Walkers of all abilities are welcome to join us on up to three walks, to see if it suits their interests, before becoming a full member of The Ramblers. If you are planning to join a walk please read through the guidance below.

Please ensure that you have appropriate footwear, clothing, waterproofs and equipment taking into account the weather, walk grade and potential walk conditions. Walks can be on uneven and/or muddy ground. Bring food and drink sufficient for the duration of the walk including an emergency high energy snack, walkers are responsible for taking their own First Aid Kit.

Walk Leaders can refuse participation if a person is not adequately clothed, equipped or unfit on health grounds, as this could put the rest of the group at risk. If in doubt about likely walk conditions, terrain and pace consult the Walk Leader.  

Walk Grading

The level of difficulty of the walks is based on the code used by The Ramblers.

• Easy Walks for anyone who does not have mobility difficulty or specific health problems or is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can usually be worn.
• Leisurely Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. 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 a higher fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. Paths may be unclear on the ground, so map and compass skills are essential.

Read the details for the walk on the programme and select one that you feel that you'll enjoy and feel you can manage - don't overstretch yourself. Get in touch with the walk leader if you are not sure.

In Case of Emergency (I.C.E)

It is important that we know who to contact In Case of an Emergency. Details together with any important medical information can be recorded on an I.C.E. Card, which should be stored in your rucksack, or on your smartphone.

Smoking / Vaping

If one of your pleasures is to smoke or vape on a walk, please consider the comfort of your fellow walkers. Some people find smoking and vaping unpleasant, please do this at a distance from the group so others are not affected.

Dogs 

Dogs are allowed on walks at the discretion of the Walk Leader, these walks can be identified by checking that the walk is "Dog Friendly" within the Accessibility section of the walk details.

Please note that it is Group policy that dogs must remain on a lead, except in an emergency situation, and be capable of negotiating stiles. Walkers who do bring dogs on walks are solely responsible for any problems arising from their pets' presence on the walk. When reaching a field of livestock the Walk Leader may ask that they be taken across the field after the rest of the group, or any other action the leader deems necessary to minimise the risk to the rest of the group. Dog owners should be fully aware of and follow the requirements of the Countryside Code, and should let the dog off the lead if they feel threatened by livestock or horses. 

Please note that this web site contains two views of the walks programme:

1. On the home page are the next 12 walks.
2. Within the Walks/Walks Programme menu option are all the future walks with various options on how they are viewed.