Advice

Walks Advice

Walks Advice

Walks Grading

Full day walks have a “grade”, “distance” and additional information about the conditions of the walk at the discretion of the walk leader. Detailed descriptions of the grade are below:

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 contact the group running the walk for details.

Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.

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 should contact the organiser or leader in advance.

Technical - walks for experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills. May require scrambling and use of ice axes or crampons. You must contact the organiser or leader in advance for further details.

Important additional advice

• Walk gradings 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.
• 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.

Going on a walk

Please let the leader know if you are coming and give yourself plenty of time for your journey. For guidance on walks grading, equipment and Dos and Don'ts see our Walks Advice page.

Leading a walk

If you want to lead a walk in the next programme, contact a committee member - see the contacts page for details.

Planning a walk

This app provided by North and Mid Cheshire area is a great walk planning tool - a route can be mapped out and the distance/elevation estimated. It's also possible to work with a GPX file - either save as, or import from. See the help option for more details. 

Footpath issues

Can be reported direct to the Ramblers via the Pathwatch webpage or app.

Photos

A selection of photos from recent events can usually be found on our group Facebook page. If you have any that you'd like to submit, then please email them to our Social media secretary.

Feedback

Please use this form to provide feedback on the group, a particular walk or the walks programme in general.

Old walks programmes

Click here to download old walks programmes

Dos and Don'ts

Dos and Don'ts

• Ensure you are fit enough to do the walk;
• Always consider the level of the walk before you attempt it. If you have never walked long distances before we advise that you start with a series of easy walks before attempting moderate walks;
• Always inform the walk leader that you will be attending (we have occassionally cancelled or changed walks in the past);
• Pay attention to/please read any email sent out before the walk and check this website to make sure the walk information has not changed;
• Don't be late;
• Ensure you bring all the appropriate clothing and footwear i.e. waterproofs, boots etc (see below); Remember the leader has the final say on whether you can come!
• Ensure you have enough fluids/drink;
• Keep emergency contact details in an accessible place inside your rucksack e.g. with your keys or in a first aid kit;
• If you'd like to bring your dog; you have to contact the leader before each occasion to check if that would be possible as circumstances change from week to week;
• Footpath issues can be reported direct to the Ramblers via the Pathwatch webpage or app;
• Be nice to your leader! They are trying to make your day enjoyable!

Equipment and Advice

Equipment and Advice

You should consider bringing the following items of clothing and equipment on the walks:

• Comfortable walking boots (not trainers);
• Waterproof jacket & overtrousers;
• Warm clothing - plenty of layers;
• Walking trousers (not jeans);
• Gloves, hat, scarf;
• Packed lunch (Inc high energy food);
• Water (hot drinks recommended in Winter);
• Basic first aid kit including blister packs;
• Torch in winter (just in case we get caught out in the dark);