The Ramblers' Association
Milton Keynes & District Group
Notes for new walkers with the Group
Meeting time
Please aim to arrive at the meeting point 5-10 minutes before the time given in the programme. This allows time for chatting and changing your footwear.Lifts
If the start of the walk is some distance away, we normally meet locally in a car park and arrange lifts. This means we need take only the minimum number of cars.
What to expect on a walk
Most of our walks go through fields which may be wet and/or muddy, over stiles and across ditches in all sorts of weather, so come prepared! We endeavour to follow Public Rights of Way, avoid trespassing and to maintain a suitable walking pace. Please follow the leaders' directions and try not to get too far ahead or behind the group.
Equipment
You won't need any special equipment for the majority of our walks. Strong shoes, boots or wellies and waterproofs are essential. On a hot, sunny day, you may want to bring a sun-hat, sunglasses and sun cream. The main thing is to be aware of possible changes in the weather and bring appropriate protection.What else will I need?
On day walks, bring a packed lunch if indicated on the programme. We sometimes 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 leave no litter. All litter is unsightly, including banana skins and orange peel, so please use a litter bin or take it home.Can I bring my dog(s)?
Well behaved and controlled dogs are permitted (except where leaders indicate that they prefer not to have dogs on their walks). Dogs are the sole responsibility of their owners. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the vicinity of livestock. Owners are asked to respect others by clearing up after their dogs should they foul any footpaths and dispose of it in a responsible way.Further information
Can be obtained from any of the Group's officers, or from the walk leader for particular walks.We hope you will enjoy our walks and will wish to become a member of the Ramblers' Association. Membership forms are available from the Chairman or Secretary.
Please note
Please make sure that you are fit enough to undertake the walk you intend to join. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.Most Ramblers' walks are off-road in rural areas. Please have suitable footwear and clothing for the walk you intend to join, and bring some food and drink, even if the walk includes a pub or café break. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit. When in doubt, contact the organisers or the walk leader in advance.
For your own and others' safety please read and abide by any advice and guidelines issued by the organisers, and the instructions of the walk leader. Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and it is your responsibility to behave sensibly and to minimise the potential for accidents to occur.
A parent or guardian must accompany any children under the age of eighteen.
Everyone participating should be capable of walking the distance involved.
Becoming a Member
For details of how to become a member please see Joining the Ramblers' Association.Normally you be assigned to your local group but you can specify your preferred group.
Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577.
Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.