Walks Advice
Walks Grading
Full day walks have a “grade”, “distance” and additional information about the conditions of the walk at the discretion of the walk leader. Detailed descriptions of the grade are below:
Important additional advice
- Walk gradings are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance.
- Bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned.
- 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.
- Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.
Dos and Don'ts
- Ensure you are fit enough to do the walk;
- Always consider the level of the walk before you attempt it. If you have never walked long distances before we advise that you start with a series of easy walks before attempting moderate walks;
- Always inform the walk leader that you will be attending (we have occassionally cancelled or changed walks in the past);
- Pay attention to/please read any email sent out before the walk and check this website to make sure the walk information has not changed;
- Don't be late;
- Ensure you bring all the appropriate clothing and footwear i.e. waterproofs, boots etc (see below); Remember the leader has the final say on whether you can come!
- Ensure you have enough fluids/drink;
- Keep emergency contact details in an accessible place inside your rucksack e.g. with your keys or in a first aid kit;
- If you'd like to bring your dog; you have to contact the leader before each occasion to check if that would be possible as circumstances change from week to week;
- Footpath issues can be reported direct to the Ramblers via the Pathwatch webpage or app;
- Be nice to your leader! They are trying to make your day enjoyable!
Equipment and Advice
The Ramblers have produced some useful guidance on safety, health benefits, navigation and equipment, .
You should consider bringing the following items of clothing and equipment on the walks:
- Comfortable walking boots (not trainers);
- Waterproof jacket & overtrousers;
- Warm clothing - plenty of layers;
- Walking trousers (not jeans);
- Gloves, hat, scarf;
- Packed lunch (Inc high energy food);
- Water (hot drinks recommended in Winter);
- Basic first aid kit including blister packs;
- Torch in winter (just in case we get caught out in the dark);