ABOUT US |
The Walking Club is an independent, non-profit making organisation run by an elected committee. Its objective is to arrange walking activities for the enjoyment of its members. These activities are focused around rambling and hill walking and do not include any competitive element – we walk at the speed of the slowest.
We are based in the Peterborough/Stamford area but walks are normally outside this area. More local walks would cover the immediately surrounding counties whilst there are regular trips up to the Peak District to gain a bit of altitude and improved views. Several times a year we reach more distant venues by arranging overnight stops at Youth Hostels. At Easter, we normally arrange a trip to the Lake District. Walk distances are generally between 8 and 14 miles. Occasionally, longer challenge walks or long distance paths are tackled. Walks are generally programmed on a fortnightly basis.
On walk days, we meet at points in Peterborough and Stamford so that the minimum number of cars is used for transport thus minimising fuel usage and cost. A walk charge is made which goes towards the cost of fuel.
Our members comprises a range of walkers from the very experienced through to those that have taken up walking for the first time. We welcome new walkers and will give guidance on which walks they should or should not tackle. The walk programme indicates the total ascent height and the walk length. This information is an indicator of how difficult the walk will be so it is possible to pick ones suited to individual ability.
Walks are led by one of the experienced club members who have led many walks over many years. Members are encouraged to learn to map read by “taking the map” on walks under the watchful eye of one of the walk leaders.
We arrange a number of social events throughout the year such as ten-pin-bowling, barbecues and meals out.
Why not come and walk with us? Prior to joining the Club, you are invited to join us on a walk to see what you think. For details of our walk programme see the "Walks" page on this site. If you are not an experienced walker, you should start with an easy walk and build up to the more taxing excursions. You will need to have walking equipment suitable for the type of walk and time of year. See the notes on the "Kit Notes" and the "Kit List" pages.
You can contact us by sending an e-mail. Our address is walking.club@lineone.net
If you contact us through the above link we will send you a membership application form together with a copy of the latest newsletter. You can either give your completed form and subscription to a committee member on a walk or post it to the membership secretary.
But before you join, why not come on a walk with us? Your first walk is free irrespective of whether or not you join.
The committee regularly reviews the Club’s approach to safety to ensure that we are properly considering safety issues and taking appropriate precautions. Whilst the committee and walk leaders have in place measures which reduce risk, the nature of walking is such that it is not possible to eliminate all risk. Club members must accept that they are participating in an activity with elements of risk.
One of the documents that we have referred to is a booklet produced by the British Mountaineering Council entitled Safety on Mountains. This contains a Participation Statement which is as follows:
"Hill walkers recognise that participation in all forms of hill walking is inherently risky. You should only get involved if you are personally prepared to accept these risks and recognise that you will be exposed to potentially life-threatening situations."
The degree of risk varies with the area in which we are walking. You can usually determine this from the walk descriptions. Walks in lowland parts of the UK with ascents less than 1000ft will generally be low risk. Walks in hilly areas with ascents over 2000ft will have higher risks. The weather is also a factor.
Walks in hilly areas will always be led by one of our experienced walk leaders.
For your part, you need to ensure that you are properly equipped for the walk being undertaken, that you are not injured and that you let the walk leader know of any medical conditions (such as fear of heights) which might affect your ability to complete a walk.
