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 in especially heavier duty ones. Fabric footwear can also take some getting used to.

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

STARTING TIMES

Unless otherwise indicated starting times are prompt and participants should be ready to move off.

DOGS

Dogs are only permitted on walks if the walk leader is content for dogs to take part, 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.

Please note that it is not just the behaviour of dogs on walks that determine if they are permitted. The likelyhood of encountering farm animals that respond badly to dogs and routes through areas such as nature reserves where dogs are not permitted are some of the other key factors.