Walk Types and what to expect
In summer
Additionally, usually between May and August the club organises a Monday evening walk of 5 miles starting at 7.00pm
Please note that distances can be +/- 10%
Walk grades
Guidance
Members
Administration Protocol
On becoming a member of the club, individuals need to ensure that their contact email address and telephone (mobile and / or landline) details are kept up to date by contacting the Club Secretary with any changes during their membership period. This is to ensure that they receive routine newsletters, notice of the AGM as well other relevant club correspondence.
Members wishing to renew their annual subscription must do so on or immediately after the 1st of February each year, preferably by bank transfer (Club account details can be requested from the Treasurer or Club Secretary by email). If membership of the club is granted after 1st November then the member will have been deemed to have paid in February of the following year.
Members must undertake to use the club’s website for all their club information including making themselves familiar with the Club’s Constitution, where they will find the expectations and duties of the officers of the club. For non-internet users please make a special representation to the Chair to receive posted documentation, for which you will need to provide stamped addressed envelopes.
Choosing a Suitable Level of Walk & Walk preparation
Members should choose a walk designation and grade suited to their abilities. Whilst members are able to choose with which group(s) they walk, it would be wrong to walk regularly above one’s level of ability. Members must be confident before setting out on their designated walk that they can do so at the required pace for the distance specified. Further information is usually available from the Walk Leader to assist this decision. Members will need to book themselves on their chosen walk by contacting the Walk Leader by the telephone number recorded on the walk programme (the exception being the Wednesday 5 mile walk and Summer evening walks). Please give as much notice of your booking as possible.
In case of adverse weather conditions, members should check the club’s website ‘Walk Details’ section or check directly with the Walk Leader that the walk will take place. In many cases, a local walk may be substituted.
It is recommended especially for walks greater than 5 miles that Members need to have:
- An appropriately sized day/ruck-sack, or something similar to easily carry those things that they will be taking on the walk
- Wear suitable footwear,
- Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions,
- Carry food, including snacks suitable for consumption ‘on the move’,
- Have flask/fluids especially water,
- Good waterproofs if wet weather expected,
- A spare pair of socks.
- Sun protection / insect repellent
- Members may also benefit from walking poles which can be folded up and stowed when not needed.
Members need to identify their travel arrangements; where travelling alone ensure that you are familiar with the route and time taken to make the journey.
Walk Leaders must be contacted if you decide to cancel your booking. If you may be delayed, then please contact the walk leader as soon as it’s safe to do so, as there may be some capacity to delay the start until you arrive.
It is also advisable to have a note of your details (name, address and contact numbers in case of emergency) with you. It is useful to have your emergency contact details in your mobile phone if you have one, in your address book under ICE (In Case of Emergency); these numbers can usually be accessed without any phone password being used.
Walking etiquette
Members must arrive at least 15 minutes before the designated start time (usually 10.00am on day walks but can be 09:30am for longer walks) to prepare themselves to start the walk promptly at the start time. Individuals cannot expect a group to wait around beyond the stated start time.
Members must pay attention to any introduction that the Walk Leader gives prior to starting out, and be aware of who is the nominated back-marker if one is designated.
Members should always keep in visual contact with the group except where a comfort break is taken in which case the back-marker or a fellow walker needs to be informed of your enforced delay.
Where stronger walkers walk with a group whose normal pace is slower than that which they would prefer, they should follow the normal pace of the group, unless they have the Walk Leader’s permission to go on ahead. Where a member walks well ahead of the group and takes a wrong turn, then they will be deemed to have left the walk.
Members must not try to undermine the position of a Walk-Leader, for example, when a leader feels it is necessary to adjust a walk due to poor weather for the safety of the group or where it is advisable to instruct the group to walk in single file on a particular side of a road. The safety of the group is paramount and the safe completion of the walk is the prime responsibility of the Walk Leader. On walks of 8 miles and over there will be a 30 minute lunch break, with a short drinks stop in the morning and afternoon.
We all know that good conversation is a by-product of group activities, please be respectful of other opinions that you do not necessarily hold yourself and refrain from abusive, offensive and disrespectful language. The club’s constitution now includes a procedure to bring any examples of this behaviour to the notice of the club’s committee.
Please remember to thank the Walk Leader after the walk, as your appreciation of their efforts will be greatly received. If you would like to volunteer to lead, please contact the relevant Walk Coordinator.
Walk Leaders
Preparation
The Walk-Leader is the key person on all walks. They are experienced walkers responsible for the enjoyment and well-being of all club members on a particular walk.
Prior to day of the walk they will have in most cases walked the route and probably walked it recently to ensure the planned route is available for the forecast weather conditions. They will have indicated on the Club’s Website the start location of the walk to enable members to identify the starting points, by a combination of post code, grid reference, ‘what three words’ and google maps.
Walk Leaders will also post a description of the terrain and such details commensurate with the Walk Grade. There will also be the walk designation and planned walk distance which in practice could be +/- 10% of that stated.
On the walk itself
At the walk itself the Walk Leader will introduce themselves and perhaps make a short introduction to the walk with regard to any local conditions and weather related issues. They may also remind members of club rules and conventions which should be observed.
Normally a Walk Leader will appoint a back-marker to facilitate keeping track and raising an alarm if members are struggling and also to keep track of members taking comfort breaks.
Walk-Leaders will identify appropriate locations for lunch and drinks stops and the time to be allocated. As a general rule there should be an opportunity to take a short break every 2 hours together with a 30 minute lunch break.
Walk Leaders will be carrying suitable mapping and navigation aids (electronic or otherwise) to successfully complete the walk, and have the means to make appropriate and justifiable amendments to the route due to local conditions and unforeseen changes e.g. livestock in fields.
WALK COORDINATORS
Walk Coordinators coordinate the completion of the walking programme. They organise Walk Leaders and have suggestions for walking routes if Walk Leaders do not have their own.