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| Frequently asked
questions
Q: Where do you hold your walks? A: In the winter our walks are mostly in Surrey. In the rest of the year, we also go further especially to west Kent, Sussex, and north Hampshire. We also organise a number of weekend trips throughout the year. See Sunday Walks
A: The length of most our Sunday walks varies from 8 to 12 miles, but some of these are "figure of eight" walks, allowing you do only a morning or afternoon's walk. We also hold a few longer Sunday walks each year,up to about 15 miles. We also hold short (2-4 mile) Friday night pub walks on Friday evenings from May to early September. See Walk Times
Q: When do your walks start/finish? A: Sunday walks usually start at 10am,and usually end in daylight. Some summer walks can finish as late as 6pm, although this is unusual. From May to mid August, Friday evening walks usually start at 8pm, a little earlier from late August to early September. See Walk Times
Q: How are you different from other hillwalking / rambling groups? A: We're an independent group, run entirely by our members, and are probably less formal and more flexible than other groups. As we don't have to pay subscriptions to a parent organisation, we are inexpensive to join at only £5 per year. Our programme has walks and other events and often a more varied social programme than many other walking groups. Finally, our target entry age is 30s and 40's but we but we do have younger members and also allow members to continue membership beyond their 40s.
Q: How do I join, and how much does it cost? A: Complete the Membership Enquiry Form This will be passed to the membership secretary who will contact you and who can send you a programme for the current three months. You will be sent one further free quarterly programme. If you wish to continue receiving the programme after this, you can join the club for £5 pa. In your free trial period, you can come to as few or as many walks and social events as you wish. See Committee
Q:What age group go on walks, and do they tend to be more single people or couples? A: Our entry age is 30s and 40's but we do have younger members and don't evict members from the club once they reach 50, so on most walks you will find an age mix of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, and sometimes a few older members and sometimes energetic kids as well. On virtually all walks you'll find a mix of singles and couples.
Q: How many members do you have? A: At the end of 2005 we had over 150 members.
Q: If I join, will I be expected to lead walks? A: No, it is not compulsory but we will encourage you to do so because we need as many volunteers as possible. We will help give you the confidence and skills to read a map and plan walks. Each year we run a navigation course to teach map reading skills to novices, and our experienced leaders can offer a buddying service to assist assist novice leaders. See External links for extra information.
Q: What trips away do you do, and how much do they cost? A: We hold a mix of trips away every year, some at B&Bs or full board walking centres, some at Youth Hostels (often "Rent-a-Hostel" deals, where the club has the hostel to itself) and one or two camping trips. Prices vary according to accommodation, but as an example, a recent weekend rent-a-hostel trip cost less than £20 per head. For more details of where we've been click Trips Away
Q: I live in Sussex - is Downs & Weald for me? A: Yes - most years we hold several walks in the South Downs and other parts of Sussex, and we also hold a number of walks in adjacent parts of Kent and Hampshire.
Q: I live in Kent - is Downs & Weald for me? A: If you live west Kent, yes. Often we hold walks in West Kent e.g. 7 day walks and 2 Friday evening walks in 2002. We also hold several walks in east Surrey and in east Sussex and in past years we have also walked the whole of the Greensand way in stages.
Q: I live in Hampshire - is Downs & Weald for me? A: Yes. We have walks in Hampshire most years, and also in West Surrey. You are also in a good position to join those of our weekend trips which are in the West Country.
Q: I live in London - is Downs & Weald for me? A: Possibly - we already have several London-based members. Every year we hold several walks in north Surrey and usually one or two in north Kent and Middlesex, and have occasionally also done London walks. If you are prepared to travel to mid-Surrey for a Sunday walk, you'll have quite a few walks to choose from. Why not contact one of our membership secretaries and ask for a programme to see for yourself? Q: What should I wear / bring with me on walks? A: For our Sunday walks, walking boots or strong shoes are advisable. Waterproof over-clothing is recommended in winter. Some members also like to bring an Ordnance Survey map and a compass along. On the short Friday night summer walks, trainers are often OK - if in doubt, check with the walk leader.
Q: I don't have a car - is Downs & Weald for me? A: Some of our walks start at, or have meeting points at, railway stations. For other walks you may be able to arrange a lift- try ringing the walk leader.
Q:What do I get for my membership fee? A: A club programme will be posted to you four times a year, and you can also receive regular email updates if you wish. Additionally, you can put events on the club programme and utilize the club resources (e.g. OS maps, walking guidebooks & camping equipment) for club events.
Q: I also enjoy cycling. Do you ever hold cycling events? A: Yes we do. Although we are primarily a hill walking and rambling club, many of our members are also cycling enthusiasts. In summer we usually hold a few day trips by bike, and most years we have held a B & B based cycling trip away. Home Back to the top |