Our aim as Ramblers is that everyone should walk with our group safely and with enjoyment. We have some informal guidance here to help us all do so.
Why not lead a walk for us? Help is always available
Some explanations about our programme
- A change to the details of a walk or its cancellation may be required, sometimes at short notice, to take account of the personal circumstances of the walk leader(s), a severe weather warning, an updated assessment of the walk and/or restrictions imposed by the Government or The Ramblers. Before setting off, please check the details and status of the walk on our website here.
- The difficulty of a walk will depend on the mileage, the number of stiles, the inclusion of steep slopes and the pace of the walk as set out in the programme, plus the condition of the path and the weather. An explanation of terms used is set out below to help you select a suitable walk.
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Explanation of the terms used in the programme
- Circular / Linear
- Circular - the walk starts and ends at the same place
- Linear - the walk doesn’t start and end up the same place which may require the use of public transport between the two
- Ramblers grade - Easy / Leisurely / Moderate / Strenuous - an overall grade for the walk based upon national standards
- Easy - Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
- Leisurely - Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
- Moderate - Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
- Strenuous - Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the walk leader in advance.
- Mileage
- Number of stiles
- Number of steep slopes
- Pace - our average walking speed as a group is 2.2 mph. Our pace categories are
- Circular / Linear
Below 2mph
2 - 2.5 mph (our average)
Over 2.5 mph
- Please be equipped for the walk by bringing suitable footwear, clothing and other items for the conditions and the likely weather. The walk leader may refuse to take on the walk anyone who in their opinion is inadequately clothed and equipped - this is for the safety of all walkers.
- Hazards are inherently associated with sporting and leisure activities and accidents will occasionally occur. As the safety of the walking group is of paramount concern, each walker has a responsibility to identify the hazards encountered on the walk and to take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.
- Bus and rail services can be checked through Traveline, www.traveline.info / 0871 2002233.
- If car sharing to get to/from a walk, it is suggested that passengers agree in advance with the driver a voluntary contribution towards the cost.
- Registered assistance dogs are always welcome. The programme will indicate if other dogs should not be brought along. Please keep dogs under control at all times; they must be on a lead across farmland especially where there is livestock, wherever there is difficult ground under foot and whenever a member of the walking group requests this.
- Whenever a pub or cafe is used for refreshments, please do not consume food or drink not bought on the premises without the express permission of the manager. Where an optional drink and/or meal is shown in the programme, this cannot be guaranteed.
- Please contact the walk leader if you have any specific queries about the walk.