Walking guidance for members

UPDATED 13th December 2022, 12.20 pm, SO’H

Walk Grades

The committee has devised a grading system for our walks and we recommend that walk leaders assign the appropriate grade when they submit their walk for the walks programme.

Grade A Long -Grading strenuous

Up to 10 miles /16 kms, a more demanding long walk with some steep climbs and descents and more difficult terrain

Grade B Long- Grading moderate

Up to 10 miles /16 kms moderately demanding with moderate ascents and descents generally on paths or tracks

Grade C Medium Grading moderate

Up to 8 miles / 13 kms at a moderate pace with some ascent or roughish ground

Grade D Medium – Grading easy

Up to 6 miles at a moderate pace on good paths and tracks. Low hills and / or undulating ground.

Grade E Short – Grading easy

Up to 4 miles / 6.5 km at a slow pace, mainly on level ground

General guidance to all members on preparation for walks

When planning a walk refer to the Stoke lodge Ramblers Risk Assessment 28.11.21 (2)

Please remember that you are responsible for your own safety at all times and that the leader’s role is to lead the route and maximize enjoyment of the walk.

1. Do plan your involvement with our walks programme in advance, note in your diary forthcoming walks you would like to join and contact the Walk Leader in good time. Just before each walk check you have received details of meeting point and any special arrangements (such as walking poles for steeper ground, travel and parking details etc.) They will usually supply their mobile number so that you can communicate any problems about meeting or your journey.
2. When booking, check any walk is right for your level of fitness. If you have any infirmity that may impede your walking do check with the walk leader whether there are any tricky sections, as we cannot offer assistance with stiles etc. Walks up to 4 miles long would not generally include many stiles or steep climbs. Walks of 4-8 miles can involve steeper climbs, stiles, and mud! Longer walks vary from 8-12 miles in length and any conditions can be met.
3. For all walks, suitable footwear is essential, usually walking boots.
4. Ensure you carry with you
   a small first aid kit: Walk Leaders will no longer be carrying club First Aid kits
   food and drink appropriate to length of walk (at least 500ml fluid for a half-day walk, 1L fluid for a full-day walk, more in hot weather – many bring a flask of coffee, but remember toilets may be in short supply.)
   adequate and appropriate clothing (a hat, waterproof / windproof clothing – check the weather forecast!)
   walking poles if you find them useful
   a whistle, compass and OS map of the area if you have one
   sun block if required
5. If you have medication for emergencies you should be sure someone else on the walk knows how to offer you assistance if necessary. You are also advised to have in your rucksack (in a place where it may easily be found in case of emergency) a form of identity to include your name, contact details for your next of kin and essential details of any health condition, eg diabetes (and how it is controlled), allergies (? whereabouts of epipen), anticoagulant therapy.
6. We no longer encourage car-sharing (except between people of the same household), nor shall we be meeting at Cross Elms Lane (unless a local walk is planned to start walking from there). There will be no planned use of public transport as a group.
7. Do follow the advice of the Ramblers Association on safe walking for walking on roads, walking near animals, insect stings, and the Government website for the Countryside Code.
8. We do not allow dogs except for assistance dogs on our walks.

Specific guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic

For as long as Government restrictions are in place in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no printed Walks Programme. The only Programme will be found on the Walks Programme page of this website.

You MUST NOT either lead or join a group walk if you or anyone with whom you have been in close contact within the previous 14 days either has Covid symptoms or has tested positive to Covid-19.

If any participant on the walk develops Covid symptoms or tests positive to Covid in the 3 weeks following the walk, the Leader should be informed.