I want to start walking.  What should I do?
This depends on your level of general fitness.  Best advice is to go on a walk marked ‘Easy’, which will be about 4-6 miles in length, with no steep hills.
You are welcome to phone the leader to ask for advice; the leader’s phone number is given in the Walks Programme and on the website.

What clothing and equipment do I need?
For good practical advice look at the Ramblers’ Association website.
You obviously need suitable footwear, generally, but not always, boots are best.  For low-level, dry walks, a good pair of trainers can be suitable. 
Most often, in this country, it is wise to bring rainwear.
Consider bringing something to sit on at a coffee or lunch break.

What do you do about refreshments?
Most people take a drink for the coffee-stop for the mid-morning break and something for lunch.  We often have lunch just before going into a pub for a drink, but not always.  Information about the walk will state whether there’s a pub stop or not.
It is sometimes possible to buy food in the pub, but you cannot rely on this – whether they serve food or how long you will have to wait for it.

How do I join a walk?
Just turn up at the meeting point given in the Walks Programme at the appropriate time and introduce yourself to the leader.  We try to plan walks so that public transport can be used, but this is not always possible.  If you need a lift, or would like to travel with someone else, phone Mike Farka on 01302 744117 and he will try to arrange something.

Must I  walk with the Group regularly?
You are welcome to walk with us as seldom or as frequently as you wish.  Some members often walk twice-weekly with us, some walk occasionally, some don’t walk with us at all, choosing to support the aims of the Ramblers’ Association by just being a member.

Do I need to bring a map?
You do not need to bring a map, although you are welcome to do so if you wish.  Some people like to follow the route on their map, to locate places of interest, or to improve their navigation skills.

Who are the walk leaders?
The walk leaders are members who volunteer to lead walks.  They plan the walk and then submit the details to the Programme compiler.
We encourage as many members as possible to lead walks.
Members who would like to improve their map-reading skills are encouraged to do so.  We sometimes offer ‘A map-reading walk’ as part of the Walks Programme; this is a walk where the accent is on improving navigation skills.  The committee have recently paid for members to attend a navigation course run by Foothills of Sheffield.

How is the Group managed?
No organisation can function without people to make the decisions, and the Doncaster Group of the RA is no different.  We have a committee of about a dozen people, who meet every two months.  Details of these meetings are in the Walks Programme.  All members are very welcome to attend these meetings.
The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting, held in October.  The minutes of the 2006 AGM are available on this website.  The meeting was held at the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve and the day started with a guided walk around the Reserve, followed by lunch and then the AGM.