What should I take?

Do I have to go on all walks?

Is walking good for you?

How much time would I need?

What should my first aid kit have in it?

What about going to the toilet?

Can I just show on the day for a walk?

Are there any rules I should be aware of?

Can I bring my dog?

What should I take?
The following is a suggested list of items, some of them seasonal. Please bear in mind though that conditions, on high ground in particular, can deteriorate quickly with little or no warning at any time of year.

Comfortable, waterproof boots or stout shoes.
Waterproof clothing (e.g. cagoule, overtrousers)
Small rucksack
Packed lunch (plus flask and drink)
Spare clothing, hat, gloves and socks
Change of footwear (essential for car ramblers)
Lightweight waterproof mat (to sit on)
Torch, map and small first aid kit
On sunny days, sunglasses and sun cream

Do I have to go on all walks?
No! We understand it is impossible to go on all walks with work & family commitments. Just try and make as many as you can.

Is walking good for you?
Walking will keep you healthy-even half an hour of brisk walking every day can help prevent heart disease, keep weight down and improve your mental well-being. Click HERE for details. Walking is also the most sustainable means of transport.

How much time would I need?
Most people can walk 3km/2 miles in an hour, but allow plenty of extra time to take rests along the route, and to enjoy your surroundings. Experienced walkers generally walk a little faster. Climbing hills also slows you down-the usual rule of thumb is to add half an hour for every 300m climbed. You’ll find you walk faster on smooth surfaces such as metalled paths and good tracks, while more difficult surfaces such as mud, sand and uneven ground will slow you down.

What should my First Aid kit have in it?
Whether you are walking in a group or alone it's a good idea to take along a First Aid Kit. Getting into the habit now will stand you in good stead for the future. Some things that should be included are-
10 plasters in various sizes
2 large sterile dressings for management of severe bleeding
1 medium sterile dressing for care of larger wounds
4 triangular bandages to support suspected broken bones, dislocations or sprains
1 eye pad in case of a cut to the eye
4 safety pins to secure dressings
1 pair of disposable gloves to implement good hygiene

What about going to the toilet?
Walkers should use proper toilets whenever possible. Otherwise, faeces, toilet paper and tampons should either be buried 15-20cm (6-8ins) deep and at least 100m from any watercourse or, if it is not possible to dig a hole of this depth, carried away in plastic bags-in hilly or coastal areas, where the soil layer is thin, this will often be the case.

Can I just show on the day for a walk?
Yes, all you need to do is turn up at the train station car park and introduce yourself to the walk leader or another member who would be happy to introduce you.

Are there any rules I should be aware of?
There are no 'rules' as such, but please follow these common sense guidelines to make the leader's job easier-
Please don't walk ahead of the leader
Walk in single file over cultivated land (crops)
Tell the leader if for any reason you decide to leave the party
Observe the new countryside code

Can I bring my dog?
Regrettably, from experience, we do not allow dogs on the group's walks in the interest of safety.