Is walking all that you do?
No. Besides a Social Programme the Group contributes to the more general
charitable aims of the Association. These extend to safeguarding access to, and
preserving the beauty of, the countryside alongside the preservation of the
footpath network. The Association also encourages walking as a health promoting
activity in a more general context. People willing to contribute time to these ends
are always welcome.

Do I have to join The Ramblers Association before I can
come on a walk?
No, you do not. We would like you to see if you like our company for two or three
times (say). If after that you find that you would like to continue, then we would hope,
even expect, you to join the Association.  There is no charge for the walks.

Do I have to tell anybody in advance that I would like
to come?
No, just turn up at the location given in the Walks Programme.  It would be
helpful if you introduced yourself to the leader, so that you might be
appropriately welcomed.

What are the SK numbers listed with each walk,
in the Walks' Programme?
These are numbers relating to the Ordnance Survey (OS) National Grid reference
system. They serve to pinpoint, in our case the walk starting point, within a 100metre
square. The system is quite simple and is explained in the Explorer (1/25000) and
Landranger (1/50000) series of OS maps. SK covers an area 100kM square and
most of our walks are within it. We might occasionally start in an adjoining area -
SJ, say, which is to the west of SK, in which case, of course, the reference
becomes SJ xxxxxx.

How do I get to the start of the walk?
We are a bit car orientated, we fear.  We have never been very successful with
formal car sharing or giving blind lifts, albeit that informal car sharing between
people who have developed friendships in the group, is common.

Can I bring my dog?
Normally yes, but it must be kept on a lead and be under control at all times.
Any reasonable request of the leader must be complied with. The responsibility
for the dog is wholly with the owner.  Dogs cannot be brought  on coach trips.

How fit do I have to be?
We are not  'hell for leather' walkers but hills, stiles, mud and weather all make
a claim on your fitness. If you are unsure it would be best to have a go at a
shorter walk or two, to start with. We have started to grade our walks in the
'Walks Programme' in order to give some idea as to their likely challenge, but
this can only be a rough guide.

What should I bring on a ramble?
Save on a short walk on an obviously fine day, you really should have some
appropriate weatherproof clothing, a spare pullover or so and ideally, waterproof
boots. Although we often call in at a pub, it is not normally for a lunch (save on
the walks when it is billed as such) and you should therefore bring a packed lunch,
with a warm drink or ample cool drinks on the hotter days. A small first aid kit,
a small mat to sit on and even a whistle can all play their part.

If I come on my own, will I be welcome?
Yes, absolutely