Walking with us
Children under 18 and vulnerable adults are allowed on walks provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs are not permitted on walks, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
Finding a Walk to Join
All walks by Solihull Ramblers can be found on this Solihull Ramblers website. The Home page will show you the next few walks but the Walk Programme tab will show you all planned walks by Solihull Ramblers. We have a very varied programme, typically three or four walks a week. Click on a walk that interests you from the list on this page or on the Walks Programme page for more details. If you use the main Ramblers website you will also be able to find walks by other Ramblers groups.
Preparing to Join a Walk
Our walks are graded by difficulty - see below. Walk grades are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance. Bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned. For various reasons a walk could be longer or take longer than expected or planned.
Be prepared:
- Read information on the walk carefully
- If you are unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first - it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted
- Make sure you have suitable footwear and clothing for the type of walk and for the expected conditions.
- Check the weather forecast to ensure you are prepared
- Carry your own basic first-aid kit and any medication that maybe required
- Walkers are also asked to carry a card with emergency contact details and any health issues preferably in the top pocket of their rucksack
- Bring plenty of food and drink
Car Sharing
Local meeting points in Solihull are now being added for some walks. Turn up at the stated meeting point well before the start time where you can car share by driving others or by having a lift in somebody else's car.
Suggested donations for car sharing:
- Less than 20 miles round trip £3
- 20 to 60 miles round trip £6
- 60 to 100 miles round trip £8
- More than 100 miles round trip £12
For those drivers who feel they do not need the money consider donating to a charity of your choice.
Start of the Walk
Please arrive in plenty of time as all our walks leave punctually.
On the Walk
We have many members with years of experience, who appreciate the benefit of friendship formed through our activities, not just swapping small-talk and general catch-up, but gaining (and giving) advice about walking. Although walking is one of the safest outdoor activities, it is not completely without risk so remember that whilst walking and talking there is the potential for accidents and it is each walker’s responsibility to behave sensibly and with consideration for others so that the potential for accidents is minimised.
On the walk there are some basic rules we ask you to follow:
- Please help the volunteer walk leaders by listening to and following their guidance before and during the walk
- Please report any accident or injury to the walk leader (Remember - you should be carrying your own ‘first aid’ or personal medication requirements - do not rely on others to carry appropriate medication).
- If there are any issues which the walk leader should know e.g. health issues, deafness please inform them at the start of the walk
- If you intend, or may have, to leave the walk at any point; please make sure the leader is aware of it, preferably before the walk.
- Keep in sight of walkers both in front and behind. Please do not walk ahead of the leader or behind the designated backmarker.
- If you need to drop behind the group for a comfort stop, make sure the backmarker is aware; also let the leader or backmarker know if you are having any difficulty in keeping-up.
- Walking on roads should be in single file on the right hand side of the road except on blind corners
- When crossing roads or railway lines please look out - this may involve a break in conversation!
- Pubs and cafes: if you use the facilities of a pub or café (e.g. for car-parking or toilets) please buy a drink or food. Muddy boots should be covered with boot covers or removed
Grades of Walks
Easy Access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections, please contact the group running the walk for details.
Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn if weather is fine and dry underfoot.
Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the organiser or leader in advance.
Technical - walks for experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills. May require scrambling and use of ice axes or crampons. You must contact the organiser or leader in advance for further details.