What you need to know

• Please wear suitable footwear and clothing and have a waterproof, as the weather is often unpredictable. Unfortunately, an inadequately equipped person could affect the safety and enjoyment of the whole group, so we reserve the right not to take a person who is not properly equipped.
• Dogs are allowed on some of the walks. To avoid inconvenience to other walkers or disturbance to farm animals or wildlife, please keep your dog on a lead and under control throughout the walk. There are some walks on which dogs are not permitted due to travelling through fields of cattle - see symbols against each walk.
• Most walk leaders are volunteers.
• Remember to bring along any medication you may need during the walk.
• All walks are circular unless stated otherwise.
• In poor weather the walk may be modified by the leader, or in extreme conditions it may be cancelled.
• In each walk description you will see symbols that will help you plan your day. A symbol description is provided on each walk page.
• On some walks a packed lunch is required, look for the symbol on each walk detail. It is always advisable to carry a drink. There may be a stop for lunch.
• Young walkers 16 and below must be accompanied by an adult.
• All those taking part do so at their own risk.
• Cars should be parked sensibly and locked with no valuables on show.
• Look for the pushchair or wheelchair symbols on the walk details. Whilst many walks are not suitable for wheelchair or pushchair users, there are a number of suitable walks.
• Walks will start promptly.
• Times for the duration of the walk are an estimate and can vary according to conditions, interest shown, and the number of walkers on the day.

Why walk?

Walking is a wonderful way to make new friends, learn more about the area and get fitter.

• For health - walking strengthens your heart, bones and muscles and helps to control your weight
• For wealth - walking is free and will enrich your life in many ways
• For happiness - walking improves your mood and improves mental well-being
• For comfort - go for a walk in your local park or wood and discover how nature can reduce stress and calm your mind
• For joy - walk with friends or join a walking group and discover just how much fun walking can be!

Walk grading

Walks are graded for difficulty as follows:

• Easy access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections, please enquire.
• Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
• Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
• Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance.

Details on how each walk is graded is listed in each walk description. Grades 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. You should also 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.

Booking

All walks are free of charge. However, there may be a parking charge (see symbols on individual walks). Booking is advised on most of our walks, with booking essential on others - details on how to book will be listed in each walk description.