Preparation
Please consider your level of fitness when choosing the walk that you would like to attend. We grade the walks from Leisurely to Strenuous and for those new to hiking, it would be best to start with shorter, leisurely/moderate walks, on flat terrain, or with drop-out points.
Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing. Walking in the rain without waterproofs is not fun and could end your day early. Footwear should be walking boots or trainers and the walk leader may turn you away if you are not appropriately dressed.
Bring a packed lunch and a drink as we do not generally have time to order meals during the walk.
Bring a torch in winter. We do plan to end walks in daylight, but delays can happen, and there is always that section back to the car from the pub.
When Walking
Walk leaders will make regular stops to allow everyone to catch up. We will ensure that we allow the last walker time to have a rest as well before you commence walking.
Walk leaders will also stop when they turn off a main path unless all walkers are in clear sight. Equally, the rest of the walk can assume to go “straight on” if the leader isn’t waiting.
Please try to keep the person in front of you (and behind you) in sight to stop you (or them) becoming lost. If you are struggling to keep up, then speak to the walk leader who can advise on possible escape routes or arrange support.
If you want to leave the walk, then please let the leader know so that they are not waiting for you in some random field! Leaders will do a headcount and need to know not to include you in the count.
If you end up in front of the walk leader, it is your responsibility to look behind. Please stop at path junctions or you may find that you are now on your own walk.
Remember, many country lanes are proper roads, so don’t stop in the middle of them! If there is no pavement on a road, it is usually safest to walk on the right (against traffic), however, on blind bends it may be safer to come to the outside.
Please close gates behind you, and avoid contact with livestock.
Afterwards
Buy the walk leader a drink if you see them with an empty glass. Most walk leaders have spent time and money doing a walk recce and a drink makes them feel more appreciated.
When someone has had three walks with the group and wishes to continue, then they are expected to join the Ramblers’ Association. The Ramblers are a charity and successfully campaign on walkers’ behalf.