Anyone can join a walk
In addition to our group members, we welcome all Ramblers members, and members of the public looking to find out whether Ramblers membership fits their requirements, You don't have to become a member right away, but we do ask you to become a Ramblers member after two or three "taster" walks.
Most of our walks operate on a "just turn up" basis, however some may require pre-registration. Always check the walk llisting for full information. So take a look at the Walks Programme, pick a walk and come along and introduce yourself. Questions about a specific walk should be emailed to the Walk Leader via the website or if you have general questions about the group you can't find answered on our website please email
Note: Children under 18 years need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
Before the Walk
• Please make sure that you are fit enough to undertake the walk you intend to join. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.
• In the event of bad weather (e.g. Amber Warnings; not just a bit of rain!), Walk Leaders, at their discretion, may cancel the walk. Walkers are therefore advised to check the website in the event of bad weather on the day of the event or phone the leader, before setting out to ensure that the walk has not been cancelled.
• Walkers are advised to check the website for latest walk details as some changes may have been made since the walk programme was initially published.
• Be aware that the majority of our walks start from remote locations or places which may not be well served by public transport (especially on a Sunday!). While we encourage car sharing, neither the group nor the walk leader can arrange transport.
What to Bring With You on a Walk
Walking with us is fun and easy, but there are a few things you will need to bring with you for the event.
Packed lunch - most walks require you to bring along a good packed lunch as most day hikes over 5 miles will entail a lunch stop of about twenty minutes (or five minutes if it's raining hard!). If the walk has a pub or tea room stop then a full lunch shouldn't be needed, please check the individual walk details for more information.
Proper walking boots and socks - every year a few new people will turn up to longer walks in unsuitable footwear and suffer painful blisters, sore ankles or be forced to get the bus home as a result. Don't let it happen to you - appropriate footwear is a must. Outdoor stores are everywhere now and offer decent ankle boots at affordable prices, so it's easier than ever to get the proper kit on a budget for your first walk.
Rainproofs - on any walk the weather can turn for the worse, so even if the forecast is clear most members carry a packaway jacket or rainproofs. During the winter a rainproof jacket is a must, and many members also swear by waterproof trousers or quick drying outdoor fabrics. Gore-tex and eVent fabrics are perfect if you have the budget!
Mobile phone - a mobile is a good safety device to have with you, even if reception is patchy you can always walk to high ground and try to get a signal if you get lost or separated from the group, unlikely as this is. Also if you are late for a walk you can contact the Walk Leader and ask them to wait for five or ten minutes, please be aware however that if you are very late the Walk Leader will have no choice but to start the walk.
A print out of the event details - our event start details are optimised for car Satnavs, so you can enter the walk start address, postcodes and even latitude and longitude coordinates to help you find the walk. The print out will also give you the Walk Leader name and mobile should you run into trouble on the journey there.
Walk Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit. If in doubt, contact the Walk Leader in advance to discuss suitable clothing, footwear and equipment required for the walk.
“In Case of Emergency" (ICE) Card These are available to download and print below or on the Ramblers web site and contain contact details and brief medical information for use in the event of an emergency. Walkers are advised to carry a card and a small personal first aid kit. Your ICE Card should be kept in the top pocket of your backpack or some other easily accessible location. Walk leaders may have a small number of pre-printed cards.
In Case Of Emergency Card
Walk Etiquette
• For your own and others' safety please read and abide by any advice and guidelines issued by the organisers, and the instructions of the Walk Leader. Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and it is your responsibility to behave sensibly and to minimise the potential for accidents.
• It is each walker’s responsibility to be at the start ready to depart at the stated time.
• Registered Assistance Dogs are always permitted on walks. Other dogs are welcome unless this is specifically mentioned in the walk description due to safety, terrain or lifestock etc. Dogs must be under control at all times and put on a short lead at the request of the Walk Leader and when approaching livestock.
• Walkers must ensure that they pay attention to road traffic when crossing and walking along roads and keep in single file. It is helpful to report other road and path users as they approach from behind or in front. Be aware that horses have priority when walking on bridleways.
• For the safety of walkers, it is requested that the Walk Leader is discreetly informed of any disability or potential health issue prior to the walk commencing. Any vulnerable or disabled adult must be accompanied by a suitably qualified or experienced carer
• Consideration must be shown by all walkers to the pace set by the Walk Leader. Due courtesy to the Walk Leader should be exercised by any walker who attempts to pre-empt the walk direction and walks at the head of the walk party, particularly in front of the Walk Leader.
• All those joining a walk do so entirely at their own risk.