Guidance for Walking with the group

Please read this page before you decide to come along to any of our organised walks. It contains important information that should ensure you enjoy our walks safely and comfortably.


How to book

Anyone who wants to go on a walk should contact our Booking Secretary via email at
walkbookings@fillyaboots.org.uk in the first instance.

Your email must include:

• Walk title & walk number
• Your full name
• Contact phone number
• Membership number (if you are not yet a member, please state this in your email)

• Where you would like to be picked up (see pick up points section below)
• What method of payment you wish to use (e.g. cheque or bank transfer)

If you do not provide these details you may not receive a reply to your enquiry.

Minibus Payments

If there is space on the minibus we will provide further details of how and where to send your payment.

• Cheques are made payable to "Ramblers Association (LL6)". Please write on the reverse your name & which walk you wish to book.
  
  
• Bank transfers (over the internet) please ensure you use a reference so we know who the payment is from and which walk it is for.

Your payment must reach us at least two weeks in advance of the walk to avoid disappointment. Seats will not be held in reserve if payment is not received by this time nor will any payment reminders be sent out.

Cancellation

If you find you are unable to attend a walk please contact the Booking Secretary first to see if there is a reserve list, if not you can try to sell your place to another walker. Feel free to use our message board for this purpose. Bookings are non-refundable. Please email our Booking Secretary if there is to be a change of name used in original booking.

Additional Information

Our Booking Sec. will not be available after 6pm on the Friday before a walk, so if you need to inform us of anything, e.g. cancellation, please let us know before the deadline. Any contact after that time should be directed to the walk leader. Those people who are included on our reserve lists will be notified as soon as possible, should any places become available. These payments can be made on the day of a walk & are the only exceptions to our rule.

We appreciate all walkers adhering to these simple rules to ensure the continued delivery of our programme of walks.

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What to bring

If you haven't been rambling before, you may not be sure of what equipment you will need. Here is some guidance:

• Walking boots (Correct walking footwear is essential. Trainers or high heels are not suitable or safe. Those wearing unsuitable footwear will not be allowed to join the walk.)
  
  
• Waterproof Jacket (May be required at any time of year! Waterproof over-trousers are also useful in winter)
  
  
• Water bottle (You will need at least 2 litres during high summer. Dehydration in summer is a common mistake)
  
  
• Packed lunch (We usually stop en route for a picnic lunch)
  
  
• Rucksack (Big enough for your water bottle, lunch box and to store layers of clothing when not in use)
  
  
• Sun protection, such as a brimmed hat and good quality sun cream, is necessary in the spring and summer.
  
  
• If you suffer from hay-fever, don't forget to bring your medication!
  
  
• A quick change of clothes makes the trip home more comfortable.
  
  
• A good breakfast in the morning
  

Some of our mountain walks require extra items

• Extra food and water
  
  
• First Aid Kit, whistle and torch
  
  
• Check weather and bring appropriate clothing
  
  
• Trekking poles are advisable

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Walk Rules

• Walkers must respect the leader & the whipper-in. For safety reasons, walkers must not walk in front of the leader or fall behind the whipper-in.

• Those walkers wishing to leave the group mid-walk must inform the leader of their intention.

• Smoking is not allowed on coaches and is only allowed when car sharing with the permission of the car owner. The same applies with drinking.

• All walkers are requested to respect the countryside and adhere to the Countryside Code at all times.

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Pick-up Points

Pick up points for walks at the following locations:

For North based walks such as the Lake District, all three stops; Birkenhead, Liverpool and Old Roan are typically used.
For Southern based walks such as Snowdonia, Liverpool and Birkenhead stops are used.

Please see individual walks for specific times and places.

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Car-Sharing

Car drivers often volunteer to share their cars with others when the minibus is full and to reduce travel costs. For any events involving car-sharing, it is common courtesy to share the travel costs between the car driver and any other passengers. Please ensure that you remember to bring sufficient funds to cover any costs. These are often planned at the new members social night and notices are often posted on the message forum.

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Pets

Dogs are allowed on walks with the exception of minibus/coach journeys. If car sharing, the dog owner should check with car owner for permission. Dogs must always be kept on a lead.

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Safety Rules (Group Insurers Policy)

"All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and walking is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise." - Group Insurers Policy.

In addition, all walkers should carry IDs, medical information and contact numbers in case of any incident. It is important that walkers carry their own first aid kit.

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Personal Property

Merseyside Young Walkers 20-30s+ does not accept liability for lost or stolen property of walkers.