Walk grades

Walks in the programme are graded to give an easy overview of their distance and difficulty. The grades are as follows:

Letters (to indicate walk length)

1. Short (up to 8 miles)
2. Medium (9 - 12 miles)
3. Long (13+ miles)

Numbers (to indicate terrain)

1. Easy terrain with a couple of mild climbs
2. Moderate terrain with some tricky parts and steady climbs
3. Hard terrain, possibly with exposure and scrambling, with steep and long ascents

So for example a C2 walk is one which is a long distance, but moderate terrain.

For new members joining the group, we recommend trying a short/easy walk (from A1 to B2) so you can get an idea of how the walks turn out in practice, both in terms of the length and terrain, and also the speed at which the group usually walks. Be aware that if you choose to come on a harder walk, the walk leader will assume you have the appropriate level of fitness to cope.

Many of the walks use public transport or involve car shares so that everyone can take part. At the end of the walk, we will often go to a café or pub for a drink and a chat and you're very welcome to join us if you like.

Booking on walks

You need to book on all walks by 6pm the day before. This is so the walk leader has an idea how many people to expect and can try to arrange transport if necessary. To book on a walk, text the leader on the number listed beside the walk. You should include:

1. Your name
2. Where you will be meeting, e.g. at the meeting point or at the walk start
3. If you need a lift, or if you can offer one (including how many spaces you have)

Leaders are not expected to reply to confirm or to answer any questions so please don't ask any questions by text. Not everyone has free text messages, and it can get expensive and time consuming responding to everyone who texts if a walk is popular.  If you have any questions, please have a look on the website first to see if you can find the answers you're looking for.  If not, phone the walk leader and ask them. Please avoid calling walk leaders during weekday working hours or late at night.

New member socials

We run New Members Socials on the first Tuesday of every month from 7pm.  For the sake of variety, we go to a different pub each month - see the Socials page for details of the next one. There is no need to book, you can just drop in. 

At these socials, you can get a welcome pack with all the information you'll need to join the club. You can come on 3 walks or socials to see whether you enjoy yourself before joining. Natalie (our Publicity Officer) and Social Secretaries Bryn and Rob are often there, too. The next new member social is on Tuesday 7th May at 01:00.