Uttlesford Ramblers

Making a walk a pleasure

Guidance and Etiquette for Walkers

Guidance and Etiquette for Walkers 

Footpath problems -

Public Rights of Way can only be kept accessible if issues are reported to the appropriate authorities and this is easily done by following the links below. Issues can include broken or unsafe stiles and bridges, blockages by overgrown hedges, other vegetation, or fallen branches/trees, an unauthorised diversion, loose dangerous animals (livestock or dogs) or excessive or inappropriate use of barbed wire.

During walks any problems will be noted and reported to the local Footpath Secretary. If walking alone please make a note of any problems that you come across and then report them to the Footpath Secretary, whose details are listed on the Contacts section of this website and via the  Essex County Council  or if out of the area via the Ramblers website.

On the Ramblers website they have produced a useful guidance on a few things when it comes to safety, clothing and equipment.

Fitness -

  • An ability to walk at a steady rate of 2-3 mph on a level terrain and having a reasonable level of fitness is required for the walks

Walks -

  • We offer a morning walk midweek and a sometimes a longer walk on Saturdays. The walks are either circular or linear but may be a figure of 8. Regular Monday morning walks from Felsted of about five miles also take place. When arriving at a walk by car, please ensure that you park considerately and arrive in plenty of time, walks start promptly at the time stated on the website.

Lunchtime and other stops -

  • Please come prepared with a drink and /or refreshment for a short break mid-morning. The group will almost certainly have an optional stop at a pub or have a picnic for lunch. Your leader for the day will indicate the length of the break and will given a short warning prior to the restart

Pubs -

  • If the starting point for the walk is at a pub, please do not park your car there unless you are going to order some food and/or a drink after the walk. Please do not eat your own food or drink on the pub premises. Avoid bringing mud into the pub as it is customary to take your boots off outside or cover them with something protective - this applies to churches as well. We want to look after our local village pubs and support them!

Clothes -

  • It is highly recommended that you wear suitable walking boots and waterproof clothing for wet walks. In the summer we advise you to carry some sun protection, wear a hat and make sure you have enough drinking water.

Staying behind the leader -

  • Please do not walk in front of the leader unless they have indicated it is safe to do so. Be aware that some leaders prefer to not to walk at the front but to stay within  the group, make sure you know where the leader is.  If you like to walk at the front of the group, please don't walk on if they are waiting for people to catch-up as this can spoil others' enjoyment as well as creating an unnecessary problem for the leader. Care should be taken when walking along a road without a pavement and you should walk in single file and follow the instructions of the leader. Walking in single file will also apply when walking through fields in crop.

Keeping in view and changing direction -

  • Walkers should try not to lag too far behind the leader or they may lose touch with or delay the group. The leader will keep a head count of walkers and check periodically that no-one has been left behind. If you DO get detached from the group, the best policy is to stay put, because the leader should eventually notice you are missing and then return for you. Always make sure that anyone behind you has seen which way to go, especially if there is a change in direction

Back markers -

  • If the group is particularly large then the leader may appoint a back marker and will inform the group who it is. If at anytime you need to temporarily leave the group or stop, then please let the back marker know. The last person to go through any gate that has been opened by a member of the group, is responsible for closing it

Non-members and for those trying the Group out -

  • Non-members are more than welcome to join us for up to three walks, but, after that you are expected to join the Ramblers. You can sign up to become a member here on their website or a member on the walk may have a leaflet.

Dogs -

  • Please get in contact with the walk leader in advance if you wish to bring a dog with you. It is up to the walk leader whether or not dogs will be allowed and if the walk is suitable for them. Please be aware that some pubs do not allow entry to dogs specially in eating areas but are usually welcome outside. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to check with the pub.

Responsibility -

  • All walks are 'at your own risk' and neither the Ramblers nor the leader can accept responsibility for any accidents or injury to, or damage caused by, any walker during an organised activity. All accidents should be reported to the walk leader as soon as possible

Updated December 2024