How long will my membership pack take to arrive?
Our Membership Administration team is constantly processing membership applications which come in from a variety of sources. We therefore normally quote between ten and fourteen working days between the date that your membership application is received by us and the date that you receive your new member pack in the post.
When will my membership start?
Your membership will start from the day on which it is processed at the Ramblers office. If you are joining by Direct Debit, you enjoy an extra month’s membership completely free – 13 months for the price of 12. This free month is offered at the beginning of your membership, so for example, if you joined in July 2008, your first annual subscription would be taken in August 2008. Your membership would then be up for renewal in August 2009. We will confirm the date and amount to be debited in your new member pack.
Can I buy membership as a gift?
It is possible to purchase membership of the Ramblers’ Association for someone other than yourself. Many people choose to do this for a friend or family member who loves walking and is celebrating a certain occasion (e.g. birthday, Christmas or retirement). You can choose who the gift pack is delivered to and specify a personal message to be included in the pack.
Buy gift membership online or call us on 020 8339 8573.
If I join the RA, can I walk with any group?
Yes – when you join, you become a member of the whole charity, not just a specific local group. In the first instance, you are assigned to a group on the basis of your postcode, unless you indicate otherwise. While you are free to walk with every Ramblers group, you will only receive regular programmes from one group.
Because the walks of the 480 groups throughout the UK are run by volunteers, there will undoubtedly be variations in what each has to offer. Groups are encouraged to cover a range of lengths and terrains in their walks programmes, but it is understandable that they often focus on what they are experienced at. The best advice is to try out all the local groups in your area to find the best one for you and then, if you would like to switch the group you are affiliated to, contact us on 020 7339 8595.
Are there any groups for people with young children?
There are a small number of groups that cater for families and we hope to encourage more. We believe walking has a vital part to play in the fight against both adult and childhood obesity and are keen to build this into our future plans. We are currently researching the most effective ways of doing this and are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create a network of family groups.
Find family-friendly Ramblers walks
How does the map library service work?
The Ramblers main office holds the complete range of Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25 000 and Landranger 1:50 000 maps. These are available for loan to members only for a small fee (weatherproof: £1, and paper: 50p per map, at October 2008), plus post and packaging. These rates cover a hire period of four weeks from the date of issue and a maximum of ten maps may be borrowed at any one time.
Order maps online
