Whether you regularly walk with Mole Valley Ramblers or are thinking of joining us for the first time, here are some tips that should help you enjoy your walk. In addition, the Ramblers published a guidance note in May 2024 with Information for Walkers which we endorse - see here.
Choosing a suitable walk
- Full details of our future walks can be found via this Walks Filter; details of how to use it can be found here.
- Some walks must be pre-booked, as instructed in the walk details.
- Our walks are graded according to their difficulty, so please check the grades here
- If you have any questions about the pace or difficulty of a walk please feel free to contact the leader in advance for advice. If you are able to cope with three hours of walking, you should be able to manage a half day walk of 5-7 miles.
Finding the start
- Check the walk details, starting point, and leader’s phone number.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to find the starting point (and ring the leader if you have any difficulty).
- SatNav users please be aware that the Postcode provided will identify the location of the nearest building to the starting point, which might be less accurate than the Grid Reference or What3words in rural areas.
- For a map showing the starting point location (walker icon) relative to the nearest postcode (envelope icon) and a link giving Google directions from your current location to the start, just click the walk title shown in the Walks Filter.
What to bring
- Sturdy, supportive, comfortable boots or shoes, which ideally should be waterproof as well.
- Wear layers of clothing, suitable for the season, remembering that although you may feel cold at the start, you will probably warm up later.
- Come prepared for English weather! A lightweight waterproof jacket is always worth carrying.
- In wet or wintery weather, waterproof over trousers and/or gaiters will help to protect you; and a waterproof mat to sit is useful too.
- Bring a small rucksack to carry waterproofs, drinking water and your day’s refreshments. We usually have a mid-morning break for coffee and snacks.
- On whole day walks we usually have a picnic lunch break, and pauses for refreshments, so bring adequate supplies. The description will say if the lunch break is near a pub or cafe.
- It is advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit (see First Aid below).
On the walk
- Always respect The Countryside Code, published by Natural England, which provides useful guidance in allowing us all to enjoy the countryside, whilst respecting the environment. (See summary posters below).
- Dog owners are asked to keep their dog under effective control at all times, and follow The Dog Walking Code, a simple, ten-point guide which aims to ensure safe and happy walks with your dog, without causing problems for others.
- Please let the leader know if you are obliged to stop at any time or break off before the end of the walk.
Safety advice
- There is a lot of useful safety advice issued by Ramblers, which you can see here It includes advice for walking on roads, near livestock, in thunderstorms and tips on first aid.
- You are encouraged to carry an In Case of Emergency Card with your contact details and any medical information – a sample is shown here. We have a supply of these and you can ask the walk leader how to obtain one.
- In the event of anyone on a walk having an accident or becoming ill, it is important to know how to direct emergency services to your location. Having What3Words on your phone is a valuable means of location identity for communicating with emergency services. All walkers are urged to download the app onto their phones and familiarise themselves with its use.
First Aid
- Carry a basic first-aid kit, ensuring that you top-up items (e.g. plasters) as they are used. Your personal mini first aid kit (or “ouch pouch”) might contain blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, dressings to deal with minor cuts or grazes, tic removers, painkillers, antihistamines, and any personal medication.
- We also recommend installing one of these free mobile phone apps to help with first aid advice:
First Aid by British Red Cross
- We encourage everyone to brush up their first aid skills so they can confidently assist in case of an emergency, rather than relying solely on our walk leaders.
To learn or refresh your knowledge of first aid, there are lots of free resources on the internet. Here are a few suggestions:
First Aid for Outdoor Pursuits and Activities - YouTube
Learn how to do CPR | British Heart Foundation - BHF
The more all our walkers can assist walk leaders, the better. Any walker could assist with first aid, identifying the location, or helping someone back to their car.
We hope you will find these simple tips helpful.
