Questions
Where can I find the details of your walks?
All our forthcoming walks are listed on our programme which can be found at: HDFW Walks Programme. Any queries about the walk should be directed to the walk leader whose contact details are provided in the programme.
Do I have to let anyone know if I plan to come on your walks?
You do not normally need to let anyone know if you are intending to come on our walks, but if you have any particular needs or are unsure if the walk is suitable for you, please contact the walk leader well in advance of the walk to discuss this.
At what time should I arrive for a walk?
We ask people to be at the start of the walk at least 10 minutes beforehand, so that the walk can start promptly.
How many people and dogs are allowed on your walks?
There are normally no restrictions on numbers. Generally, we find that our Saturday morning walks attract 15-25 people and 10-15 dogs, although this is always dependent on weather and other factors. Numbers are usually a bit lower than that on our summer Wednesday evening walks.
Are there any rules for dogs on the walks?
All well behaved dogs and owners are welcome*! Each owner is responsible for controlling their dog and following any instructions by the walk leader. The walk leader will try to indicate in good time when dogs must be put on leads, but every owner is responsible for using their own judgement. Every effort must be made by each owner to ensure that their dog does not worry any livestock, show aggression to other dogs on the walk or in the vicinity or cause any other nuisance. Each owner must clean up after their dog. We don’t allow expandable leads to be used, as these can easily get caught in walkers legs.
*except dog breeds banned or restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or successor legislation.
Do I have to be a member of Ramblers to join your walks?
It is not initially necessary to belong to Ramblers to come on our walks. Normally we allow non-members to come on up to three walks to try us out before asking that they join Ramblers.
How will I recognise the group?
The group will be the people at the start venue with dogs, walking boots and rucksacks.
How long do your walks take?
It depends on length, terrain, weather and the size of the group, but normally we estimate that our Saturday walks last 2 to 2.5 hours and our Wednesday evening walks 1.5 to 2 hours.
Do your walks always start and finish at the same place?
Yes, they do. Most of our walkers and dogs arrive by car, so it makes sense that we finish the walks at the same place as we start.
Do I have to go to the pub after the walk?
Not necessarily, but we are a very sociable group so you would be very welcome to do so. It varies between walks but certainly not everyone stays on for a drink and/or something to eat after every walk. It is entirely optional. Not all our walks start and finish at a pub. Due to recent pub closures, we are running a number of walks now where there is no pub at the start/finish.
Is there any parking at the start of the walks?
We try to start our walks where there is good parking. However, please check each walk details in the programme for any special arrangements or restrictions for parking. Where we start at a pub, we ask that you park in the pub car park only if you’re intending to stay on after the walk for a drink or something to eat in the pub. Please always park considerately, causing as little inconvenience as possible to others.
Who runs your group and leads your walks?
All our walks are led by volunteer members of HDFW who walk regularly with the group and give up their own time to plan and lead them. We rely entirely on volunteers both to run the group and lead our walks. Contact details for the people who run our group and the leaders of our walks are on our webpage: HDFW Contacts HDFW Walks Programme
Can you send me a copy of your walks programme?
We operate as a paperless group and we do not have a printed programme. Our walks programme can be seen on our website at: HDFW Walks Programme. Please check this before each walk for any updates. If you join our WhatsApp group, you will also get notification of any short notice updates that way.
Are children allowed on your walks?
We do not normally see children on our walks as we are an adult walking group. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must be happy around dogs.
What should I bring with me?
In general terms, all that is essential is a waterproof coat, warm jacket (depending on the temperature), sturdy waterproof shoes, walking boots (or wellington boots if very wet), enough water to drink, a lead and collar or harness for your dog and enough poo bags for the walk.
Is there an age limit for your walks?
No, either for walkers or their dogs! We rely on individuals’ own judgement on their own capability and the capability of their dog to complete our walks.
Are there car-share options for walks?
No. As many of our walkers bring dogs in their own vehicles, formal car sharing arrangements would not work well for our group. We have not identified any demand for this, but once you get to know more people in the group, you may of course make your own car share arrangements with others if you wish. If you do share transport to a walk, always offer to split the cost with the driver. It is not the responsibility of HDFW or its walk leaders to organise transport to and from walks.
Do you publish photographs of your walks, holidays and other events?
Yes, photographs of our walks, holidays and other social events are published on our website and our Facebook page and may be used for other publicity purposes. If you don’t want your image to be published, please tell the walk leader, holiday or other event organiser at the start of the walk, holiday or other social event. Unless you tell us then, your attendance at the walk, holiday or other event will be taken as your permission for us to use your image, free of charge.