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Title: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 15:54:20, 07/01/18
Hello to everyone!  

 
I am a keen rambler and have been walking the trails in my neck of the woods for the past ten years or so. For a long while now I have pondered what it would be like walking as part of a group. I am a fairly private person however and don’t particularly respond all that well to group environments.  

 
I am seriously considering joining one of my local walking clubs. I have done my research and would like to take the plunge but before I do, I would love to know… what is it really like being a member of a walking club? Is it arduous, or is it a genuinely worthwhile experience? Will I enjoy it, or will I end up wishing I hadn’t bothered?!  

 
Huge thanks in advance for any insights on this subject. All responses will be very much appreciated.  
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 15:57:53, 07/01/18
Erm...


Apologies for the "font color" nonsense - I don't think it likes my browser!

 
 ???
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: fernman on 18:18:11, 07/01/18
Erm...
Apologies for the "font color" nonsense - I don't think it likes my browser!

 
 ???

That has happened to posts that I have composed elsewhere such as on Notepad, Word, etc., and then copied/pasted them into the Reply form. They look OK until they appear on the forum.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Ridge on 18:39:50, 07/01/18
Hi and welcome to the forum.


With all the strange things in brackets, the posts just like to do it sometimes as far as I can tell. If you want you can edit your post for a while after posting and take them out.


On the group walking thing, what suits one person another may hate but this may be an instance where you just have to suck it and see. What have you got to loose? If it is not for you then you have wasted a few hours but if you enjoy it then this could be the start of a whole new walking experience.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 21:48:18, 07/01/18
Thank you for your response. I guess you are right. I should just give it a go and if its not for me then leave it. Fair enough.
 O0
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Dovegirl on 22:13:46, 07/01/18
Welcome from the Sussex coast    :)

Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: barewirewalker on 16:41:42, 08/01/18

Hi Edgarr and welcome.

Erm... Apologies for the "font color" nonsense - I don't think it likes my browser!     ???


 
Took me a time to figure this one out.
Useful to check out your post in the Preview, the extraneous hidden text often appears there. As Ridge says if comes with copying and pasting, also sometimes when you try to edit your own post with corrections.


Simple to get rid of; highlight all the text and click on the last but one button above the 'post reply' window and the smilies. The one with A > A (remove formatting) that clears out all that extra rubbish out.........well most of the time :D


Bit of a discussion about walking groups here, started by Gunwharfman (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35589.0)




Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: RogerA on 09:42:09, 09/01/18
Welcome to the forum

As far as groups go I tend not to join, I like the solitude of walking alone, I have tried walked with groups but hard to find the right balance - 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 (probably says more about me than them).

Actually one exception to that - I'd just finished one of my local walks in the Sence Valley near Ibstock and was relaxing with a flask of tea on the tailgate of my car when one after another cars arrived with walkers getting out looking for an Andy who was leading a walk for them - I got chatting and after a while, now half an hour after their agreed start time with 15 or so casual walkers who didnt know the area but obviously knew each other very well and no Andy I agreed to show them one of my routes. I quite enjoyed that but not enough to arrange to meet up with them again, I guess it was down to being made to feel included in their group.

I hope you find whatever is right for you.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 11:41:19, 09/01/18

Many thanks for all your responses


barewirewalker: Button found, and will be used in future! Cheers!  O0


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)  ;)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: RogerA on 12:13:46, 09/01/18
Im actually quite interested in seeing how the meets from this forum work - I've not access to the meet board yet being new here, but those who post here seem to be quite a good bunch ...
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Dovegirl on 13:30:05, 09/01/18
The last thing I want is to have a beautiful walk ruined by someone who talks incessantly, or says things to annoy or irritate.

I find I can take in the landscape much more when I'm on my own. And you can stop for as long as you like. I don't belong to a walking group because I prefer the freedom of walking alone    :)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 16:41:05, 09/01/18
RogerA: I am not aware of this, although I doubt they are in my neck of the woods (East/North Yorkshire).


Dovegirl: I am completely with you! I absolutely love walking on my own (well, not always on my own - usually listen to Jeremy Vine from 12:00 - 2:00)  ;)
I am thinking of hiking a bit further afield and it would be nice to share the driving/petrol etc. I have walked the majority of routes near me countless times and fancy a change of scene - that means distances in the car of 100 miles or more (there and back), which is a very long day out all on your own!
For nearby walks however, solo every time! You can't beat the tranquility  :)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 21:45:38, 09/01/18
I've been following this topic with interest.


