USEFUL INFOMATION
Boots or wellingtons?
Feet are often the first part of a walker's body that may be injured due to unaccustomed walking. So treat them with care. Make sure that whatever footwear you choose is comfortable and suitable for the weather conditions.
Walking boots with tough moulded soles may be the best solution, protecting the feet and keeping them warm and dry, providing grip and supporting the ankles, essential on steep slopes.
Walking shoes are a lighter alternative to boots, offering a tough protective sole with good grip, but no ankle support.
Good quality trainers are a cheap and lightweight solution preferred by some walkers on sunny days. They are fine for urban walks and walks along good paths in good weather, but are usually not waterproof and give limited support and protection.
Walking sandals for summer use have solid soles suitable for a variety of surfaces but give no ankle support and less protection from undergrowth or sharp rocks, so should be carefully considered before use.
Wellington boots give excellent protection against the weather but have poorer grip than walking boots and may make feet hot and sweaty and liable to blisters.
Two pairs of socks may help prevent chafing and blisters.
Take a spare pair of shoes to change into before having the pub lunch.
Waterproof and windproof wear
A good quality waterproof (not just showerproof) and windproof jacket or anorak with a hood is essential. A cheap, lightweight cagoule will do the job but if you plan to walk with us regularly, consider a jacket made from 'breathable' material which allows sweat out but stops rain getting in.
Trousers
Tracksuit bottoms or everyday casual trousers are suitable. Modern synthetic walking trousers are popular among regular walkers, since they are lightweight, loose-fitting, quick-drying and have handy pockets.
Head and hands and sunburn
Up to 40% of body heat may be lost through the head, so protect head and ears. A warm hat is a good idea in winter and may be worn under a jacket hood. Gloves are also useful in cold weather, especially for those who have
circulation problems.
When it's sunny, wear a sunhat and use sun cream on your face and bare patches of skin. Short periods in the sun if you are not used to it may result in sunburn.
Rucksacks
A small rucksack may be useful for carrying water or snacks which you may need on the walk. We stop halfway through each walk for a short break.
Health and Safety
Each stroller is responsible for his or her own personal health and safety. Please advise the organisers should you have any health/medical problem you believe they should know about.
Road walking. We try to avoid walking on roads as much as possible but when we do please walk in single file, and on the right side of the road to face the oncoming traffic, crossing over when you are about to approach the inside of a bend.
Please do not walk more than two abreast when crossing fields that are ploughed or in crop.
Dogs are very welcome on most walks but your dog must be your responsibility and you must keep him/her on a lead and well under control when livestock is encountered. Pubs may not allow dogs in the dining area.
Walks are approximately 4 miles. We walk at the pace of the slowest walker so if you are an expert walker, please remember it is not a race!
Paths may be slippery, muddy and wet. You MUST take responsibility for your own health and safety and you may wish to consider personal accident Insurance.
Make sure your car is locked with all valuables stowed out of sight.
We shall walk WHATEVER THE WEATHER. But call us if you have any doubts.