Walking Advice

Although we have three grades of walks to suite various fitness levels and ages care should be taken on what grade of walk you choose to do.

If your a new member or are not sure of your fitness levels, read the walk handout on the day.
This will give details about the difficulty of the walk, also talk to the walk leader, they can advise you on which walk to do.

Don't do a walk which is beyond your ability, even if you think you can do it. Choose the easier grade and if you found that too easy
you can always go on the more difficult grade next time.

Walk Grades

This is given as a general guide.
Actual walk difficulty will depend on the location and terrain.

Always read the walk handout on the day.

• A - Walk.    This walk is usually between 9 and 12 miles and is normally fast paced. It can, depending on the terrain, include ascents of up to 2000ft.
   
• B - Walk.    This walk is usually between 6 and 8 miles and can, depending on the terrain, include ascents of up to 1000ft.
   
• C - Walk.    This walk is usually between 4 and 5 and a generally flat walks with no real ascents.

Equipment

We walk in all  weather and seasons, and hence you will require some basic items of clothing and equipment.

As a guide here is a suggested list of items.       

• Water, Packed Lunch.
• Comfortable walking boots.
• Walking trousers - NOT JEANS.
• A suitable rucksack or backpack.
• Waterproof jacket and over trousers.
• Warm clothing - plenty of layers.
• Gloves Hat, Scarf.
• Walking Pole.
   

Common Sense is, of course, advised.

On Walks

• DO Follow the Countryside Code
   
• PLEASE DO inform the Walks Leader IMMEDIATELY and in person of ANY problems on the walk.
  Please help us to help you - if we are not made aware of a situation, there is nothing we can do.
   
• DO read the walk hand out given on the coach, and listen carefully to the Walk Leader's instructions.
   
• If you have any questions or queries, please DO speak up.
   
• DO NOT walk ahead of the Walk Leader or lag behind the walk backer.
   
• The walks are 'day walks' intended to have a duration of over 4-5 hours (max A and B grade, C grade shorter)
   
• DO NOT abandon a walk to return to the car or coach without informing the Walk Leader in person, as this might trigger an unnecessary search.
   
• When walking on country lanes beware of oncoming traffic, walk in single file.

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