through the glens and around the coasts to challenging climbs up the Munros. There is something for everyone on every trip, no matter how experienced you are.
Trips
Below you can find information about how we organise our trips and how you can access them. Further information about the dates of each trip and location can be found on the trips page.
If you have any other questions refer to the contact page and feel free to email or contact us via our other forms of social media.
​
*Please read our disclaimer and code of conduct before signing up for trips
Day Trips
Day trips are by bus and cost £10-20. We leave around 7am on Saturday mornings and return at around 8pm. Make sure you bring a packed lunch and some money for the pub at the end of the day!
Weekend Trips
Weekend trips cost around £40 - £100. This covers transport, accommodation at a hostel and one meal every evening, except the evening of arrival. For most trips we leave on the Friday and return to St Andrews on Sunday with two days' worth of walking in between, and sometimes an additional day depending on arrangements. Drivers will receive a 20% discount on trips and all petrol expenses will be covered by Breakaway! If you own a car or want to drive a rental for us, please get in touch.
Walking Levels
Our walks are usually divided into three or four levels - these range between scenic and more difficult walks. To avoid problems on the hills, new members who have not yet attended a Breakaway event will not be permitted on our most difficult walks. Length, duration and difficulty of each of our walk levels will vary between trips, but you will get a full briefing beforehand to help you choose which walk you would like to go on.
Scenic walks
Largely flat walks along coastal paths or glens, or slower-paced walks up hills. Perfect for members who are looking for a more relaxed day in the hills, hoping to see some castles, or haven't had much hiking experience. Often our scenic walks happen to end at pubs and coffee shops, with a few more tea and sandwich breaks :)
Moderate walks
We offer one or two moderate walks. These walks may have slightly more ascent, including Munros and more strenuous terrain, or may cover a longer distance. There will be no need for ice axes and crampons, but you will definitely need suitable footwear and warm clothing. Moderate walks tend to vary considerably between trips, but will offer a variety of scenery and terrain suitable for most members.
Challenging walks
Walks with challenging, prolonged ascent, typically up at least one munro. Low-grade scrambling often required. Crampons, ice axes and light technical ability expected in winter conditions. These walks can be lots of fun if you are hoping to reach a few summits, but should only be undertaken if you have some previous experience walking in the highlands.
Membership
We currently offer two types of membership:
​
Semester membership costs £20 and allows you to attend all walking trips for one semester.
​
Full Membership costs £30 and grants you access to all trips for one academic year. It also gives an oppertunity to register as a member of Mountaineering Scotland, which comes with a whole load of perks, such as shop discounts and access to superb value mountaineering courses.
​
More Information on the Union Website including Membership! CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP!
​
If you would like to join our mailing list, please tick the 'Interested in' box on the union website!
Trip Signups
Our trips run roughly every two weeks alternating between day and weekend trips.
​
Both day trips and weekend trips need to be paid for upfront at signups. You must be a member of Breakaway to come on a trip. Signups for day trips are done online - you will receive a link to the online form via email in the week before the trip. Signups for weekend trips are usually done a week or two before the trip, and will be done via an online ballot - more specific signup details will be posted before the trip itself. If you have signed up but cannot come please tell us as soon as possible, since we cannot refund your payment unless we find somebody to take your place.
Socials
As well as hillwalking, we also hold several social events throughout the year including treasure hunts, pub hikes, meals out, and ceilidhs. Weekly socials tend to occur throughout the semester and are a good way to get to know other people in the club other than the our trips. The best way to keep up to date with our social events is via our facebook group.