Many thanks for all your responses
barewirewalker: Button found, and will be used in future! Cheers!
RogerA: You've reached the crux of my problem right away; " they're always too fast or too slow or too chatty or too into sneering at each others gear - I've not walked with any organised group I didnt find got on my nerves..."
The last thing I want is to have a beautiful walk ruined by someone who talks incessantly, or says things to annoy or irritate. In my experience, there is always that one person that spoils things for everyone else. I realise my best bet is to just give it a go and see what happens, I just wondered what other group walkers' experiences were like before taking the plunge. If ten out of ten people told me not to bother and to carry on walking alone then I might heed their advice. After all, that would be a lot easier than signing up to a walking club, handing over all my details, potentially paying a joining fee etc only to find out that the experience was not for me! I guess I just wanted to save on the hassle if I could...
Thanks again everyone. I'm still considering my options (but shall continue walking nevertheless)