| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Coordinator: | |
| When: | Monthly on Saturday mornings Second Saturday of Month |
Established in March 2017 this group has grown in popularity and currently has a membership approaching 30.
The group caters for country walk enthusiasts who wish to pursue their hobby but no longer relish the challenges of steep hill, climbing stiles or distances above 2 3/4 miles. Walks are at a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunity to stop to admire views, wildlife, hedgerow and meadow flowers and historically interesting features en route. Mileage is between 2 and 2 3/4 miles maximum and takes no longer than 1 1/2 hours on fairly level and stile free terrain. In recent years as some members walking ability has declined the walk leader will have identified a halfway spot where there will be an opportunity for those who wish to go no further can rest and return to the meeting place and await the return of the rest of the group.
There is a monthly option to end the walk with a social lunch at a pub, garden centre or farm shop with a cafe.
Due to the short duration of the walks fairly local start points are chosen. For example venues have included Knowle, Dorridge, Hockley Heath, Lapworth, Earlswood, Baddesley, Packwood, Wooton Wawen, Arrow Valley and embraced canals, lakes, woodland, field footpaths and country parks.
Health & Safety is always a priority, the leader appoints a 'tail end Charlie' so no-one is ever left to fall behind. The walk leader surveys the route shortly before the walk date and advice is given on the walk invitation re suitable footwear, walking aids etc. The leader carries a first aid kit. Lane walking is avoided or kept to a minimum.
Leadership of the group has had two changes. Originally all walks were surveyed and led by the group founder, Betty S. The first change, made 2 years ago entailed surveys and leading being carried out via a group of volunteer leaders whilst Betty retained the co-ordinating role of sending out the monthly email advising members of the details of walking and eating arrangements, collecting responses and sending an attendance list to the walk leader.
From March 2025 the group will have a new co-ordinator, Les C. He will continue to arrange the twice yearly meeting of volunteer walk leaders to arrange a 6 month programme of walks. Les will set up a WhatsApp group of members. This will be the future method for sending the monthly walk information to the members. Alternative communication routes will be arranged for those members without smart phones.
Group members are required to make a timely response to the monthly walk announcement so that the walk leader knows the number to expect at the meeting place and how many wish to be booked for lunch.