I have mixed feelings about walking in a group - for the reasons RogerA said.  On the flip side of that though, I walk with 2 groups AND I also walk alone.  Best of both worlds really.  Yes, there are a couple of speed freaks in one group and an incessant chatterbox in the other.  However, I'm not walking with the groups every day.  I don't even walk with them every week.  A few hours of my time in good company, out in the fresh air, I can cope with that simply for the social aspect. 


If I want to enjoy "the walk" for walking's sake, I walk alone.


PS.  Edgarr - the Yorkshire Wolds are mine, all mine... just sayin'  ;)   Oh, and the North Yorks. Moors when the heather is out  :smitten:
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 12:46:09, 10/01/18

Mel:

Quote
the Yorkshire Wolds are mine, all mine...

Can I at least keep the Huggate Circular? I'm not sure I could go on without it! ;)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 19:29:46, 10/01/18
Hmmm.... I suppose so *sighs*  ;D   So long as I can still eat them big scones in the Ramblers Rest at Millington.  Granted, I've not been there in a while though.  Aye, you can have Huggate... and all the cows in that massive field in Thixendale  :D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 14:21:21, 11/01/18
Mel:


I believe the field you are describing is roughly where I once saw a naked rambler (not totally naked - he was wearing a hat and a rucksack!) One of the very few occasions in my life where I literally didn’t know what to do next! After a brief pause, which felt more like a thousand years, I fumbled for my phone and found something interesting to do on it until he was out of my eyeline. I thought to myself “Well, you don’t see THAT every day” then carried on with my hike. Never a dull moment…  ;D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: aw6334 on 15:19:01, 11/01/18
I'm considering joining a group, but the Ramblers (I assume) are a bit slow - I get that impression from the length of time it takes them to do a walk!  I know I can join other Rambler groups and not just my local, so maybe I need to investigate that more.


I generally walk alone plus  1 walk a week with a friend (we used to meet for coffee, now we walk instead), and I wouldn't mind walking with others, if I could find the right group who walk at the right speed, at the right time, on the right day......I'm not asking much, lol  ;)







Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 17:10:46, 11/01/18
aw6334:


Quote
I generally walk alone plus  1 walk a week with a friend...


You are incredibly lucky. I have tried for years to get people I know to come for walks with me - no takers. Sheer laziness!!


It has always baffled me how others don't see the sheer joy of being, if only for a few hours, away from it all. No exhaust fumes, no shops, no loud and unnecessary noises, no PEOPLE; just silence and the all encompassing majesty of being surrounded by what is so often overlooked these days... NATURE! The exhilaration of a meadow or dale from up high. The rolling countryside, laid out as far as the eye can see. FRESH AIR, not the muck we breathe in in towns and cities. And its all FREE!!!


Our chosen hobby should be prescribed by doctors! Forget your sweaty gyms, filled with noise and nonsense! Just grab your boots and a map and GET OUT THERE!!!


Oops. Yes, well, there ya go. No-one I know cares about walking like I do. Boring gits!
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: aw6334 on 18:36:21, 11/01/18
aw6334:



You are incredibly lucky. I have tried for years to get people I know to come for walks with me - no takers. Sheer laziness!!


It has always baffled me how others don't see the sheer joy of being, if only for a few hours, away from it all. No exhaust fumes, no shops, no loud and unnecessary noises, no PEOPLE; just silence and the all encompassing majesty of being surrounded by what is so often overlooked these days... NATURE! The exhilaration of a meadow or dale from up high. The rolling countryside, laid out as far as the eye can see. FRESH AIR, not the muck we breathe in in towns and cities. And its all FREE!!!


Our chosen hobby should be prescribed by doctors! Forget your sweaty gyms, filled with noise and nonsense! Just grab your boots and a map and GET OUT THERE!!!


Oops. Yes, well, there ya go. No-one I know cares about walking like I do. Boring gits!


Haha ;D I agree, People these days need to be always "on" always being entertained, they can't just be alone with their thoughts for any length of time.


My, my, Edgarr, we sound like a right pair of old moaning and miserable farts! ;)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: harland on 18:55:47, 11/01/18
Mel:


I believe the field you are describing is roughly where I once saw a naked rambler (not totally naked - he was wearing a hat and a rucksack!) One of the very few occasions in my life where I literally didn’t know what to do next! After a brief pause, which felt more like a thousand years, I fumbled for my phone and found something interesting to do on it until he was out of my eyeline. I thought to myself “Well, you don’t see THAT every day” then carried on with my hike. Never a dull moment…  ;D
That reminds me of a B&B on the SWCP when, over breakfast I asked the landlady who was a certain age, who was the artist was it her or her husband that painted the nudes around the wall.  She said neither I was the model - I didn't know where to look - well I did but I didn't! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: fernman on 19:19:52, 11/01/18
Mel:


I believe the field you are describing is roughly where I once saw a naked rambler (not totally naked - he was wearing a hat and a rucksack!)

