Guidance for Walkers on Ramblers Northampton Group Walks
Footwear
Generally we recommend waterproof walking boots. Leather boots tend to be more rugged and waterproof but boots with fabric uppers are often more comfortable and are suitable for most Ramblers walks. Good quality trainers will probably be ok for a shorter walk on a dry summer day, particularly if the walk is on surfaced paths, but they don't give as much ankle support as boots if the terrain is uneven.
Some people wear wellington boots when the ground is wet but they may be less comfortable on longer walks.
Please contact the walk leader if you would like to find out more about the terrain on a particular walk and discuss the suitability of your footwear. Their contact details are on the programme page of the website.
When you get your membership card you will be able to use your Ramblers discount to buy any equipment that you need.
Clothing
You should always bring a waterproof coat with you on a walk and make sure you have enough layers to keep you warm.
Choose loose fitting comfortable trousers or sports leggings. Jeans are not ideal for walking, they are uncomfortable when wet and take a long time to dry out. Waterproof overtrousers are a good investment for regular walkers.
A sun hat is a must for a summer walk, and don't forget the sunscreen!
Food and drink
Please bring a packed lunch with you on all day walks unless the the walk details suggest an alternative. Some of the day walks will have a lunchtime pub stop but there is usually not enough time to order food. Some pubs will allow ramblers to eat their own food in the pub if buying a drink but they don't expect to see people pouring their own drinks from a flask.
Bring plenty of water or a soft drink with you for the walk, particularly in the warmer summer months. Many walkers also bring a flask with a hot drink. There will usually be at least one short drink/snack break as well as a lunch stop if the walk lasts all day.
Some walks start and finish at a pub or restaurant where walkers can have a meal together (optional) at the end of the walk. The walk details on the programme page will state if this is the case.
How difficult will the walk be?
The national walk grade (easy, leisurely, moderate or strenuous) on the programme will give you an idea of the difficulty. Bear in mind that the longer distance walks also tend to be faster. If you are inexperienced then choose a shorter slower walk to begin with.
Start time
The start time stated on the programme is when the group will start walking. Please aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before to allow time to put on your boots etc.
Safety
Walkers are responsible for their own safety at all times and are requested to act sensibly and abide by any advice, guidance or instructions given by the walk leader. Walkers should not normally walk ahead of the leader and should follow the route taken by the leader. If an incident occurs, for insurance reasons, no liability should be admitted. Whilst walking with Ramblers you have liability insurance cover subject to certain conditions. Read the Guide to Ramblers Insurance for more information.
All walkers must carry emergency contact details. They should be kept somewhere easily accessible, preferably in the top pocket of your rucksack. Click here to download the ramblers ICE card which is a useful template for the required information.
Cancellation
The walk leader will make every effort to ensure that the walk takes place as stated on the programme but there can be no guarantee that this will be the case. It is worthwhile checking the programme page of the website on the morning of the walk, particularly if bad weather is forecast.
Dogs on walks
If the walk programme states 'assistance dogs only' then no other dogs are allowed on the walk. If you can only participate in the walk accompanied by an assistance dog then please contact the walk leader in advance to discuss your requirements.
If the programme states that the walk may be suitable for dogs, or if dogs are not mentioned, then please contact the walk leader in advance to discuss whether there are any safety or other issues relating to dogs on the walk. It is for the leader to decide whether a dog should be permitted on the walk.
Some points to bear in mind:
- Dogs must be kept under close control.
- Dogs (and their owners) must be able to negotiate stiles and other obstacles without help from others. Even if the walk is advertised as dog friendly it doesn't mean that every stile will have a dog gate.
- Owners are expected to bag their dog's poo and either place it in a public bin or take it home. This is particularly important on agricultural land because dog poo may carry a parasite called Neospora which can cause abortion in pregnant cattle and sheep.
Dog owners are expected to comply with the Dog Walking Code.
Disabilities and health problems
Please contact the walk leader in advance if you have a disability, health problem or special requirement of which they should be aware.