BLACKHEATH GROUP OF THE RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION

The Blackheath Group is primarily a walking group and we aim to offer a walk on each Saturday and Sunday of the year, on Bank Holiday Mondays if a leader is available, and occasionally a choice of walks. In addition, we try to offer at least one week or long weekend away a year.

In the winter most of our full-day walks are in the range 9 to 13 miles, and during the rest of the year in the range 11 to 16 miles. We tend towards the middle and upper end of these ranges, and in the summer some walks may be longer. In addition, we sometimes offer short or half-day walks of 5 to 7 miles, and the occasional short evening walk.

Most walks start and finish at a Railway or LT Underground station where also free car-parking is usually, but not always, available at weekends. Occasionally we have car or minibus rambles which enable us to visit areas that cannot be reached by public transport. For the former, we usually meet at a convenient station, and those with cars give lifts to others in return for a contribution to expenses. It is not necessary to have your own transport to come on our walks, nor to arrange travel with someone else in advance.

Remember that some of the train times specified in the Programme may anticipate a new Railway timetable, and engineering works often happen at the weekend. Always check the times a couple of days preceding the walk on phone number 0845 748 4590 and, if the times given are significantly different from those in the Programme (arrival time more than ± 10 minutes out) ’phone the leader, or the Walks Organiser if no ’phone number is given. However, leaders do try to accommodate unpredicted delays to the train on the day.

Most people wear boots, particularly in the winter when it is often muddy. You can wear trainers or shoes, but you run the risk of getting wet feet or turning an ankle. Whatever your choice, make sure it is broken in and comfortable. At lunch time be prepared to remove muddy footwear or cover it with plastic bags/pedal bin liners/shower caps. The latter is the safer option as boots are occasionally stolen from outside pubs.

You will also need waterproofs: jacket and trousers. Gaiters are useful to prevent water seeping into boots and to keep mud off legs/socks/trousers.

Unless otherwise specified in the Programme, we stop at a pub at lunch time where food will usually be available. However, this cannot be guaranteed as the leader will not normally have a chance to check before the Programme is prepared, so bring some emergency rations just in case. Alternatively, you can of course bring your own food, but you will almost certainly have to eat it outside. Don't forget to bring something to drink, particularly in the summer.

Other things to consider are some first aid items - the leader does not carry a kit on behalf of the Group - a map to follow the route, some extra clothing, torch and reflective bands in the winter, and plastic bags to keep everything dry inside your rucksack.

Any member of the Ramblers' Association (2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. Tel: 020 7339 8500. Fax: 020 7339 8501.
Email: ramblers@london.ramblers.org.uk
Web: www.ramblers.org.uk) can come on our walks. If you are allocated to our Group, or ask Head Office to be transferred to our Group, you will be sent our Programme automatically. If you belong to another Group but would like to receive our Programme, you can become an Associate Member. To do this, send your RA Membership number, and a cheque or Postal Order for £2 made payable to 'Blackheath Group of the Ramblers' Association', to the Treasurer, Mrs Pat Bullivant, at 45 Blackheath Park, London, SE3 9SQ. A form will be enclosed with the final Programme of the year inviting you to renew your Associate Membership.

Anyone who is prepared to lead a walk! We are always in need of new leaders, so if you would like to be one or would like to know what is involved, get in touch with a committee member or speak to the leader on any walk. We do not ask potential leaders to prepare walks of a specific type or length, or at a particular location. It is entirely up to the individual to choose their own walk and they may claim expenses associated with the preparation of the walk.

Usually numbers are between 10 - 20 per walk. Occasionally there may be slightly higher numbers though numbers tend to be less the further we travel afield.