What? Didn't he have any boots on?  :o
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: harland on 19:21:57, 11/01/18
Perhaps they only looked above the waist!
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 20:07:47, 11/01/18
I'm considering joining a group, but the Ramblers (I assume) are a bit slow ..


Don't assume!  If it's any help they allow 2 or 3 "try before you buy" walks with them free of charge to see whether or not it's for you.  In that respect, you've nowt to lose by giving them a go.


... I wouldn't mind walking with others, if I could find the right group who walk at the right speed, at the right time, on the right day......I'm not asking much, lol  ;) 




Aye, good luck with that.  Speed incompatibility is probably the main reason why so many of us walk alone.  Finding a group that ticks the right boxes for you is like looking for the Holy Grail.  Compromises generally have to be made.


Mel:
I believe the field you are describing is roughly where I once saw a naked rambler (not totally naked - he was wearing a hat and a rucksack!) One of the very few occasions in my life where I literally didn’t know what to do next! After a brief pause, which felt more like a thousand years, I fumbled for my phone and found something interesting to do on it until he was out of my eyeline. I thought to myself “Well, you don’t see THAT every day” then carried on with my hike. Never a dull moment…  ;D


 :o   Just so we're clear, I was meaning Deep Dale heading into Wharram Percy.  Is that where you are meaning ... obviously I'm asking so I can avoid that area.... of course.... you see  :D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: johhnyp on 21:10:01, 11/01/18
Those scones are rather good aren't they Mel? O0 I usually stop off at Millington on the way back to my car at Bishop Wilton on a Sunday for a nice pot of tea and said scone. Sorry to trespass on your range but you couldn't eat them all surely?? :D
BTW I sitting on the fancy bench on the ridge above Millington having lunch about 4 years ago when what I presume was the naked rambler wandered past...boots and his map case strategically placed. Fair put me off my cheese and pickle roll. Didn't realise he was a regular in the area.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 22:05:44, 11/01/18

aw6334:
I am happiest at my moaniest and most miserable best!


harland:
Haha! Amazing! That kind of thing usually happens to me too!


fernman:
Err, I didn’t look down as far as that… ! ::)


Mel:
Wowzers, it was a while back and, if I’m honest, I’ve tried my hardest to push it from my mind! He sauntered right past me, with not a care in the world, as I was navigating my way down a particularly steep slope somewhere beyond Millington. There were cows aplenty and it was a lovely sunny day, I remember that much for certain. I’m also pretty sure he wasn’t carrying any scones, although I might have accidentally caught a glimpse of his buns!!  ;D


johhnyp:
He’s a regular??!! Noooooooooooooo!!! :o
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 13:09:06, 13/01/18
Johnnyp and Edgarr, is this the guy you saw?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29800016

Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: aw6334 on 17:58:33, 13/01/18

Don't assume!  If it's any help they allow 2 or 3 "try before you buy" walks with them free of charge to see whether or not it's for you.  In that respect, you've nowt to lose by giving them a go.



Aye, good luck with that.  Speed incompatibility is probably the main reason why so many of us walk alone.  Finding a group that ticks the right boxes for you is like looking for the Holy Grail.  Compromises generally have to be made.



Thanks - re the Ramblers I've been going by the time they say the walk will take - for example if they're doing an easy 6 mile walk starting at 10am, and they include a stop for lunch, I assume they are walking at a less than 2 miles an hour. I'm not sure my legs can work that slow ;D   Nevertheless, I shouldn't judge, I will go along to a few different groups to compare.


I was in a walking group early last year, I think I'm going to start going out with them again to start.


Thanks for the advice Mel!
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: johhnyp on 20:25:51, 13/01/18
No Mel; the one I saw was dark haired, chubby mid thirties I guess. As I recall he walked past me fully clothed in one direction ( from the Nunburnholme direction) then came back the other way later alfresco. Saw him coming but didn't actually gather my wits to say anything pithy other than "you'll catch your death" or something similarly stupid :-\
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 23:57:45, 13/01/18
aw6334, 2 miles an hour is fast for me  ;D   I did a try before you buy with a local Ramblers group and they certainly weren't slow!  I struggled to keep up, couldn't hold a conversation I was so out of puff and, as for seeing any of our lovely countryside?  It went by in a blur.  Not what this walking hobby's about for me.  As a group, they were lovely people but, needless to say, I've not been back!  Anyway, they managed to catch the earlier bus which was the reason for the ramp up in pace.  I couldn't help wondering what the point of the walk was if all they were doing was rushing to get back  :-\   Horses for courses though.  Just reading through this forum shows how many different reasons for getting out for a walk there is.


