Information for new walkers
Hi, I'm Clive,
If you haven't walked with the Hampshire 40+ walking group before then you may find some of the tips on this page useful. If you've any questions or doubts about coming on our walks, or about membership, then please feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to help
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I really enjoyed my first walk. The route, the views and the company were all excellent. I shall be joining the RA and hope to make it on another walk very soon. The warm welcome was very nice; it wasn't like being with a group of strangers at all.
Do you spend most weekends thinking you should get out and about more?
Hate the gym but want to get some exercise? Want to meet up with new people but don't want to do it online? We may be the answer!
Walking with the Hampshire 40+ Walking Group (and our sister group Hampshire 20s and 30s for that matter) is a great way to meet new people, keep fit, and get you out and about in parts of the countryside that you've never heard of or seen before. Our walks vary from 3 miles to 20+ miles, cover all of Hampshire and parts of the surrounding counties and cater for most abilities. We also have regular pub nights, weekends (and weeks) away and an annual Summer Festival – so we're not always walking!
Coming along for the first time can be a little daunting so here are some easy steps for getting involved...
- Have a look through our walks and socials programme and see which one you think would suit you best.
- Having picked your walk or social, print off (or make a note of) the meeting place, 'meet' time, and the walk leader's contact details. Then all you need to do is turn up on the day and make yourself known to the walk leader (or me if I'm there) and we'll get you involved.
As you're new to the group the walk leader will ask you to add your name and email address to the bottom of the walk list. We'll then email you a link to our online database and provide details of how to join our mailing list to keep you up-to-date with new walks and other events.
- We recognise that our group (friendly, sociable souls though we try to be!) is not for everyone, so you are welcome to come along on 3 walks for free to try us out. If you then decide you’d like to continue walking with us you’ll need to join the Ramblers Association – go to the RA News & Details tab on the column to the left for a direct link to the Ramblers Website where you can join online.
Walking Gear
To get the most enjoyment out of walking you will need to keep warm and dry. To this end here is some handy advice on what you should have with you.
Waterproof jacket. A breathable jacket is much more comfortable than a cheap waterproof – they are becoming increasingly affordable.
Good Boots. If you are buying a pair of walking boots for the first time, you will have the choice between fabric boots and leather boots. Fabric boots should have a waterproof lining, and will often be more immediately comfortable. Leather boots are more naturally waterproof, although many will have a waterproof lining as well, but need to be looked after properly. Some people also find it takes a little longer to 'walk-in' leather boots. In recent years there has been a trend towards 'approach shoes', which resemble trainers but give slightly more support. They are fine for low level dry walks but as the ground gets wetter, steeper, rockier and more slippery you will need the waterproofing, warmth and support of proper boots.
Daysack. You will need some sort of rucksack. Make sure it is comfortable for long periods. Always try out backpacks with a realistic load in them. On short summer walks it's possible to get away with a belt-bag. Some people find them more comfortable – but make sure it's big enough. Choose one to accommodate your kit, food and drink – not the other way round.
Layers - Carry enough warm layers! A number of thinner layers are warmer and more adaptable than fewer heavier layers. Fleece materials dry out quickly and are much lighter to carry (whereas wool can be very warm, but needs to be kept dry). Even in summer it can be quite cold on hilltops or in the rain, so always carry a spare layer. The best layers are wicking ones – wicking t-shirts start around £15 and quickly become your best friend! (Wearing cotton as a base layer is not so good because it can absorb and hold large amounts of moisture [i.e. sweat] which will cool when you stop moving. In summer this may feel uncomfortable; in winter it can make you feel very cold very quickly).
Walking Trousers. Should be light-weight and loose fitting – so they dry out quickly. Waterproof trousers provide much better protection, but for low-level walking are not usually essential. Jeans are not recommended because when denim gets wet it becomes very heavy and uncomfortable. It doesn't dry easily, and doesn't retain your body heat – meaning you quickly get cold and stay that way.
Gaiters. Protect your lower legs and ankles. They are great for keeping the mud off, and for keeping you dry if you go through long wet grass or shallow streams.
Warm Gloves and Hat. Other than in summer, always carry gloves and a warm hat. Again, fleece is better than wool. Hats are great for keeping you warm when you stop for lunch.
Torch. Carry a torch between October and March – and check that it works and you have spare batteries.
Sun Hat and Sun Block. Walks may involve long stretches with little or no shade and if you don't slap on the hat and cream then it's easy to get burnt when you're out all day. Sun glasses are often useful too.
First Aid Kit. The group does not guarantee that a first aid kit will be carried on walks, so it's advisable to take with you your own small first aid kit tailored to your personal needs.
I joined the Ramblers' Association a couple of months ago, after two "trial walks". On my first walk, which proved to be very exciting, I was made to feel welcome, and enjoyed the walk immensely. Since then, I have done many walks from the extensive walks programme, meeting many new people. I'm hooked!
