Was going to post this in the Awning but it gained some length so I gave it it's own post.
I just thought I'd talk briefly about the benefits of group walking over solo walking (of course there are benefits of solo walking over group too). Mel said this has been done before but I wasn't part of it. For me:
Think less.
Watch more experienced people find paths which helps me get better at finding paths over difficult terrain.
Increases my speed over more difficult parts as I don't want to slow the group down.
Less concern over being stuck out in a remote area after injuring yourself.
Bit of social chit chat
Less transport cost
I think it is improving the practical physical skills side of my walking.
Yesterday when scrambling over a nice and relatively safe unexposed bit of ground I was having to slow down to remain at pace behind the leader (though he is many years my senior, he is very fit). I also chose different footholds in places which might seem basic but not having to blindly copy him suprised me. Relatively safe or not the skills are probably transferable to more serious scrambling. It was the longest bit of scrambling I'd ever done and in the wet at that, it did give me some anxiety (and a small thrill for doing it). Injury was a possibility. I'm not sure I'd have attempted it at the start of my walking adventures.
The Wednesday before we went off piste during a steep ascent as the path vanished. The foot placement and speed the leader did the ascent with were superior to what I'd have chosen alone and while I blindly copied them, I think by doing more of this my own foot placement will improve.
In short, it's educational.