...Saw him coming ...


Possibly a poor choice of words given his state of undress  :D ;D   (sorry!)


Thankfully, I've never seen the chap, not in his au naturale state anyhow...though mebby I wouldn't recognise him with his clothes on!


Right, so, now I've lowered the tone suitably, I'm off  :D

Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Addingham on 00:35:48, 14/01/18
Johnnyp and Edgarr, is this the guy you saw?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29800016 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29800016)


I thought he was still in the nick. ;D  Or maybe in a psychiatric ward nowadays. ;)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 18:04:47, 14/01/18
Wonder if he has to wear clothes in prison  :-\
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:12:20, 14/01/18
Wonder if he has to wear clothes in prison  :-\

only in the showers......for his own protection  O0
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Addingham on 18:13:52, 14/01/18
Wonder if he has to wear clothes in prison  :-\


Apparently not. :D  He was in solitary most of the time plus he was a first on a video link to court due to his nudity in clink. :)  Spent a lot of jail time that fella. :(
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: aw6334 on 07:26:55, 15/01/18
aw6334, 2 miles an hour is fast for me  ;D   I did a try before you buy with a local Ramblers group and they certainly weren't slow!  I struggled to keep up, couldn't hold a conversation I was so out of puff and, as for seeing any of our lovely countryside?  It went by in a blur.  Not what this walking hobby's about for me.  As a group, they were lovely people but, needless to say, I've not been back!  Anyway, they managed to catch the earlier bus which was the reason for the ramp up in pace.  I couldn't help wondering what the point of the walk was if all they were doing was rushing to get back  :-\   Horses for courses though.  Just reading through this forum shows how many different reasons for getting out for a walk there is.



I think it's all about finding the right balance. I like to walk at a decent pace, but stop and smell the roses and admire the view as well :) . I don't like the sort of walking when you're all out of breath all the time, I like to be able to hold a conversation - if not, you might just as well by on your own anyway!  I'm going to try a few different groups to see how I feel.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 15:36:37, 15/01/18
Mel:


Quote
Johnnyp and Edgarr, is this the guy you saw?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29800016


I am aware of the naked rambler in your link but he's not the bloke I saw. I would be hard pushed to describe him (other than naked!) but I do remember that he didn't have a long beard and was probably clean shaven.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 19:25:51, 15/01/18
To be fair, I didn't think it would actually be him himself but it does raise a more worrying thought that he's not the only, ahem, err, fully liberated, rambler out there  :o   ;D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Steve922 on 23:36:45, 15/01/18
I've never walked in a group but met plenty, especially in the Peak District. The meeting usually takes about 10 minutes and goes like this :-

Feel the peacel....
.....yak   yak   yak  yak yaK yaK yAK yAK YAK YAK YAKK YAKK YAK YAK YAk YAk Yak Yak yak  yak   yak   yak.......
Feel the peace!.....
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Edgarr on 16:19:31, 16/01/18
Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. I can honestly say I'm split down the middle! The consensus seems to be that group walking can be mildly irritating but potentially rewarding if you can get past the chatter. Also, it depends on the group - there may be huge differences between groups, so it might be an idea to try all of the groups in my area before I come to a decision about officially joining one.


Or maybe I'll just keep walking on my own and relish the peace and quiet  ;)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Mel on 17:45:35, 16/01/18
Groups can definitely vary widely!  At least if you give them a go you can make a more informed decision whether or not solo is best.
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Worcester John on 21:36:19, 24/01/18
If you want to try something different, come along to one of  our rambles.  The Disabled Ramblers will open you eyes to what is possible on a mobility scooter.  We are always looking for able-bodied people to walk with us and give the odd bit of help pushing scooters through deep mud!  :)
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: aw6334 on 15:03:59, 25/01/18
If you want to try something different, come along to one of  our rambles.  The Disabled Ramblers will open you eyes to what is possible on a mobility scooter.  We are always looking for able-bodied people to walk with us and give the odd bit of help pushing scooters through deep mud!  :)


Ha, I might take you up on that offer one day, but maybe I'll wait for the mud to dry up first  ;D
Title: Re: Walking in a group?
Post by: Worcester John on 17:18:50, 25/01/18
Then you will miss the fun  :)