What to bring on a walk:

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Essential

Water or other drinks - In hot weather bring at least a litre of fluid, preferably more.

Food and snacks – A packed lunch and an extra snack.

Suitable footwear - On all our walks, we may walk over rough uneven ground, through streams, woods, hills, farmland and fields, and often copious mud in winter. Comfortable and supportive boots are recommended.

Suitable clothing - Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, warm and waterproof clothing is essential. Layers are best. We do not recommend walking in jeans - if they get wet, they are slow to dry and do not protect you from the cold.

Personal medication - An “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) card - or a written note specifying any medical conditions, essential medication and who to contact.

 

Recommended

• Mobile phone

• Spare jumper, gloves, hat, scarf, socks. Waterproof trousers

• First aid kit, suncream, sunhat, insect repellent, blister plasters, tic remover, antiseptic hand gel,

• plasters, and simple painkillers.

• Sit mat or spare plastic bag to sit on+.

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Optional

• Map and/or GPS device

• Walking poles

• Gaiters (especially in winter mud and streams)

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Leaders may refuse to accept participants who are inadequately equipped or who are unfit.​

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About our walks:

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Moderate, Energetic and Strenuous walks average a 2+miles an hour pace including stops. We aim to stop for a 10-15 minute “coffee” break, and a 20-30 minute lunch break. On longer walks we may have a short break in the afternoon as well. There are plenty of opportunities to have a quick drink along the way, especially in hot weather. We don’t routinely stop at pubs for lunch. Sometimes there is the opportunity to visit a pub or café at the end of the walk, but this is entirely optional.

Walks leaders are experienced walkers who volunteer to lead walks. They have walked the route before so they have knowledge of the terrain and any areas of potential difficulty. Walk leaders are happy to be contacted in advance to give more detailed information about their walk, please contact via the email address.

 

At the start of a walk the Walk Leaders welcome everybody, (especially any new walkers or visitors), gives a short overview of the walk, count the number of walkers and answers any questions. If you have any problems or medical conditions that you think the leaders should be aware of, please have a quiet word with a leader prior to the start of the walk.

 

By their nature, Rail Rambles are fixed by train times and the need to complete the walk in time to catch the return train. The recce shows that there should be sufficient time for this, but if you are not sure that you can manage the distance and time, please consider a shorter walk. The back marker, co leader, will try to keep the group together and get everyone back in time for the return train.

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About our walks:

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The leader has a duty of care towards all the walkers, and is responsible for setting the pace to suit the fitness and capabilities of the group and the advertised grade of the walk. Please try to remain behind the leader and in front of the back marker, avoid walking on ahead unless invited to do so – e.g., when going up hills. In which case please make sure you know where to wait for the leader and the rest of the group to catch up. If not specified, then you should wait at the top of the hill or at the next path junction to avoid going off course. The last person to reach the group will need a couple of minutes rest before carrying on even if most of the group have already been there a few minutes.

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If walkers choose to walk far ahead of the walk leader uninvited, they will be considered to have

left the group and no longer be part of the walk leader’s responsibility.

If you need to leave the group at any time, for instance for a comfort break, then please tell someone, probably the backmarker, so that they can wait for you at an appropriate place to avoid you getting separated from the group.

Look back from time to time especially if the route changes direction, to make sure those following behind know which way to go. Wait if necessary. Call or shout ahead to advise the leader if the group becomes too stretched out.

 

If you decide to leave a walk early for any reason, please let the leader or backmarker know.

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Walking poles:

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Walking poles are a brilliant walking accessory, but they can also be lethal weapons! Please be aware of, and keep control of your walking poles. When carrying them, please have the pointed ends forward and downward so you can see where they are and avoid accidentally poking the person in front or behind. When walking behind someone using poles it’s best to leave a gap, particularly when going uphill, as a pole may accidentally slips backwards when the walker pushes hard on it to help propel themselves upwards.

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Roads:

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Sometimes walks include road walking (usually a lane) without pavements. Each walker is responsible for his or her safety when crossing or walking along a road but the general rule is to keep to the right, unless the leader indicates otherwise; for example, on a sharp right-hand bend, it may be safer to cross to the left-hand side and then cross back after the bend. Please walk in single file and alert other walkers if you see/hear other road users such as cars, tractors, cyclists, etc.

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Farmland:

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Some public footpaths cross crop fields. We try to be considerate and avoid damaging crops wherever possible, either by walking around the edge of fields, or in single file through the crop if that is where the footpath goes. Be guided by the walk leader.

Gates should be closed, unless told otherwise.

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Dogs:

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Generally, dogs are friendly and loveable but unfortunately not welcome on our walks unless they are a registered assistance dog. Dogs are the responsibility of the owner, and must be kept under control at all times. Many walks cross farmland or open moorland where animals graze. Many walks involve stiles not all of which are dog friendly. It is the owner’s responsibility for lifting their dog over stiles, although other walkers may help.

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Insurance:

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RRC provides Public Liability Insurance only. This provides cover for third party incidents, such as accidentally leaving a gate open and animals escape, or possibly injury caused to one member by the actions or negligence of another member, but there is an onus to prove those actions or negligence. RRC insurance does not give personal accident or illness cover.

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Walk cancellations:

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Walks are rarely cancelled. Cancellations are usually because of rail cancellations or weather and/or ground conditions are considered dangerous. Cancellations are published on the RRC website. When the weather is very bad, please check the website before leaving home.

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Countryside code:

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Leftover food, orange peel, banana skins etc. don't just spoil the beauty of the countryside; they can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals. Please take your litter home with you and leave no trace of your visit.

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If you are a bit unsure about any of this or feel a bit nervous joining your first walk, then please just contact the walk leader via our email address. We can answer any questions, and/or arrange for someone to look out for you on your first walk. You’ll meet lots of lovely people, have some great conversations, get fresh air and exercise, and explore some magnificent coast and countryside. Walking is wonderful!