Safety, comfort and walking etiquette advice for new walkers

Although the information below is intended primarily for new walkers trying out Ramblers led walks much of it will also apply to other walks. The topics have been split up into 3 groups to make the information more 'digestible' though some of them have a case for appearing in more than one group.  If you have any comments please forward them to the webmaster (see contacts page).

SAFETY

 

WARNING All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and walking/rambling is no exception. It is important, therefore, that every walk participant appreciates that they have an responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize the potential for an accident to arise.
LEADER’S DISCRETION Walks take place entirely at the leader's discretion.   Adverse weather conditions (snow , ice, flooding etc.) and other factors affecting the safety of walk participants could result in the walk leader canceling the walk, changing the advertised route, shortening the length of the walk or in some circumstances extending the walk to avoid a hazard.
LEAVING A WALK If you decide to leave a led walk it is very important to ensure the leader is informed.

 

COMFORT AND THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT ON A WALK

REFRESHMENTS Unless otherwise indicated in the walk description walkers should assume pubs/cafes etc. are not available on the walk and carry sufficient food and drink. Typically half day walks have a refreshment break during the walk. Day walks usually have a refreshment break in the morning, a longer lunch stop and sometimes another break in the afternoon. Leaders may also stop briefly for a quick drink after ascending hills and it is a good idea to take the opportunity for a drink.

In hot weather you may be surprised how much liquid you use and its easier to pour water away than find it. One of the best places to find water taps is at the back of churches. Some walkers freeze one bottle of water as a means of keeping their other drinks and food cool. 'Proper' water bottles (metal or plastic) can be damaged by freezing but recycled soft drink bottles can be ideal. Drink flavours tend to get concentrated when frozen drinks start to defrost.
FOOTWEAR & SOCKS A typical outdoor gear shop has a variety of footwear on offer. Fashion is not the only reason for this. As well as the obvious factor of people's feet differing in size/shape there are other factors which are not so obvious. For some people keeping their feet dry is essential not only to prevent discomfort when the weather is cold but because walking with wet feet causes blisters and other problems. For other people having wet feet is not a discomfort even in typical Dorset winter conditions and for some having wet feet can reduce the possibility of getting blisters.  Some people need the support of a boot others are quite happy with an approach shoe or trainer. Unfortunately people are not like cars i.e. you can't open the bonnet, read a chassis number and go to the dealer to get the appropriate part.

Don't take a brand new pair of boots/shoes out of the box and expect they will be ok for any walk. Leather footwear typically needs some running especially heavier duty ones. Fabric footwear can also take some getting used to.

Some people find rubbing coco butter or moisturisor on their feet before walking can prevent problems.

 

ETIQUETTE

STARTING TIMES Unless otherwise indicated starting times are prompt and participants should be ready to move off.
DOGS are only permitted on walks if under full control of the owner at all times, should be on leads when passing farm buildings and live stock plus they must not be allowed to run amongst walkers legs.