About Walking
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Walking is a healthy and highly enjoyable pastime that will take
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you to many beautiful and interesting places. The following notes
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will help you to get the maximum enjoyment from your walks with us.
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What to bring with you.
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A rucksack containing a packed lunch, drinking water, (a hot drink or soup can be a good idea in the cold weather), and a waterproof top garment. Depending on the season a sun hat is useful or for the winter an extra sweater or similar may be required if the temperature drops.
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Boots
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These are essential if you intend to come out on anything but the easiest walks on dry days. There are several types of boot but broadly speaking you will get leather or fabric, with or without breathable waterproof membranes. The cost will be anything between £25 and £135. Fabric boots are lighter and can be cheaper, but are less suitable for muddy and wet walking. Whatever you get make sure of a comfortable fit whilst wearing thick walking socks.
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Unless you are certain that you are going to walk regularly, it will pay you to buy a pair of cheaper boots - you can always upgrade a a later date. If you want more advice about what to buy or where to buy from, you may contact any committee member who will be pleased to advise you.
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Waterproofs
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A waterproof top should always be carried. Waterproof trousers are not essential if you don’t mind getting a bit wet occasionally! A top can cost between £15 up to £250 or even more. At the lower price the garment will probably be waterproof but will make you perspire when using it. As the price increases the “breathability” increases which can make them more comfortable. Again don’t be afraid to start cheaply but feel free to ask for advice.
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Other Clothing
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Jeans are NOT a good idea - denim soaks up water and takes forever to dry out. Use polycottons instead which dry quickly. Good walking trousers can be purchased for less than £15.
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Choosing a Walk
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The programme will tell you the mileage and the grading for each walk, also note the information that is printed on the back of the programme. If you want further information about the walk, do not hesitate to contact the walk leader. The telephone number of the leader is provided for each walk.
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If you are on your own or if there are just two of you then it is often possible to double up with other members and share the petrol costs - ask at the start.
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Remember the object of walking with Halesowen Ramblers is to enjoy the walking and the countryside
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