Picking your walk

Once the buses depart from North Shields, descriptions of the walks will be circulated around the bus.  To speed up the circulation of walks, which can be problematic on the shorter trips, leaders’ planned walks are shown below where available.

The style used and amount of information provided by each leader does vary but a good basis for comparison is the mileage planned combined with the height gained and the total descents.  Don’t just look at the distances involved. Shorter walks with greater ascent can be far more difficult, especially in the Lake District.

If you want to see exactly where each walk is going then you’ll need the relevant ordnance survey map to compare with the walk description.

If you are not an experienced fell walker then start by choosing a walk that is less demanding than you think you are capable of and build up your level on subsequent walks. Walking on the hills and fells is far more demanding than walking on man made surfaces.

If in doubt ask for advice  

Covid risk mitigation guidance

The guidance for the Summer programme is:

  • Ensure that you are fully vaccinated, including all booster jabs available to you.
  • Carry hand sanitiser, and use it.
  • Wear a face covering or mask on the buses 

Whilst there are no guarantees, your committee believes that following this guidance reduces the risk, from respiratory viruses, for all members.

Safety and Equipment

Being properly prepared will not only aid your enjoyment but is important to your safety.

Only you can judge the level of equipment you need but, if a walk leader thinks you are not properly equipped, they may not allow you on their walk.

Base your decisions on the walk intended and the conditions on the day. 

Please familiarise yourself with the safety guidelines and equipment guide.

Basic requirements are proper walking footwear, suitable clothing for the weather, waterproofs and sufficent food and drink for the day.

Always carry your “In Case of Emergency Card” in the most accessible pocket (usually the top pocket) of your rucksack, giving contact names and numbers, medical information etc. in case you are taken ill or have an accident.

Safety and Walk Etiquette

For everybody to have a good day, it is important to be considerate for the needs of your fellow walkers and those who live and work in the countryside we enjoy.  Know the Countryside Code

Once the walk is under way introduce yourself to the walk leader.  Thereafter do all you can to make the leaders task as easy as possible.  Keep with your group, neither too far in front nor too far behind and, if you need a short pause, make sure the group knows to wait for you.

If you are struggling with the walk then make sure your leader knows so that they can adjust their plans if possible.

Starting your walk

Individual walks are referred to by the name of the leader, e.g. “Jo’s Walk”, so remember whose walk you want to go on.

Once the walks have been circulated, the sequence of the walks getting off the bus, the pub that we will gather in after the walk and the departure time will be announced.  Make a note of the pub name.

Just before each bus  drop-off it will be announced which leader is about to get off.  Get off at the same time as your leader!

Above all – enjoy your walk