What to expect when you join a Ramblers group walk
You’ll receive a warm welcome, follow a well-planned route and walk in good company.

A Ramblers group walk is a great way to get out exploring. Here’s what to expect when you join us.
We’re Britain’s biggest and most vibrant walking community with 500 groups across England, Scotland and Wales. These include a growing number for younger walkers so there’s bound to be a group nearby to suit you. Being a member of the Ramblers means you can walk with multiple groups where you live or explore somewhere new while you’re away. It opens up a wealth of walking experiences: discover different types of walks, meet new people, and walk on different days, wherever you are.
Walk in good company
You’ll get a warm welcome from our experienced walk leaders and like-minded walkers in the groups. Striding out together along tried-and-tested routes means we can all enjoy the pleasures of walking, safely and in good company.
However you want to walk
You don’t have to be the fittest or the fastest to join in. From walking and talking to hardcore hiking – however you feel like getting out, you’ll find a group walk just right for you. Fancy an hour-long urban stroll or want to tackle an all-day hike in some of the most remote and beautiful countryside? All our walks are graded from easy to technical, so you won’t get caught out!
Get out walking all year round
Our groups go out all year round; some of us are fair-weather walkers, others are out walking come rain or shine. And many groups organise several walks a week: at weekends, on weekdays and in the summer evenings. So there are plenty of opportunities to walk together.
Walk as often as you want
As a member and you’ll be able to join Ramblers group walks as often as you like, and wherever you want to explore. With up to 50,000 group walks open to you, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Common questions
It’s normal to have some questions ahead of joining your first Ramblers group walk. Read on for some of the most common things we are asked. But if you still have questions, the walk leader’s details will be provided as part of the walk details so feel free to contact them.
What should I bring?
Often it’ll be down to common sense: be sure to wear the right footwear, bring a drink and check the weather before choosing your clothing. Depending on how long you’ll be out or how far you’re walking, you might want to bring a snack too. If you’re joining us for the first time, the walk leader will be happy to hear from you beforehand to answer any questions.
Are dogs welcome?
We know many of you enjoy walking with your four-legged friends, so we encourage our walking groups to welcome dogs. Of course, some routes aren’t ideal for dogs, like walks which go near farm animals, so your dog might have to sit that one out. Always check with your walk leader before bringing Benji or Rover along.
Naturally, assistance dogs are welcome. Again, please check with your walk leader in advance that the terrain is suitable for an assistance dog – we’ll never compromise your safety. If it isn’t safe for you to both join us, our volunteers will explore other options so you can still walk with us.
Can my family join me?
You’re welcome to invite a friend, partner or relative to join you on a Ramblers walk. They can enjoy a complimentary walk, and if they enjoy it, they may wish to consider becoming a member too. Under 18s are welcome on walks when they come along with a responsible adult. Some of our walks are especially fun for families with young children too; there are lots of great places you can take a pushchair without any problems.
How long and how fast are Ramblers walks?
With up to 50,000 group walks a year, there you’ll find short and long options plus slower and faster paced walks. Normally the walk description will include these details but if you are unsure, feel free to contact the walk leader.
Try a taster walk, free of charge
Why not come along to a group walk and see what it’s like for yourself? Join us for a complimentary taster walk to get a feel of things. Simply find a walk that appeals to you and meet the group at the start point. There’s no need to book and no forms to complete. But you are welcome to contact the walk leader in advance if you have any questions.
Find a nearby group walk and we look forward to seeing you sometime soon.