Annual Subscription
An annual membership subscription of £8.00 per year is payable and due on the 1st of January.
The money raised contributes towards the administration, insurance and programme printing costs, plus subscriptions and donations to organisations such as the Ramblers Association and various Mountain Rescue Teams.
Walk Guidelines
There are four types of organised walks that the Preston & District Walking Club offer.
Coach Walks
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A Walks - Usually 10 to 13 miles with no upper limit on the amount of climbing undertaken. |
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B Plus Walk - Around 7 to 10 miles with up to 2,500ft of climbing involved. |
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B Walk - Also around 7 to 10 miles but with a limit of 1,500ft of climbing. |
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These are 5 to 7 miles with up to 500ft of climbing. |
Sunday Car Walks
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These walks are organised every four weeks and always start at 10.30am
from a pre-designated start point, which is given in the programme of
events. The grades can vary depending on the terrain.
Members do not need to book for these walks. Just turn up at the start point on the day. |
Thursday Car Walks
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Just as with the Sunday Car Walks these are organised every four weeks
and always start at 10.30am from a predesignated start point which is
given in the programme of events.
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The walk grade is usually ‘B’ but can vary depending on the terrain. Members do not need to book for these walks. Just turn up at the start point on the day. |
Stroller Car Walks (Mid Week)
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Just as with the Car & Thursday Walks these are organised every four
weeks and always start at 10.30am from a pre-designated start point
which is given in the programme of events. The destination of each walk
provides a venue for drinks/snack/meal etc. The grade of mid-week walks
are 'S' The grade can vary depending on the terrain. Members do not need to book for these walks, just turn up at the start point on the day. |
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Walk grade ‘S’ is around 2 to 3 miles with little or no ascent. |
A Walkers Guide
Footwear
Stout walking type Boots and not Trainers as these can be very slippery in mud (See Stephen's article on this below). Thick socks are recommended for warmth and comfort.
Clothing
These should be in layers rather than a single thick layer to trap warm air, also a layer can be removed when hot. i.e. Tee shirt, sweat shirt, fleece etc. Jeans are not recommended (they absorb water and become stiff when wet). A good waterproof and wind proof jacket with over trousers are highly recommended.
Food
High energy foods are recommended (chocolate, nuts, fruit etc), as well as a normal packed lunch (low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, whilst low salt levels can cause cramp).
Drink
Plenty of liquids must be taken, fruit juices, water etc, are needed to supplement flasks of coffee or tea as these are diuretics (makes the body reduce fluid levels). The first sign of de-hydration is a headache.
Stick
A walking stick or pole although not essential, can prove very useful as a walking aid. Walking down hill (help prevent slipping) or feeling your way through bogs are just some of the uses.
Extras
First Aid Kit, Survival Bag, Whistle, Torch, Map and Compass are highly recommended, although not essential (walk leaders usually have these) unless walking on ones own.
Tip
Spare Clothing and Shoes left on the Coach or in the Car, will make the journey home much more comfortable than sitting in wet clothing.
Boot or Trainers
As a walk leader I have been asked many times if walkers can wear their trainers on C walks instead of walking boots. While I did not ban anyone from a C walk who turned up in trainers I strongly advised them to obtain a pair of good quality boots for their next outing. But now, since the advent of new materials and trainer development, it has become a question that is not easy to answer. Originally, trainers were just that, trainers, designed for sports activity where freedom of ankle movement was required while still supporting the foot. Nowadays some designs of trainers have evolved into walking shoes with some styles even offering waterproof protection thereby blurring the boundaries between training shoe and walking boot.
After being asked the same question again recently I had to think about the answer carefully before coming to the same conclusion. I offered an analogy that happened a few years ago. A group of walkers were enjoying their amble ramble when one young lady stumbled. It was a simple stumble as a rock moved unexpectedly beneath her but it was enough for her to fall and twist her ankle. She was wearing walking boots which provided good support. Had she been wearing trainers her injury could have been a lot worse and she may have needed support to return the three miles or so to base before having her injury looked at by a professional.
Boots may seem a bit of an over kill on some of the C walks but considering the protection they provide I still think they are an essential part of the walkers outfit. With good grip, waterproof materials and ankle support even an economy pair of walking boots are more suited to the terrain that can be encountered when out walking and with a little maintenance they will last for years and could save you a trip to A&E.
Stephen Watson