If you are an inexperienced walker, before making a decision to come on a walk, please honestly consider whether you have the necessary fitness, taking into consideration the length of the walk, the total ascent involved and any additional information in the description. Some inexperienced walkers may prefer to start with a shorter or less demanding walk.

Although the majority of our day walks involve walking over gently rolling countryside, the level of gear or kit that you take out with you should be based on the weather turning foul. Keep an eye out for the forecast. Also there are a few important points to note:

BEFORE YOU GO: 

Clothing and equipment: Depending on difficulty and seasonality  - RED ITEMS ARE MOST IMPORTANT

Water, Packed Lunch Comfortable walking boots Walking or gym trousers - NOT JEANS A suitable rucksack or backpack Waterproof jacket & over trousers Warm clothing - plenty of layers Gloves, Hat & Scarf Whistle & Torch Emergency Survival Bag

We walk in all weather and seasons. Some of the above are seasonal and depend on walk difficulty. Move further down the list as weather conditions worsen, or walk difficulty increases. The items in RED are fundamental requirements, however.

Boots are essentially for your own safety, as many of our walks visit rough, remote terrain, which might involve steep, slippery or rocky sections. Even for lower level walks, the terrain can sometimes be very muddy or boggy.

And why do we not like jeans? Well denim is heavier and more inflexible than other materials, and when it gets wet or sweaty, it won't dry out and clings to legs, making a walk slow-going and not enjoyable. We want you to enjoy the walk!

Common Sense is, of course, advised.

Bring a packed lunch: - although there may be pub stops, it is unlikely that there will be time to eat at pubs, as the pubs may be very busy, or there may be a large group walking.

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 aren't made aware of a situation, there is nothing we can do.

• DO listen carefully to the Walk Leader's introduction and any instructions.

• If you have any questions or queries, please DO speak up.

• DO NOT walk ahead of the Walk Leader.

• Many walks are 'day walks' intended to have a duration of over 4-5 hours. If you have a pressing engagement after the walk, check before starting the walk that the walk finishes in good time. DO NOT walk off to return to the car or train station without informing the Walk Leader in person, as this might trigger an unnecessary search.