[q] About Us
FAQ
- Who is the group aimed at?
- Do I have to be a member to try out a walk?
- Where do I start?
- How do I become a member?
- Where and when do you walk?
- What are the grades of walks?
- What do I need to bring on a walk?
- Do you allow dogs on your walks?
- What if I haven't got a car?
- What other activities do you organise?
- Who runs the group?
Who is the group aimed at?
The group is aimed at anyone in their 20's and 30's (although you don't have to produce your birth certificate to get in!), who enjoys walking.
At present we have a pretty even mix of male and female members. The average turnout for walks at the moment is 15-20.
Do I have to be a member to try out a walk?
We are part of the Ramblers Association, so anyone is welcome to attend on a couple of occasions before needing to join the Ramblers. Just turn up and make yourself known as a new member to the walk leader. Please note that if you want to lead a walk you must be a member of the Ramblers Association for insurance purposes.
Where do I start?
There are two sure fire ways to get to know the Group. The first is to turn up on a walk, the second is to come to a pub meet. If you're unsure about anything at all on your first walk then do get in touch with the walk leader beforehand - their contact details will be on the walks diary. Note that although the message board provides a useful forum for people looking for car shares etc., it is not recommended as the main way to make first contact. Also don't be offended if emails aren't answered straight away. Whilst many people log in to their emails daily through home and work, there are still people who don't have regular PC access.
How do I become a member?
If you are a member of the Ramblers Association you already are! Just email our membership secretary.
If you're not a member of the Ramblers and you want to join us, contact the Ramblers head office where you can join online, by phone or by post. Don't forget to select the Leeds & Bradford 20's & 30's Group as your preferred group, so that you can come on the wide range of social events we offer.
Join using a direct debit payment and get an additional one month's membership free: download the direct debit application form (140 Kb PDF file, Adobe Reader required).
Membership is £24 for the year, although you can go on 2 walks for free before becoming a member. You receive a handbook annually, a couple of newsletters and a list of walks covering the whole of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and a 10% discount card for Millets.
Where and when do you walk?
Our aim is to arrange at least one walk a week in the Yorkshire/Lancashire area. Walks are usually on a Saturday or Sunday. The walks diary is kept up to date on the website and is particularly used to notify people of any changes. We also organise weekends away staying in Youth Hostels or B&Bs. This allows us to walk a bit further afield. Previous weekends have included North Yorkshire Moors, Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and Mallorca!
We have a few members who like more strenuous walks, and periodically longer walks and one-off events like a Yorkshire 3 Peaks walk, are arranged.
We occasionally link up with York, Sheffield and Derbyshire groups for joint walks.
What are the grades of walks?
Walks have tended to cover the full range of grades - most set at the moderate level. The normal walk length is 8 - 10 miles. However we do provide some shorter walks for those new to walking. All walks are described fully in the diary, but if you have any queries please contact the leader in advance.
What do I need to bring on a walk?
See the advice on our walks advice page.
Do you allow dogs on your walks?
As a rule yes, though most of our walks are dog-free. On walks, dogs are entirely the responsibility of the owner so make sure you are familiar with the countryside code in regards to walking with dogs. Also ensure that you are equipped for hiking with a dog (many walks do not have watering points along the route for example).
Make sure you check with the walk leader beforehand if you intend to bring a dog, please do not just turn up on the day hoping that there will be no problems - some walks are simply not suitable for dogs. If a dog does cause a problem, the owner will be asked to leave the dog at home for future walks.
What if I haven't got a car?
We usually aim to start the walk near a public transport starting point. If the walk is further afield we will aim to have a car meet near a public transport start, so that lifts can be arranged or if this is not possible, and you need a lift please contact the walk leader, walks secretary or post a message on the message board to see if you can get a lift with someone from your area.
What other activities do you organise?
In addition to our monthly pub meet we have a broad range of social activities in the social diary managed by our social secretary. Members are always welcome to sugest social events but please note that all activities are undertaken at members' own risk!
Who runs the group?
The group is run entirely by its members, who offer their time (unpaid) to lead walks, organise social events and manage the group itself. A committee of five officers is elected every year at the December AGM, which then meets regularly to manage the smooth operation of the group and its ongoing development. For more on each of the committee officers and those currently in office see the committee page.
