Here are answers to the most
commonly asked questions about our group. If you cannot find
the answer you are looking for then please contact the
Do I
need to be a member of the Ramblers Association
? Yes, but not immediately. Most people come on two or three walks
before joining the group officially so there is no problem
your coming on a walk to try the group out and we'd be
happy to see you there. If you decide you wish to
continue walking with the group after this though you must join.
Do I
need to do anything before coming on my first
walk ? No, but you might wish to contact the walk
leader first so they know to look out for you, all
contact names & telephone numbers are on the walks
calendar.
I don't have a
car, can I get a lift to the start of
a walk ?
Whilst we strongly
encourage car sharing wherever possible it is
not practical for walk leaders or the committee to secure
lifts for
those without cars.
The members area of our
Message Board has a "lifts requested and offered" thread
specifically for this purpose. If you are not yet a member of
the group you can use the visitors area of the Message Board
to request if anyone would be willing to give you a
lift. If at all possible try to make a walk that can be
reached by public transport or bicycle and chat to a few
people to see if anyone is, or knows someone, from your
area so might be willing to offer a lift
to you in future.
Do I have to
be between 20 to 39 to join this group?
No. Whilst this walking group was initiated to cater for people in their
20's and 30's, the membership also includes 40's. To cater for this we
have now launched the Weekend Walkers group. Have a look at the
Weekend Walkers section of the website for more info.
How big is
the group? Formed in summer 2000 we now
have 140+ members.
What sort of clothing should I wear
and what sort of kit do I need for the walks
? Dress for the
conditions and
remember weather can change quickly. We would
recommend good comfortable walking boots, walking trousers and, depending on the
season, waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm clothing
with plenty of layers (fleece and base layer shirt), gloves and a hat.
Jeans are not a good idea as once wet they become pretty cold and
uncomfortable. Don't forget your packed lunch, water
(plus a hot flask in winter), some plasters for cuts & blisters
and a daysack to carry it all in. Getting kitted out need not cost a fortune. The Ramblers
Association has arranged discounts with many outdoors shops
for its members including Blacks, Millets and Cotswold Outdoor
for others see here.
Can I bring my dog on a
walk? Yes, normally, but it is
worth checking with the walk leader in case there may be a
restriction on dogs (particularly during lambing season) or
obstacles on the route. Dogs must be properly controlled
at all times, on a lead whenever there is livestock around and
are wholly your responsibility. Please don't forget to bring
extra drinking water for your dog too especially in hot
weather.
Are the walks only within
Oxfordshire? No.
Whilst we are an Oxfordshire based group we frequently stray
into the neighbouring counties especially with the vast
swathes of Cotswolds and Chilterns on our
doorstep.
Do I need to be very
fit? No. Walks
range from easy 4 mile strolls
through to more testing 26
mile hikes. Check the walk description to help you to decide.
Do I need to be able to read a
map? No. Each walk is led by a walk leader who
will guide you along the route. If you would like to learn about map reading and
navigation talk to your walk leader who can point you at
someone who can "buddy" with you to learn the skills so you
can be ready to lead a walk
yourself.
Do you just do walks? No, members
get to enjoy a variety of socials and weekends away. Weekends away so far have included Gower, Purbeck & The New Forest
including both Youth Hostels and camping. You can see pictures of our various weekends away in the Gallery.
Our trips are very
social and often include a BBQ and group pub meals as well as great walks in a different area of the country.
So, what socials have you done? So far these have included cinema and theatre nights,
ghost walks around Oxford, canal boat days, pub nights, Ice Skating, indian and chinese meals, concerts, Tapas nights, punting, summer games in the park,
horse riding, bowling evenings, Christmas partys & greyhound racing. Members are encouraged to suggest and organise any walks, socials or weekends away
that they would like.
those without cars.
The members area of our
Message Board has a "lifts requested and offered" thread
specifically for this purpose. If you are not 
remember weather can change quickly. We would
recommend good comfortable walking boots, walking trousers and, depending on the
season, waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm clothing
with plenty of layers (fleece and base layer shirt), gloves and a hat.
Jeans are not a good idea as once wet they become pretty cold and
uncomfortable. Don't forget your packed lunch, water
(plus a hot flask in winter), some plasters for cuts & blisters
and a daysack to carry it all in. Getting kitted out need not cost a fortune. The Ramblers
Association has arranged discounts with many outdoors shops
for its members including Blacks, Millets and Cotswold Outdoor
for others see 
Are the walks only within
Oxfordshire?
Our trips are very
social and often include a BBQ and group pub meals as well as great walks in a different area of the country.
