We want to offer a warm welcome to everyone who may be a newcomer to walking with a Ramblers group. Group walks offer the opportunity to visit new places and to meet new people. We hope these notes will help you to enjoy walking with us.
How to start – look at our Walks Programme on the Ynys Môn Ramblers website. Walks are graded by difficulty and length . Most of our walks are Grade C which are of moderate length and difficulty and suitable for people with a good level of fitness. They may include steep paths and open country.
Not a Ramblers member? –no problem, you can join us for three trial walks as a non-member. There are no charges for Ramblers walks and no need to book. If you have any questions about the walk please telephone the leader beforehand.
Starting points and times for walks –these are shown in the Walks Programme by a description and an Ordnance Survey grid reference. Most walks start and end at the same location or are described as linear. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to change into suitable footwear and clothing. We encourage the use of public transport and car sharing where possible. The walk description will indicate if the leader will assist with car sharing arrangements.
Dogs – as North Wales is predominantly a livestock farming area many of our leaders will not allow dogs on their walks apart from registered assistance dogs.
Those with assistance dogs should phone the leader to discuss stiles or other obstacles on the route. Other than assistance dogs, if the leader is happy to have well behaved dogs, the walk description will state ‘Suitable for well behaved dogs on a short lead”.
Clothing and footwear – these should be suitable for the terrain and weather conditions. Paths are often wet, muddy and rough, so walking boots are advisable. Weather conditions can change quickly. On higher ground and exposed coasts winds are stronger and temperatures lower. Fleeces, waterproofs, warm hat and gloves are recommended in the cooler months. Anglesey is a sunny place and sunscreen and sun hats are often needed in the summer. Our walks are often across agricultural land with grazing animals. Some walkers carry sticks or walking poles as the sight of these can deter unwanted attention from curious or aggressive cattle, which can particularly occur where calves are also present.
Refreshments –bring a picnic, water and/or a hot drink. The leader will usually plan one or two breaks for food and drinks.
Public toilets – these are not usually available on our walks. If you need to make a toilet stop please inform the leader, back marker or another one of the group so you are not left behind and find a discreet spot off the path.
The pace of the walk – this is often the key factor in the enjoyment of walking. The leader will try to set a pace to suit the abilities of the group. If you are struggling to keep pace with the others, speak to the back marker who will ask the leader to adjust the pace.
Medical issues –if you have a pre-existing medical condition which affects your walking please tell the leader before the start. You should also consider carrying an “In Case of Emergency” card (available from the Walks Programme Secretary) which provides details of medication and contact details.
Interested in leading Walks for Ynys Môn Group?
To find out more about what leading entails or to offer your services, please speak to one of our walk leaders or the Walks Programme Secretary.