Do I need to tell the leader in advance that I wish to go on a walk?
No, prior warning is not required if you wish to join a walk, you can turn up as and when you wish. The club programme will identify the occasional walks where it is essential to pre-book, these are usually our coach rambles.
Where do you meet to start the walks?
The club uses several meeting places for club walks depending upon the time and the day. These are identified on the programme. If you are not familiar with them please take a look at our maps of their locations which are accessable from our walks menu. Some people ask the leader for details of the start of the walk and opt to go directly there. This is not recommended, as arrangements may have to be altered at the last minute. Anyone going straight to the start of the walk does so on the understanding that they may not be able to be notified of any late changes.
How do I get from the meeting place to the start of the walk?
We encourage everyone to make their cars available for use if needed. However, to make it less embarrassing for everyone involved you will see a travel cost on the programme. This is the recommended amount a passenger should offer the driver for their lift, if they prefer not to drive or do not have their own transport. We do encourage people to travel together to minimise the number of cars parking at the destination.
What do I need to take on the walk?
Good strong shoes. Trainers may be OK during the dry summer months, but walking boots are definitely preferable for support, protection and grip, especially so during the winter. Please remember to bring a change of shoes for the return journey. A waterproof coat. It does rain sometimes! Warm Clothing. Several thin layers are more effective. Always remember to carry an extra jumper or something for when you stop, even in the height of summer you can feel the cooler air.
Food and Drink. Only you know how much food you need, but always ensure you are carrying ample liquid. Most people carry either coffee or tea during the winter, often changing to cold liquids in the summer. This is when it is particularly important, as it is very easy to become dehydrated and very ill. Dehydration does happen so please take heed.
A small personal first aid kit together with any medication you may require. You cannot rely on someone else having the necessary supplies.
A small rucksack should hold all your needs for a full day walk.
Looks like nikwax
on the sandwiches and tuna spread on the boots!
© 2009 String
Are you a Ramblers' Association Group?
No, we are a completely independent club, but we do have affiliated membership of The Ramblers' Association
Does the club have any rules I need to know about?
We have listed below some of our rules, the list is not exhaustive, please feel free to ask if you have further questions.
- Children are allowed on club walks, but only if accompanied by an adult who will accept full responsibility for them.
- Dogs are not allowed on walks, due to problems with livestock.
- Radios are not allowed on any club activity.
- A petrol charge is made to all passengers to cover transport costs, this is detailed on the programme.
- Anyone found to be more than 4 metres ahead of the leader will not be considered the responsibility of the club. It is considered a dangerous practice to be ahead of the leader and will not be tolerated. If nothing else, the leader puts a lot of time into researching a walk for your enjoyment and you will miss the information they are willing to pass on, apart from the possibility of getting lost.
Whilst walking please remember:
- Always observe the country code.
- Take all litter home with you, especially orange peel and banana skins.
- Climb all gates at the hinged end to avoid straining the frame.
- Take extreme care when walking along roads and remember to assist your fellow walkers by alerting them of approaching traffic.
- During a walk ensure, at all times, that the people following you are aware of the route the group have taken as it changes direction or disappears through a hedge.
- The leader sets a pace for a reason, taking into consideration the fitness of the group, new members, weather conditions, terrain and distance. Walk as a group and do not try to increase the pace.
- When walking through a ploughed field or a cropped field (including mowing grass), you should walk in single file behind the leader, nothing else.
- Before you start the walk make sure all valuables are out of sight in your car and it has been locked.
Where can I find out more about the club?
This web site contains a lot of information about the club. Membership details can be requested by e-mail. Please see our membership information page.
We do hope that you have not been put off by these rules we have put into place. We are a very responsible club and blatantly advertise our existence by the use of T- shirts, badges and posters, so we do need to create the right image, apart from maintaining your enjoyment and safe return on a walk.