Worcester Ramblers

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Question page

Membership	Walking	Social Events
Website	Working Party	Leading walks
	Benefits	Countryside Code

Membership
	Q. Do I need to be a member of the Ramblers Association ? Yes, but not immediately. Most people come on two or three walks before joining the group officially so there is no problem your coming on a walk to try the group out and we'd be happy to see you there. If you decide you wish to continue walking with the group after this you must join.
	Q. How do I join The Ramblers and how much does it cost? You can join online. Don't forget to ask for the Worcester Ramblers WO6 as your home group. The cost of membership can be found on the Ramblers web site. New members can join using Tesco vouchers, check out the details.
	Q. Are there any age restrictions in this group? No, all ages are welcome so long as they are fit to undertake the walks at a reasonable pace. There is a 20-40 Ramblers group in Worcestershire specifically for 20-40 year olds.
	Q. How do I obtain the walks programme? For your convenince the website editor has provided a link to enable members and friends to print off a list of walks details. Leaders frequently offer short notice walks which will be added to this website.

Walking with Worcester Ramblers
	Q. Do I have to book walks in advance? No, you can turn up to the walks listed in the programme and on the website without booking. The walk organiser details are included in the walks description if you require further information.
	Q. How long are your walks? Walks can take place over full days, half days and evenings. The lengths are between 7 and 24 kms (4 and 15 miles). The average full day walk length is around 13-16 kms (8-10 miles).The walk details are included on the website. Check the description and length of the walk and consider whether it is within your capability. If you are new to walking we recommend trying some short walks first before considering building up to longer distances.
	Q. How early do I have to turn up for a walk? Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time to meet the group and change into your walking gear. Bring along your membership card as you will be asked to add your name, contact telephone number and membership number to the walks register.
	Q. Where will I park? The leader selects a suitable parking place, it may be a public car park and require payment and this is usually mentioned in the walk description. Occasionally the parking may be on a roadside or in a residential area where you will be required to park considerately. Frequently parking is by kind permission of a publican, in which case it is expected that all car park users will patronise the premises after the walk, if members intend not to use the pub than they are obliged to find their own parking nearby. Please do not cause embarrassment to the leader.
	Q. What refreshments do I have to bring to a walk? On day walks, bring a packed lunch if indicated on the programme. We occasionally stop at a pub, but this is not always possible and food may not be available. We usually have a break on shorter walks too, so bring a drink and snack if you wish. Please ensure you bring adequate drinks for the walk duration and weather conditions. Remember it's far better to carry too much water than not enough!
	Q. How do I know which walk would suit me? Leaders are encouraged to grade their walk using the guidelines set out by Ramblers to enable new walkers to have an idea of speed and terrain.
	Q. Can I bring my dog along? Only if the walk is mentioned as dog friendly, and their behaviour remains entirely your responsibility. Be aware that many walks involve stepping over stiles, crossing or walking along roads, and some go through areas where there are farm animals. Owners of assistance dogs should check walk suitability with the walk leader before joining a walk. Some dog friendly walks are available with other groups in the area, check Evesham and Wyre Forest groups programme.
	Q. What should I wear? Please make sure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions and the time of year. Generally we recommend walking boots (or perhaps strong shoes)and wear of carry waterproof clothing, but if in doubt take advice from the leader on the day. Further advice about clothing Walking Equipment Information (pdf).

Social Events
	Q. Does the group hold social events? Yes, please refer to the events page on website
	Q. Can I join in social events? All current group members can join social events, however where payment is required it should be in advance of the event and all cheques should be made out to Ramblers Worcester Group or payment may be requested by bank transfer, information for this can be obtained from the group treasurer. Should you book to attend to an event and drop out, you will be liable for costs.. Event bookings are non-transferable and the group has a no refund policy.
	Q. Can I assist with organising events? Members can assist with events, please approach a member of the committee and offer your help.
	Q. Can I join the group just to attend social events and holidays? The group is predominately a walking group, social events are for the benefits of members and in the event of over subscription priority will be given to group members that join walks.

