A - Nothing - There are no "walk fees" of any kind and no donations are asked. However, if you start to turn up for several walks and you are not a member of the Ramblers Association then don't be surprised if you get a membership form pressed in to your hand as a gentle hint!

Q - Can I bring my dog along on walks?

Q - Am I insured against injury and other liabilities on my walks with the group?

A - Only if you are a member of the Ramblers Association who have insurance scheme for all members whether walking with a group or not. If you are not a member of the Ramblers Association then you are not insured and undertake the walk at your own risk.

Q - How long are the walks?

A - Generally they are between about 5:1/2 miles to 7 miles depending upon the footpath network in that particular area. So some walks will be longer than others. Unless stated on the program all walks are of a half day duration being from 10:00 am to around 12:30 / 1:00 pm. In the summer some walks start at 2:00 pm The feedback we get from our members is overwhelmingly in favour of morning walks which is why there are so few afternoon ones.

Q - Are the walks strenuous?

A - No, the terrain in N.Bedfordshire is gently rolling hills so there are no mountains to climb. That is not to say that there are no good views to be had, just you don't have to half kill yourself to get there. The sole caveat is the conditions in winter. When the fields are ploughed and there is heavy rain the going can get tough. The soil in north Bedfordshire is predominately clay based and so is heavy and sticks to your boots. You will often hear the call "give the farmer his field back" at the completion of a cross field path such is the weight of the mud.

Q - What Equipment Do I Need?

A - Despite what you may read in the press bobble hats are not a required part of a uniform, most walkers don't wear hats at all.

• First and foremost a pair of good fitting walking boots is recommended and imperative in winter due to the ploughed fields, flooding of paths near rivers and streams and mud, mud, mud. In summer you can get away with a strong pair of trainers but they may get damaged due to the terrain. Long grass acts as an abrasive brush making white trainers serrated green. The country footpath network is not like walking in your local park. Make sure your footwear of choice is comfortable and fits well. Loose footwear will make your feet ache at best and give you bad blisters at worst. If your boots are a little loose then wearing two pairs of socks is one way of making sure you have a comfortable walk.
• Next comes suitable clothing,
  • T-shirts etc. in summer are OK but wear shorts at your peril as there are lots of brambles, stinging nettles and thistles to discover and guaranteed to temper the pleasure of any walk.
  • A hat and suntan lotion are recommended in summer as there can be little shade particularly at mid-day.
  • In winter waterproof and wind proof jackets and sometimes over trousers are recommended due to the medical dangers of getting severe wind chill whilst wet through.
• Some people use hiking poles to steady themselves over rough terrain. This is not a recommendation, just a personal choice. If you feel more confident using one then by all means bring one along.
• Refreshments. We normally take a ten minute break about half way during which walkers partake of their favourite beverage and snack. Bring along anything you wish to consume and please take any rubbish home with you.