There"s absolutely nothing daft about somebody new to walking, just heading off in the car, say to the Lakes or Snowdonia, and walking to their heart's content, by themselves.
Your talking total nonsense Sussamb, your obviously an advocate of group walks, i am not.
I agree it can be valuable to learn from a far more experienced walker, but what if no walker can be found.
Most of us can see the potential danger ahead, and make up our minds on whether the terrain is safe or not, you do not need an expert to point that out to us.
I dislike exposure, so avoid routes with possible technical scrambling involved, i learnt that by myself, by getting into tight scrapes, and self rescuing myself.
When somebody new to walking the great outdoors, invests often considerable money in the right walking kit, one would think or hope that they do some background research on their intended route, their obviously keen to learn their new walking skills.
How long is that walk ? what if i need to make a hasty retreat in poor weather, and if one uses their own transport, where is it safe to leave my car.
You do not need the company of others to gain walking experience, and depending on the persons fitness, walking in a group may not be suitable, having to adjust your walking speed to that of the slowest person.
Its my personal choice, but i much prefer to go it alone, and decide on what i feel comfortable with, be it a ten mile Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe, or a gentle walk around the Southern Rhinogs.
Having to adjust my walking pace to suit others, who may be getting tired when i am still getting into my stride, is more than annoying.
Stopping for a rest break, or for lunch, when it means the walk will have to be arranged to cater for those who must stop for a bite to eat, that's not my thing.
Ive experienced group walks in the past, and if all the participants are of equal fitness or fitter than myself, then i would join in, as i like the challenge it represents.
The thing that i find most satisfying about going it alone, is that i am my own master, if i decide to extend my walk into something far longer and challenging, then its my own decision.
In a group, you always walk at the slowest persons pace, and to suddenly extend a five mile walk into a twenty miler, simply would not happen.
Some crave the company of others, and would never think about going walking by themselves.
To gain experience as a walker can be done solo or in a group, which ever you choose is personal choice.