It's Not Just a Walk in the Park

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Welcome

Warrington HF Rambling Club is a small and friendly walking club. Our members are mainly from Warrington but also come from surrounding towns and villages. Some of the most varied and beautiful countryside in the whole of the UK is on our doorstep, and the Club exists to give people of mixed abilities the chance to enjoy it.

Choose from weekend walks on Saturdays or Sundays (the day alternates from weekend to weekend), Wednesdays, and Wednesday evenings during summer months:

❍ Wednesday evening walks are usually between 4 - 5 miles

❍ Wednesday day walks are generally between 7-8 miles

❍ Weekend walks are between 11-14 miles. The walks are of easy to moderate

grade

❍ Higher grade walks are more challenging, involving at least 2000 feet of

ascent or in excess of 14 miles and may involve some scrambling. These are

clearly marked in the programme.

So, whatever your standard, there are walks to suit you.

Stop Press

New Years Party

When? Fri 20th Jan 2012

Where? Thelwall British Legion.

Live Band and an Excellent Buffet, tickets all for jus £10 a head.

Order your ticket now to avoid disappointment!

Click Here For Members Forum

Logo by Freelance Graphic Designer, Helen Pearce Tel 07810588544

Calendar of Walks

What You Will Need

The First Rule of Walking - Be Prepared!

If you are not new to walking you will not need any advice, but if you are just taking it up, you might find the following helpful.

Footwear

Although walking boots with good ankle support and Vibram-type soles are always to be preferred, and indeed are essential on the more challenging walks, trainers or walking shoes are often adequate on summer evening walks. But don't forget that it can be muddy at any time of the year! Socks are also important they add significantly to comfort; so if you are buying boots and socks, try them and buy them together. You can buy inexpensive leg gaiters which can make a real difference in wet and muddy conditions. If you set out on your first walk in unsuitable footwear you probably won't enjoy the experience and it may put you off walking for ever!

Clothing

In winter it is essential to have a full waterproof outer layer available and to wear sufficient warm under layers. But it is not essential initially to buy expensive breathable outer garments (Goretex or similar), although if you are confident that you will be walking regularly you will not regret buying a good breathable jacket or under layers that both insulate and wick away moisture. Unfortunately British weather can be so fickle, and in the mountains so changeable, that you are advised to carry such clothing throughout the year, whatever the weather forecast!

Rucksack

You have to carry your extra clothing, food and drink in something and a supermarket bag is not recommended! If you don't have a rucksack, borrow one at first if you can, and buy one later. Few rucksacks are really waterproof, so put everything in a bin-liner in the rucksack. When you do decide to buy, take with you to the shop everything you would normally carry so that you can check that it will all fit in and that the rucksack is comfortable with your usual contents.

Where to buy

First and foremost, buy at a reputable outdoor equipment shop of which there are many and several in and around Warrington, for example, the Adventure Centre in Manchester Road and Milletts in Golden Square. At these you will get good advice and 10% discount when you join the Club and show your membership card. At all shops there are substantial savings to be made on sale items.

Contact and Joining

Start Walking ... Get Fit

Why not come along for a couple of walks and see what you thinK?

We don't expect you to join until you make your third appearance. Annual membership of the club is just £8 per year which entitles you to come on any walk, join in the holidays or weekends, and come to club social events.

We doubt you can find such entertainment and friends cheaper anywhere!

We look forward to meeting you!

Half Round

Moelwyns, April 2010

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3240 Giants Causeway 24-06-2011 12-50-45.JPG

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HF Holidays

Warrington HF Ramblers is an affiliated member of HF Holidays which provides a wide range of guided and self guided walking, cycling and special interest holidays throughout the UK and world wide
Half Round

Responsibilities of Leaders

Charter for Leaders and Walkers of Warrington HF Rambling Club

Please read this page. It outlines the responsibilities of both walkers and leaders. While the principles apply to all walks, some are especially important to hill and mountain safety. A phrase or clause that is specific or especially relevant to a Higher Grade Walk is indicated in red.

Responsibilities of Leaders - Before the Walk

To research and reconnoitre the walk, preferably with at least one other person who is expected to be on the walk and who can perform the duties of a back-marker if required.

If the leader has access to the internet, to publish by email the key features of the walk including: The walk: as a minimum this should state the distance to be covere, the amount of ascent and details of the nature of the route, eg scrambling, difficult terrain. The meeting place and the leaders mobile telephone number. Otherwise this information should be available for anyone who

might telephone for the information

If consulted by someone who is not used to walking, or is unsure about their ability/fitness level, to give honest advice as to whether he/she would be physically capable of doing the walk. This should take into account not just the wishes of the individual but also the needs of the party as a whole to do the walk, safely and at a reasonable pace

To consult the weather forecases on the eve of the walk. In extreme cases, to cancel and to communicate this decision to the members who have booked on the walk. This responsibility aplies to other grades of walk but the leader should take into account the possibility that some members may have travelled to the starting point of the walk or meeting point in Warrington

To advise people booking on the walk who else is travelling so that transport can be shared.

Responsibilities of Leaders - Day of the Walk

Be prepared to cancel the walk should the weather conditions prove dangerous on arrival at the starting point. If less demanding alternative is available this could be used, but if not then the walk should be abandoned.

To endeavour to appoiint a 'back-marker'; preferably someone who has some knowledge of the chosen route.

The leader has responsibility for setting the frequency, location an duration of breaks to suit the demans of the walk and conditions of the day. In adverse weather conditions it may be desirable to shorten breaks.

The leader should address the party prior to setting off and outline the overall plan of the walk including the proposed breaks. This will enable members to decide whether to take in sustenance before the walk begins.

The leader has the right to refuse anyone as a member of their party who, in their opinion, may be at risk for reasons of inadequate clothing, lack of physical fitness etc or whose presence on the walk may be prejudicial to the walk. This occurrence should be extremely rare on all grades of walks, including Higher Grade walks if there has been prior consultation.

The leader should follow the planned route setting a pace that is appropriate to the party, terrain and weather.

Where necessary and possible, the leader may vary te route to take into account unforeseen circumstances.

The leader should make every effort to ensure the safety of the party.

The leader should endeavour to ensure that contact is maintained through the group from leader to back-marker. Where this is not possible or is not in the best interests of the group, the leader should make specific arrangements for any trailing members

Responsibility of Walkers

Responsiblity of Walkers - Before a Walk

If in doubt about personal fitness or technical ability, check with the leader as to the suitability of the walk. There is a wide scope especially in the Higher Grade and whereas some walks are within the capabilities of many individuals, the harder mountain walks may not be.

It is an absolute requirement of members intending to go on a higher grade walk that they contact the leader no later than 1900 hours on the evening before the walk to book on the walk.

To endeavour to minimise the number of cars travelling by offering lifts or 'car pooling'.

To equip oneself suitably for a walk, noting that mountain weather, even in summer can be extreme.

Responsiblity of Walkers - During a Walk

To follow all instructions given by the leader.

To endeavour to keep pace with the leader and to stop for main breaks only where designated by the leader.

Never to get in front of the leader, unless the leader has given permission to do so.

To be aware of other group members and in particular; immediately inform the leader in the event of a significant gap opening up in the party, an injury or medical problem to any member of the party.

And NEVER forget CARE FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE. Dispose of Litter responsibly .