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Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question below, or you can scroll down the page to view all the contents.
If you still have an unanswered question please use the ‘Contacts’ section of the web site.
Choose a FAQ
- How difficult are your walks?
- Can I just turn up for a walk?
- Where do you walk?
- Do I have to be a member of The Ramblers’ Association?
- Do I need to have special footwear?
- What other equipment do I need?
- Do you have walks accessible by public transport?
- Do you arrange car sharing?
- What age range are your members?
- Are there any rules?
- Can I bring my dog along?
- How do I join your Group?
- Will I be expected to lead a walk?
How difficult are your walks?
Our walks are of different lengths from about 4 miles upwards, at different paces, and over a range of terrains. Our walks are of different lengths from about 4 miles upwards, at different paces, and over a range of terrains. For that reason walks are graded from easy to very strenuous.
Anyone of a reasonable level of fitness should be able to manage one of our shorter walks at a moderate grade especially if you are used to walking short distances on a regular basis.
We recommend starting off with a shorter walk and working up the grades, and distances. It’s much better to find walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.
If you have any serious doubts as to your ability we can refer you to one of the many Walking for Health groups in our area, who offer shorter slower paced walks. Please use the ‘Contacts’ section as necessary
Can I just turn up for a walk?
Yes.
If you have not walked with us before it would be sensible to check walk details with the Walks Organiser concerned in case there have been any late changes and to confirm the start time and place.
Please choose a walk within your capability and arrive suitably equipped.
Where do you walk?
Anywhere accessible to our members by car or public transport. This includes the Peak District and surrounding areas.
Do I have to be a member of The Ramblers’ Association?
No. As a Group of an organisation which is a registered charity all our walks are open to the public on a trial basis.
However, we are a members group, and you are expected to join as a member, after 3 ‘taster’ walks.
Members of other RA Groups are, of course, welcome at any time. Indeed this is one of the advantages of joining a national organisation, as you have a wide selection of walks/areas available.
See the ‘Links’ section to connect to the web site of the South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire Area to access details of groups in close proximity, including various Sheffield groups, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Bolsover.
Do I need to have special footwear?
We recommend walking boots with tough moulded soles as they protect the feet keeping them warm and dry, provide grip, and support the ankles – which is essential on steep slopes and uneven surfaces.
What other equipment do I need?
The golden rules are to be comfortable, dress for the sort of weather and terrain you are likely to meet, and never underestimate the changeability of British weather.
As a minimum you need a waterproof jacket (with hood), sufficient warm clothes for the time of year and altitude, together with a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Do you have walks accessible by public transport?
Yes. Many of our walks are accessible by public transport.
Do you arrange car sharing?
We support car sharing as a means of reducing the environmental impact of driving to walks. We leave it to individuals to make the necessary arrangements.
However, on some walks, people meet at a convenient point to proceed to the actual walk start point itself in shared cars.
What age range are your members?
All our walks are open to any adult. If you are looking to walk with people of working age choose a weekend walk, and try out different sections of our Group.
We also operate a Family section where parents and grand parents can undertake suitable walks with their children/grandchildren.
If you specifically want to walk with younger adults please use the ‘Links’ to access details of Chesterfield Young Ramblers, a group of people mainly in their 20,s, and 30’s.
Please remember that on joining you are a member of a national organisation and can walk with any group, including those catering more for the younger ages. In other words you can pick out the best walks for you from a wide range available. You choose or are allocated to a ‘home’ group for programmes, newsletters etc.
Are there any rules?
Please read and abide by any guidelines issued by the Group, and the instructions of the walk leader. These include allowing the leader to lead, set the pace, and to determine the route and stopping points on the day as dictated by conditions.
The walk leader can decline to take along people who are insufficiently equipped or appear unfit for the walk in question.
Can I bring my dog along?
Yes, on most walks you may bring one dog. Please note responsibility for the dog lies with the individual dog owner who must ensure that their dog remains under close control. They must ensure their dog does not alarm other people, and must clean up after their dog. Our civil liability insurance does not extend to incidences caused by dogs.
In most cases ‘close control’ means being kept on a lead, but they can also be under control when off a lead. Dogs should be kept on a lead on roads, near livestock or sensitive wildlife, and wherever the law or other official regulations require it.
In some places, such as Access land, there are specific restrictions which must be adhered to.
How do I join your Group?
If you live in our catchment area (Chesterfield Borough and North East Derbyshire council areas) merely by joining The Ramblers’ Association, and paying the appropriate fee. See www.ramblers.org.uk
If you live outside of our catchment area you need to specify our Group on the application.
About 20% of our members reside outside our ‘base’ area which must be a recommendation.
Application forms can also be obtained via the ‘Contacts’ section or from many walk leaders/organisers.
Will I be expected to lead a walk?
No. However, if you regularly attend please consider doing so. This can be achieved by ‘pairing up’ with an experienced walker. Training and guidance are available.
Please bear in mind that without those prepared to lead walks there would not be a walks programme.
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