FAQs

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Category: About NWG

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What should I bring on a walk?

Have a look at our Safety Checklist for what clothing and equipment you should bring - a waterproof coat and sturdy walking boots/shoes are essential. You should also bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinking water.

It is also advisable to bring a set of spare clothes/footwear in case you get very muddy or wet and need to get changed at the end of the walk - these can be left in the car.

Most walks end with a relaxing drink in a nearby pub so you might like to bring some money with you!

How long and hard are walks?

It varies. The shortest walks are 5-7 miles on fairly easy terrain and only take 2-3 hours. Longer walks are 10-16 miles in hilly terrain and take all day. It is important that you contact the walk leader first if you are unaware of a walk's distance or difficulty level or are unsure of your ability to complete a walk.

Do I have to pay to come on a walk?

There is no charge to come on a walk other than your annual Rambler's membership fee when you first join.

Who leads walks?

Walk leaders are just general group members who have planned a route and want to lead a walk. They are not professionals and any member is free to lead a walk.

How do I find out about walks?

Once you have joined the group you will be added to our mailing list and be able to send and receive e-mails to and from the rest of the group. You will also be able to access the members area of the website which has a calendar of events and walk leaders' details.

Do you allow dogs on a walk?

Dogs are only allowed on a walk at the discretion of the walk leader: it is rare for people to bring a dog on walks. Some walks are simply not suitable for dogs so you should contact the walk leader before bringing a dog on any walk. We do not allow dogs at all on any walk that crosses farmland where there is livestock. It is up to the owner to keep the dog under control at all times.

If you still insist on bringing your dog and have confirmed that it is OK to do so with the walk leader please follow the rules below.

The Countryside Code

Keep dogs under close control

The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.

    * By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals.
    * You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
    * If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
    * Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife - eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
    * Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and how it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also, make sure your dog is wormed regularly.
    * At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of open land or may need to be kept on a lead. Please follow any signs.

You can also find out more about these rules: - in England, at http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , tel 0845 100 3298.

How do I get to the start of walks?

Members are responsible for transporting themselves to the start of walks. This usually means driving although some walks can be accessed by public transport. Members without cars often e-mail the group to request a lift and car sharing is encouraged. There is no group hired bus as with some other walking groups.

Can I come on a trial walk before joining?

You are welcome to join us for 2 walks while you decide if you want to join. See How to join for more information.

What is the age range of members?

Northumbrian Walking Group is for people who are young (or young at heart!) who like walking or would like to get into it. Our activities are targeted at people in the 20's - 30's age group but some members are in their 40's and 50's and we do not exclude anyone on the grounds of their age.

 

The Group's Purpose

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Category: About NWG

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The walking group is a local branch of the Ramblers Association based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and was established in 2001 to meet the needs of people in their 20’s and 30’s alongside the other ramblers groups. The group is one of a series of similar groups nation-wide.

This statement of purpose is deliberately concise and is not a constitution in the strict sense of the word. This is a deliberate step to reflect the nature of the group. The group is essentially a mechanism for a group of adults to be able to engage in a range of walking and related activities with similarly minded adults. The programme of walks and activities will be arrived at by sharing of responsibility throughout the membership.

To enable the group to function effectively, to have some clarity regarding shared responsibilities and points of contact if any “issues” arise some elements of formality exist in the nature of an AGM and a committee.

There is little need for finances but those finances the group accrues from membership affiliation will be managed by the treasurer and reported to the AGM. A set of accounts will be passed to the Regional R.A.

Given the focus of the group is on people in their twenties and thirties the majority of the committee should be made up of people in this age range where practicable.

An AGM will be held each year where members will have the opportunity to meet to elect people to relevant positions and share responsibility for ensuring that the group continues to meet its purpose.

Walks and Socials

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Walks

Walks take place on Sundays, starting between 10am and 11am, depending on time of year. The grades of walks cover most ability levels, from easy five mile walks lasting around two hours to harder fifteen mile hikes.

Weekends 

We also organise a number of weekend aways with more strenuous walks to the Lake District, the Highlands and North Yorkshire.

Socials 

Organised on an informal basis are a variety of social events, meals, cinema trips, days out, and pub nights.

All walks and events are organised by members themselves who are unpaid volunteers.

Walking Grades

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Details about the different walking grades are given below, if you are unsure you should ensure that you contact the walk leader.

EASY

Mainly short walks on well-marked paths. Walking boots with adequate grip and ankle support are advised, as some paths may be boggy or uneven.

MODERATE

Longer walks with some ascent and descent may include uneven paths and tracks. Good walking boots with ankle support and soles with adequate grip are strongly recommended.

HARD

Longer, often full day walks, may include steep ascent and descents. Paths can sometimes be both uneven and boggy. Good walking boots with ankle support and soles with adequate grip must be worn. It is strongly recommended that you have the items listed on our safety checklist in your backpack for walks of this grade.

STRENUOUS

High level fell/mountain walks, may include scrambling, often over 2000 feet/600m covering from 8 to 12 miles/13 to 20km, for which a high level of fitness, good outdoor clothing and equipment is essential. Good walking boots with ankle support and soles with adequate grip must be worn. Please ensure that you have the items listed on our safety checklist in your backpack for walks of this grade.

EXTREMELY STRENUOUS

Mountain walks often including scrambling and exposed routes, for which a high level of fitness and preferably experience is required. Over 2000 feet/600m covering 8 to 12 miles/13 to 20km possibly more. Good outdoor clothing and equipment is essential. Good walking boots with ankle support and soles with adequate grip must be worn. Please ensure that you have the clothing and equipment items listed on our safety checklist in your backpack for walks of this grade.