Notes for Walkers
We aim to provide a variety of walks each week to suit a range of aspirations and abilities. The following notes should help you to enjoy your walks with us.
Walk Gradings
Each walk in the programme is given a grading to help members choose a suitable walk. If any further information about a walk is required then members should contact the walk leader or email the Rambles Committee .
Easy – Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. May be suitable for pushchairs – please contact the walks leader. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
Intermediate – Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Mainly on unsurfaced rural paths and may involve some sustained ascents and descents. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
Moderate – Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. Likely to include rough terrain with steep climbs and descents and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Strenuous – More challenging walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. Will include steep hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance.
The mileage is given separately and is not a part of the walk grading, which is solely concerned with the terrain and pace. Thus you could have a 10 mile intermediate or an 8 mile strenuous. However, longer walks are likely to be at a faster pace if only because of time constraints, particularly in winter.
Important. Remenber these grades are provided as a general guide only and a longer walk will seem harder, as will a walk on rough paths or in bad weather: if you have any doubts about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the leader in advance. If you’re unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first as it’s much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.
- Bring a packed lunch and sufficient drink (hot in winter).
- If you have a medical condition, or any concerns about the suitability of the walk please contact the walk leader or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. beforehand. - Please do not walk in front of the leader. If you do get ahead, make sure you wait at any path junction. The leader will have planned the route and pace and will change these only if exceptional circumstances demand it. If you wish to leave the walk at any time please inform the leader.
- Please take care when carrying or using walking poles as they can be a hazard to others.
- The Ramblers and the Ramblers Sheffield Group cannot be held responsible for personal accident or injury or for any last minute changes or cancellations to bus/train times or services..
- Non members should apply for membership after three walks (non members are not covered by the RA third party insurance after the three walk trial period)
Can I bring my dog?
The walk description will always say whether a walk is dog-friendly. Where walks are dog-friendly.you will be required to keep your dog under control and you may need to keep your dog on a short lead - you will be advised by your walk leader when this is needed.
Getting to our walks
We try to be 'green' and minimise our use of cars. Our group is keen to support sustainable public transport in the countryside, and so nearly all walks are planned to fit in with public transport from Sheffield. Apart from a very occasional car ramble, all our walks start and end at a bus, tram or train stop. So, if you don’t have a car, no problem!
Please check the website the day (or evening) before the walk to ensure there have not been any last minute changes – especially to transport times.
Please check the walk description for details. Buses depart from Sheffield Transport Interchange unless otherwise stated, and trains from Sheffield Midland Station. Trams leave from the stop given. Check all departure times beforehand.
South Yorkshire (buses and trams) – 01709 515151
Derbyshire (buses) – 01298 23098 or www.derbyshire.gov.uk (follow links to 'Transport')
Rail Enquiries Bureau – 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk
or see the Travel South Yorkshire web site
If a service is withdrawn or cancelled meet at the place and time given for public transport and an alternative ramble will be organised.