The main object of our walks is fresh air, exercise and the sheer enjoyment of walking with good company.
Joining the walk
To join one of our walks you simply turn up at the start. There is no need to book a place or contact the walk leader unless this is clearly stated in the walk description. New walkers are always welcome and you don't have to be a member for your first few walks
Safety
All walks have a leader. Although you are responsible for your own safety and all walks are undertaken at your own risk the walk leader will often issue instructions. Please obey the walk leader. They are concerned for your safety & enjoyment of the walk.
Walk Leaders
Our walk leaders are just ordinary Ramblers members who enjoy walking so much that they are prepared to give up their time to devise, check out & commit to leading a walk often many months in advance & in all weathers. They are all volunteers.
Walk Grades
In Manchester and Salford, we specialise in short city walks around urban parks and along canals. All walks are generally at a reasonable pace and sometimes there are drop off points where you can get the bus back.
There are some additional longer walks available (about 8+ miles) out of the Manchester and Salford area but these are always marked as such on our website.
If you have concerns that the walk may be too difficult, or too fast then contact the walk leader beforehand. The walk leaders contact details are provided for just this purpose.
Equipment
You must be properly equipped. Warm waterproof clothing & good strong footwear is usually essential. What is appropriate is dependent on our fickle weather but a good motto is usually be prepared for the worst but hope for the best. Warm clothes in winter & plenty of water on a hot summer day. The walk leader has the absolute right to refuse to accept anyone on a walk who is inadequately equipped or appears to be unfit to complete the walk. Sometimes a walk leader will, if our weather has been kind and the paths well kept, consider that trainers or something similar would be adequate. If this is so then there will be a note in the walk description.
Circular or Linear
Walks are usually circular. If they are not, they will be described as linear with information about how to get back to the start.
Size of Group
No one knows. Not until the day of the walk. The better the weather usually the larger the group and shorter walks often have bigger turnouts than the longer walks. Expect anything from half a dozen to a couple of dozen or more.
Leaving the Walk
If you need to leave the walk, assuming you know your way back, you must let the leader know. The leader regularly checks that all walkers are present & correct. Its disconcerting to find someone missing.
Toilet Breaks
If you need to answer a call of nature let other walkers know. Larger groups will have a backmarker. This is the person to tell. The leader will always wait for you. Leaders will point out places suitable for comfort stops. The best you can hope for is a toilet in a cafe or park but generally you will have to use the bushes or go behind a tree.
Gates
Usually, the last person at the back has the duty of shutting any gates. it's safe to assume that unless you are told otherwise all gates should be fastened after the last person in the group has gone through.
Young people and Children
Young people and Children under 18 are welcome on our walks accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Dogs
In general, most of our walks are not suitable for dogs. Some walk leaders may be prepared to accept well behaved dogs but that is their decision. Check with the walk leader if you want to bring a dog. The Ramblers guide to walking with dogs is here.
Refreshments
On longer walks there is usually a refreshment stop about halfway round, so please bring a flask & sandwiches.