Leading walks for Worcester Ramblers

	Q. How do I become a leader for Worcester Group? By volunteering, just chat to or email the Walks Coordinators via Contact Us page and they will be happy to help you. Invite a friend to assist and lead a walk together.
	Q. Can I get some help with map reading? Leaders are not required to be able to read a map, and can lead a walk from local knowledge or simply by following instructions from a described route taken from a book or maybe newspaper. Brian Mayo is willing to give potential leaders help with map reading if asked. Should you wish to attend an official course there are many outdoor centres that offer courses.
	Q. Where can I obtain ideas and routes for walks? Books about walking are available in libraries and book stores, leaflets can be found at Countryside Centres and Tourist Information Centres. They are also available from the County Council and some can be found on their website. The local newspaper Worcester News publishes a walk route in the Saturday edition, it is then published on their website the following week. Sometimes local shops and post offices sell books of parish walks. Brian Mayo has a selection of walking books and will offer advice if requested. Put a request for walking books on your Christmas list!
	Q. How do I obtain and what do I do with the walk register after the walk? Hover your curser over the title Submit a Walk and click on the drop down menu title Registration Forms, where you will find and be able to print your form. After the walk please return your form to any committee member to pass on to the Membership Secretary Bev Cox or scan and send to Bev.
	Q. Who are the walks coordinators and what is their role? The group has three walk coordinators: for Week Day walks - Joy Kyte, Saturday walks - Doug Rosewarne and Sundays - Dave Chapman, all are conactable via the 'Contact Us' page and will be happy to help find a suitable date for your walk and offer advice.
	Q. What do I do if I need to cancel a planned walk? Inform the walk coordinator and if possible find an substitute leader. Contact the website editor to put a cancellation message on the website.
	Q. How do I appoint a backmarker? Most leader take another group member or friend to reccee a route and they then act as backmarker, otherwise ask members to offer to take on this task or to take turns. In the event that no one offered, it would be acceptable to cancel the walk!!!

Working Party
	Q. Who do I contact to join working party? Brian Mayo is the coordinator for the Working Party and can be contacted via the Contact Us page.
	Q. What does the working party do and how often? The working party meet every 4 to 6 weeks on Mondays with enough work for 6 people . We have a pool of eleven volunteers and so far have had no trouble getting a team together. The work involves putting up signposts, waymarker posts, kissing gates, footbridges , repairs to stiles, applying non-slip paint and clearing growth.
	Q. How do I report footpath difficulties? The attached pdf file lists the contact details to report problems.

Using www.worcesterramblers.org.uk website
	Q. How do members obtain the instructions and password to upload photographs and to use the car share facility? Contact the webmaster via the Contact Us page.
	Q. Should I wish to submit an interesting article or a vote of thanks on the website, to whom do I send it? The webmaster or the website editor via the Contact Us page.
	Q. Can I add my name to the group email list. Most communication is posted on this website, however occasionally it may be appropriate to use email, if you would like your name added to the group email list contact the group secretary via the Contact Us page.

Benefits of Ramblers Membership
	Q. Can I use my membership card to obtain discounts Cotswold Outdoor shop offer Ramblers membership card holders a discretionary 10%, however not on sale goods.
	Q. Where can I find a 20s & 30s group? The 20s & 30s hike group can be contact via their own website
	Q. Does Worcester group use the social media such as facebook and twitter? This is something for the future!!! Would you be able to help set up these accounts for the group? Contact the Group Secretary via the Contact Us page.
	Q. What other groups are available in the Worcestershire area? Evesham Ramblers Bromsgrove Ramblers, Redditch Ramblers & Wyre Forest Ramblers As a member of the Ramblers you are entitled to walk with any group and programmes can be found on the Ramblers walksfinder.

All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members being of paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify hazards associated with the activity and take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

Helping everyone to respect, protect and enjoy our countryside

Some tips from the Countryside code

Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs.
Check weather conditions before you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back.
Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. There are some places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
Leave gates and property as you find them.
A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
If walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.
In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible. Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries when provided - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.
Leave machinery and livestock alone - don't interfere with animals even if you think they're in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.
Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they're with their young - so give them plenty of space.
Keep dogs under close control.
By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, known as 'access land' you must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and all year round near farm animals.
You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience.
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don't risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
Take particular care that your dog doesn't scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife - eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
Please support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.

SAFE WALKING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Walking is one of the safest outdoor activities, but no activity is entirely without risk, and it is your responsibility to behave sensibly and to minimise the potential for accidents to occur.

If you are planning your own walks independent of the group you must consider other safety factors including navigation. This is especially the case for walks in difficult terrain, such as mountainous areas.