Walking Forum
Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Andies on 16:10:49, 23/10/20
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Should I renew, is it worth £49 for another year?
I joined a couple of years ago not because I was interested in group walks but rather to support the general aims. But despite nothing changing in terms of those aims and indeed my supporting them, do I actually think they're making much impact?
For example when I wanted some support on a local issue was it there. Well no it wasn't, the local footpath officer never even acknowledged my email. Consequently you take the view they're not interested......
I wonder how many on the forum are Ramblers as I don't recall many people referring to it?
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I'm not. Don't need em.
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Should I renew, is it worth £49 for another year?
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Good question!
I used to do most of my shopping for walking stuff at Cotswold Outdoor in Canterbury. I joined the LDWA, which gave me a 15% discount, and the savings paid for the membership many times over. But I lost interest in the LDWA and let my membership lapse. To get the same 15% discount, I joined the Ramblers. I quite liked the magazine and again the membership paid for itself.
But the Cotswold Outdoor shop in Canterbury closed down last year. Then I stopped visiting shops altogether when the lockdown started and I've still not been tempted back. I've been buying online from stores like Sports Direct, so the Ramblers discount has really become irrelevant to me.
I'm not interested at all in group walks, so the question is whether it's worth paying the subscription for the magazines... Decisions, decisions. :-\
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I am, for the social aspect of group walks and have made some good friends who share my enjoyment of the countryside. Incidentally, under current guidelines as organised 'sport' up to 30 are allowed on bona fide Ramblers walks, social distancing all the way, of course. In practice numbers are at the discretion of leaders and our group limits to about 10.
Membership also allows me to walk with any group. Not something I've made use of but living in a holiday area we often have visitors walking with us.
However, the clout that Ramblers has with regard to lobbying for rights of way etc. is far more important than the social aspect. A power perhaps demonstrated by the current agreement to allow numbers in excess of 6.
That you did not receive support from your local footpath officer surprises me. The local officer attached to our group is very committed.
BTW the £49 you quote is for joint membership, single is £36 (<10p per day).
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I don't belong to the Ramblers. I much prefer walking solo to walking with a group. I support work on issues to do with the countryside through my membership of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
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I wonder how many on the forum are Ramblers . . .
It's really my sort of thing.
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I'm in the Ramblers. I think it's good value and enjoy the odd walk with the Moorland group. Catching up with what they have all been up to as we walk. I also really enjoy leading a couple of walks each year. Our group are a competitive bunch, even the older members walk at a very respectable pace.
There are around 120 members in our group typically 10-20 on a Sunday walk. Less on the mid week walks. The various committee members are both active and approachable in their roles. A couple of years back we paid for a new clapper bridge across the Becca Brook near Holwell on Dartmoor. Should you ever cross that one it was us. ;)
The 15% off is a very good with the money I spend on Climbing gear and the odd bit of walking gear. Though we get it with a National trust as well, along with free parking on the SWCP. O0
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Just thought I'd mention, at Blacks shops you get 10% off with a National Trust memb card. Not sure what's happening to their shops now though.
I'm not in Ramblers. Pre covid and hopefully post, I lead a U3A rambling group. A number of our members are also in Ramblers. They are indeed an effective force for national lobbying, but I'm not sure about their recommendation of up to 30 on a ramble, through some sort of legal loophole.
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There are around 120 members in our group typically 10-20 on a Sunday walk. Less on the mid week walks. The various committee members are both active and approachable in their roles. A couple of years back we paid for a new clapper bridge across the Becca Brook near Holwell on Dartmoor. Should you ever cross that one it was us. ;)
O0 for the new clapper bridge (though in my eyes it is not a thing of beauty)
In more normal times group members also work on a volunteer basis with Dartmoor National Park on various projects like keeping paths open - the connection being between the DNP and the Ramblers group.
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Regarding discounts at shops, I have in the past simply asked for a discount (on anything) and often got it. Definitely when a shop somewhere else (where you don't want to buy it) sells it cheaper. I do the same for broadband when my contract expires (I always get a discount) and used to do it for car insurance too.
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Sorry, I've never felt the need to join the Ramblers. I'm keen on access to the countryside and do voluntary work etc as well as a stint on our Local Access Forum. Are they a bit pushy on walkers rights at the expense of access for eg those on pushbikes or horses?
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That you did not receive support from your local footpath officer surprises me. The local officer attached to our group is very committed.
BTW the £49 you quote is for joint membership, single is £36 (<10p per day).
Yes I was very surprised about the lack of support and given the history of the route, particularly it's significance in terms of the case that gave rise to it, and that I was originally encouraged by a prominent Rambler to try to progress matters. It's a long story but it has really made me question the Ramblers effectiveness with the type of issues that made me join up a couple of years ago. Perhaps I am being a bit sensitive but I wasn't impressed.
Yes the £49 is for me and Mrs A.
The Cotswolds discount can be useful but other than some walking shoes for Mrs A we have never used it as we probably have sufficient walking kit to last a lifetime already aside perhaps from boots :D
On the subject of discounts I also suggest asking, I do much to Mrs A's embarrassment. It is surprising how often you then get given one, even in the local Rohan shop.
Overall the question for me is does the Ramblers actually deliver what it says it is about, or rather as can often happen with big organisations, has it lost it's ability to achieve real change?
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Well I think I'm decided. There's enough people dibbling in my bank account lately and I need to cull a few, so by by Ramblers ;)
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As you don't regularly walk with a group, I have to agree with your logic. There is no associated membership option with the Ramblers, perhaps there should be. But the current fee is hardly extravagant, though still worthless expenditure if you feel you get nothing back.
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Re the Dartmoor Way Thread by Ninthace
This is from the Dartmoor Way website and shows how groups (not all actual Ramblers Assoc. groups) help to get things done.
'Much of the work way-marking the route and help with ongoing maintenance of the Dartmoor Way has been carried out by various Ramblers Association groups together with other walking groups based near Dartmoor. A special thanks needs to be extended to these group as without their help, the setting up of the route would not have been possible. They are:
Groups from the Ramblers: Totnes, South Devon, Moorland, Tavistock, Plymouth;
Other Walking Groups: Bovey Tracey Ramblers, Okehampton Rambling Club, Newton Abbot Ramblers.'
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Re the Dartmoor Way Thread by Ninthace
This is from the Dartmoor Way website and shows how groups (not all actual Ramblers Assoc. groups) help to get things done.
'Much of the work way-marking the route and help with ongoing maintenance of the Dartmoor Way has been carried out by various Ramblers Association groups together with other walking groups based near Dartmoor. A special thanks needs to be extended to these group as without their help, the setting up of the route would not have been possible. They are:
Groups from the Ramblers: Totnes, South Devon, Moorland, Tavistock, Plymouth;
Other Walking Groups: Bovey Tracey Ramblers, Okehampton Rambling Club, Newton Abbot Ramblers.'
Where's the like button Jac?