Q&A

Where walks are described as 'brisk'. The actual pace will be according to who turns up for the walk and the pace will be according to the pace of the majority. If anyone finds the pace too fast, this will usually be established early on in the walk so they can turn back. Please let someone know when abandoning, and if in a large group, the leader may be some way ahead, and the information needs to pass on to the leader as soon as possible.

The walk leader must be notified. If someone needs to drop out it is important that the person knows where they are and can confidently get to a road to be collected by a friend, taxi, or public transport. It may be necessary for another walker, confident with the area and mapping, to drop out as well to help out. Please be prepared for these rare situations and be helpful if somebody else is in need. Many walkers use mapping apps on their phones which will help with navigation. The Walk Leader will also have a paper copy of the route and a compass as a back-up.  Don't worry, you won't get abandoned!

There will inevitably be times when someone gets caught-short. If someone needs a comfort-break where there is cover, especially in woodland, they should let someone know they are hanging back for a comfort-break so they will not be left behind. We are grateful for plentiful holly bushes in woods in the Chilterns which give cover even in winter when other leaves have dropped! Follow the countryside code, no litter please. 

Depends on the season. Be aware of recent rainfall which indicates there will be mud and check the weather forecast. Normally best to wear layers which can be removed and carried, together with a water bottle, in a small to medium sized rucksack (18L normally sufficient). Trainers may be ok in dry weather but perform poorly in muddy conditions, especially on bridleways where we share paths with horses. With new walking boots, wear them indoors for a while in case you need to exchange them for a more comfortable pair. Too big is better than too small (especially if it's cold) but a good fit is best. If rain is forecast you should bring a preferably light-weight breathable wind+water-proof coat over other layers which can be packed up tightly into a rucksack . A bulky, heavy coat can be a burden to carry. When walking on a cold frosty day, with sunshine it is actually possible to get over-heated. Coat, sunglasses, sunhats, wooly hats, gloves or mittens,  gaiters, waterproof trousers or umbrella, all to be decided upon according to the temperature, weather and other conditions. Walking poles give extra stability to many walkers, especially on slopes. If in doubt, discuss with others who are familiar with walking or contact the walk leader in advance.

The walk-leader will stop periodically, usually at gates or stiles to do a head-count and pause at junctions to ensure nobody misses a turn. (The general pattern is to continue straight on unless directed not to). Large groups will have a designated 'Back-Marker' who will be on the look-out to help any stragglers. Be cautioned about marching on ahead of the walk leader, you may miss a turn!

Booking is not required at the moment but if walks become very popular in future we may need to introduce booking or stop inviting new walkers to a regular walk routine. Feel free to get in touch and introduce yourself by sending an email to alancooper@chilternhillwalks.co.uk

Well behaved dogs are welcome. They must not be a nuisance to people, other dogs, the countryside, farmland, people's properties (as footpaths can pass through and alongside them) and roads we walk along or cross. Sometimes it will be essential to have most or all dogs on leads. Please comply with the wishes of the walk-leader but the walk-leader is not responsible for you or your dog. Your dog is your responsibility and any incident will be between you and whoever or whatever is affected. You are responsible for any insurance you may feel is required.  The intention is that dogs are welcome to bring a positive experience to everyone on the walk and others who we meet as we walk. It is up to you to consider the risks and to mitigate them as far as possible, without being so restrictive that our responsible freedoms are impeded.

Walk leaders do not necessarily have any walking or first aid qualifications. If you walk on these walks please consider it as walking with friends, not necessarily with a first-aider. The leader will be an experienced walker who takes care not to lose anyone being led, is experienced with fields containing cows and horses and will have done the walk before and is familiar with the area or at least have good map-reading skills, the ability to communicate and be able to guide on that basis.  Read the walk description and make your own decision as to whether a walk will be suitable, but bear in mind that there may be a variety of opinions and perspectives about the use of adjectives such as steep, slippery, muddy, etc, so allow leeway for subjectivity.

If you are interested in leading walks it is best to do some training.  Ramblers have some good resources, including the excellent and concise Ramblers Walk Leaders Handbook as well as other, more in-depth resources. 

An example of being well prepared, implementing a 'dynamic risk assessment' is to have a flashing light at the front and back of a group ready to use if there is risk of walking along a road in fog or in the dark, or, especially in winter, where drivers can be blinded by low-level sunlight. There are times when walking along a quiet road is the only route between two off-road paths and cars can be one of the most serious hazards to walkers.

Chiltern Hill Walks is independent of the Ramblers.

You could be killed. So please take care, especially when crossing roads. Pause your conversations and concentrate so everyone crosses safely.