What we do
Key contacts
Chair: Justin - fandhchair@gmail.com
Secretary: Jenny - jenniferpitkin2000@hotmail.com
Membership: Liz - fhmemsec@gmail.com
Treasurer: Jane - jane.gibs@gmail.com
Walks: Stella - stellajane100@gmail.com
Walks
We aim to put on weekly walks; new walks continue to be added to our programme, so do check back for updates.
If you are planning to join us, or want to know more about walks, check out these FAQ's:
Finchley & Hornsey (F&H) Ramblers – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join Ramblers?
Visit the main Ramblers website www.ramblers.org.uk or the website for Finchley & Hornsey viz: www.ramblers.org.uk/finchley-hornsey. Scroll down the page to see the options for joining. You can also download and use the Ramblers App. NB there is a discount for taking out a Direct Debit.
In what area are the F&H walks?
Walks are mostly circular in the Chilterns, Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties. We suggest you check the F&H website or Ramblers App frequently, since new walks can be posted at short notice
How long are the walks and on what days are they scheduled?
Walks vary in length from about 5 to 10+ miles and average 2 miles per hour, including stops. The start time is usually 10.30am – but check the website for details. Walks take place at weekends, normally every Sunday, but also occasionally on weekdays, usually Wednesdays.
What is the age range for Ramblers F&H Group?
All ages are welcome (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Currently, most members in the Group are over 50.
How do I get to the start of a walk?
Many of our walks are accessible by public transport (bus, rail or tube). If not, and you don’t have a car, you can usually arrange to carshare with another member.
What do I need to bring on a walk?
A good pair of walking boots/shoes, waterproof jacket & walking trousers (not jeans), a warm fleece and a backpack with a drink and food/snacks for lunch. A walking pole (or two) is also a good idea, especially if it likely to be muddy or icy. NB Members can also bring their dogs on Ramblers walks.
Can I try out any walks with Ramblers beforehand?
You can try out up to 2/3 walks before being required to take out formal membership. Once you are a fully paid-up member, and if you have a smartphone, you can join the F&H WhatsApp group to access useful information, such as changes to walks, lifts and photos.
Do I need to inform anyone in the F&H Group if I am intending to come on a walk?
It would probably be a good idea to email or call the walk leader (contact details on the website entry) to let them know if you are intending to join a walk.
What information can I expect to receive once I join Ramblers?
You will be sent a Newsletter from Ramblers Central Office once a month, and a Newsletter from F&H Group four times a year. These will be sent by email, if you have one. If not, F&H Group will post their Newsletter to you. In addition, you will receive Walk magazine by post from Head Office. The F&H Group is part of Ramblers Hertfordshire & North Middlesex area and you will also receive a copy of Stile magazine twice a year by post.
Does Ramblers run holidays?
The F&H Group normally runs two holidays a year – one in the spring/early summer and one in the autumn (usually September). The walk leaders plan the itinerary, but each individual member is responsible for booking their own accommodation. For worldwide holidays, visit the website www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Ramble Worldwide is a walking holiday company closely associated with the Ramblers.
Read the latest Letter from our Chair - July 2025:
Dear Members
Heatwaves haven’t prevented us from enjoying a succession of fine walks every (or almost every)weekend. In spite of the programme being thinner than we’d like, there’s been plenty of variety and what we do manage is consistently top quality. Well done everyone!
Some walks are taking place on Saturdays in the hope of attracting people who can’t make Sundays; feedback on this is welcomed.
The social front
New ideas are being floated, but for this year we seem to be keeping to tradition. The Summer Solstice Walk and gourmet picnic took place as usual. Vivien Mallindine once again hosted a successful leaders’ party, for which meticulous planning and last-minute messaging paid off.
Catering was exquisite and almost all home-cooked. I doubt if many Groups eat and drink as well as we do.
Tenby (Pembrokeshire), 6-13 September (including travel days)
A reminder of our second trip this year – five full days of walking based in this picturesque coastal village; the walks programme to be circulated nearer the date.
Do let Stella 07952 252 750 or Julia 07803 892 496 know if you’d like to join us and they’ll sign you up to the dedicated WhatsApp group.
Travel tip: If you have a Freedom Pass, get the Elizabeth line to Reading and buy your ticket from there (a bit over £60 return with Senior Railcard); change at Cardiff. As always, check in advance for disruptions.
To leaders, practising and aspiring
Leadership training is now compulsory for leaders, unless they’ve led 12 walks in the last three years or have a certificate from Mountain Training. Reaction has been mixed; I do hope no potential leaders are put off – it’s only a couple of hours’ worth!
Meanwhile we hope to hold an evening Leaders’ Session in September (details to be confirmed) offering a chance to complete the training. There will also be advice on navigation, map reading and the like, and an introduction to leading, all depending on demand.
If you have any other ideas for topics, please let me know (see below).
Questions or suggestions?
Your Chair is always pleased to hear from you, whatever the subject. Email fandhchair@gmail.com or phone 07773 103 839.
Justin Lumley
Chair
The Walk Schedule for our holiday in Tenby is attached in the following link: