Please read our RULES AND GUIDANCE below for walking with us. This is for your safety and for the safety of our walk leaders and other walkers.
Read more about our Walk Leaders.
1. There is no membership and all walks are FREE.
The main purpose of our walks are to enjoy the great outdoors, get a little fitter and to make new friends. Walking with other people is usually better than on your own so please, don’t be shy, have a chat and get to know your fellow walkers!!!
We really are a lovely bunch.
2. BE PREPARED – If you decide to take part in one of our walks, you are responsible for your own welfare. Walk leaders, organisers and Sowerby Walkers and Ramblers will accept no liability for any injuries incurred on our walks.
By walking with us, you will take full responsibility for your own welfare.
3. PLANNING – The walk leaders will outline the route beforehand but it is your responsibility to decide if you will walk with us. If you join us for a walk, please assess the route and the weather before you set off to ensure you can complete the walk safely and within your own personal limitations.
Please avoid walking by yourself and stay within an audible distance from the group in case of emergency.
4. THE ROUTE may be subject to change en-route. This will depend on the weather, the conditions under foot and the limitations of our walkers. If you do need to abort the walk en-route, please always let the walk leader know and we will advise you of the quickest and safest route to an accessible area. It will be your responsibility to get yourself home.
Some walks will be challenging and the weather and terrain play an important part of the day. Some walks will also entail some steep hills so you need to be prepared for any eventuality when walking with us.
Occasionally we will need to walk on a road so always walk against the flow of traffic on the right so you can see what is coming towards you. Walk in single file and ensure you are safe.
5. FITNESS AND ILLNESS – If you haven’t walked for a while or are recovering from an illness, you will need to read the route description carefully to assess the viability of the walk for you. Please let the walk leader privately know if this is the case or if you have any relevant medical conditions which may arise during the walk or could affect your ability to complete the walk safely.
6. CHILDREN under 12 are not allowed to join us. Children between the ages of 12 – 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, parent or guardian and must walk in close proximity to them for their own safety.
7. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT – Please bring the appropriate clothing and equipment when you walk with us.
You will need lots of layers, warm and waterproof clothing, hats for both warmth and sun protection, good walking boots and a variety of food and plenty to drink. You should also bring a fully charged phone, a torch and spare clothes, just in case.
Sticks are especially helpful because they ease the strain on the knees. During the winter months, paths are obviously more challenging and involve a lot more boggy ground with slippery surfaces.
8. PHOTOGRAPHS – We will take photos on our walks and post them on Facebook and on our WhatsApp Group. If you do not want to be photographed, please let the walk leader know. We want to encourage other walkers to join us so we use social media to promote our walks!!
9. DOGS are allowed, however some walks may be inappropriate so please check before you join us. They must be on a lead though because we will walk in fields with livestock. They must also be able to walk safely with other dogs and with lots of people around.
10. SOCIAL MEDIA – Please do not post anything on our Facebook pages or WhatsApp group which is not related specifically to our walks. We do not want posts on social media advertising goods or services. Those who do post so will be banned without exception and the posts removed immediately.
Lastly, we will not tolerate abusive or threatening messages on social media or on our walks. If you do post anything inappropriate, offensive or rude, you will be asked to leave the group and will be removed from our social media channels.
If you need any help or guidance on this, please ask one of our lovely walk leaders.
Finally, if you have any questions, please message us on WhatsApp and we will respond.
All photos have been supplied by our walkers and have given their permission for us to use them.
What Equipment Will I Need?
Walking in the UK can be unpredictable, so please come prepared on our walks.
“Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best”
Please do not underestimate the great British weather or that accidents will happen. Being unprepared in these situations can endanger you, your fellow walkers and the walk leaders so please ensure you are well prepared especially on our longer, more challenging walks.
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers – These can range from very cheap to very expensive but when shopping, make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant’ – there’s a big difference in a downpour!
Walking Trousers – if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Please do not walk in jeans as these soak up a lot of water and are stifling on a hot day.
Walking Boots / shoes & Socks – A good pair of walking boots or shoes which you’ve tested out in advance. Ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Proper walking socks have more padding or re-enforcement and are designed to wick away sweat – again, it’s a good idea to have tried them out in advance.
Rucksack / Backpack – To carry your spare clothing, food, water and other items. 30 litres capacity is a good bet for most people, but the size of your bag will be determined by the amount you personally need and wish to carry. Visit your local outdoor shop for advice and to try different brands and sizes.
Dry Bags – we recommend a waterproof backpack cover, or use of dry bags to keep your kit dry – these come in different sizes and can be used for everything from cameras to jumpers. Plastic bags also work, but are liable to tear.
Warm Clothes (layers advised) – A t-shirt or technical baselayer to wear next to your skin, under your other layers (see below). We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, often rubs, and doesn’t dry easily. A synthetic option is a good idea, or if you get cold easily you may want to try wool. Fleece/Jumper – a couple more layers to keep you warm. You may want both thick and thin options if it’s a cold day, or you’re doing a high-level walk.
Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) – You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm – a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months, due to the unpredictability of our weather.
Food & Lots of Fluid – Don’t forget to pack your lunch and whatever snacks will help keep you fuelled up. In terms of water, 1.5 litres of water is suitable for a normal day walk, or 2-3 litres if you’re on a longer walk.
Personal First Aid Kit – Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!). All of our walk leaders are first-aid trained and will carry a first aid kit.
Head Torch – An essential piece of kit throughout the year – Please also bring spare batteries. This must be a head torch, not the torch on your mobile phone!
Mobile Phone – Please ensure this is fully charged and you have a back up source to charge for longer walks. If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your walk leader by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it’s always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.
Also, please ensure you have your ICE (in case of emergency) contacts in your phone or on you in one form or another so we can contact them in an emergency.
Money (mix of card and cash advised) – If for any reason you need to leave the group (e.g. in case of injury or emergency) you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to the meeting location/to your accommodation/for onward travel. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have some pennies with you if we pass a tempting pub, tearoom, or souvenir stop! It’s useful to have both cash and a credit/debit card with you.
Walking Poles – Many people find these useful for spreading the effort required to go uphill and reduce joint impact going downhill. It’s a good idea to test these out before as some people find they take a bit of getting used to!
Sun Cream – The Great British weather can be changeable and sunburn can occur even on cloudy days – especially at higher altitudes and on/near the sea.
Midge Spray – A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up!
Gaiters – These close the gap between your boots and trousers, help keep your feet dry and keep dirt out of your boots.
Sit Mat – A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break.
That is it, you are good to go. Common sense prevails of course. You may not need everything on this list for a short amble but it is worth being prepared for what the weather and terrain throws at you.
Active Calderdale
Active Calderdale
Sowerby Walkers and Ramblers are delighted to be supported by Active Calderdale who have been instrumental in our growth and development by providing fabulous advice and financial support.
More info on how you can keep active and improve your physical and mental health can be found here – Active Calderdale
Sowerby Walkers and Ramblers 