What constitutes a typical Ramblers walk? Our walk organisers work hard to spread the walks the length and breadth of the county; firstly to ensure that we provide as much variety as possible and more importantly because part of our remit is to ensure that all of our Rights of Way are walked both to preserve them and report issues such as broken stiles.

Of course we do operate certain walks which go beyond the county boundary, notably on Saturdays and our occasional coach ramble programme, but at least 80% of our activities take place within Leicestershire and Rutland.

Typically walks start between 9:30 and 10am. The leader will usually have walked the route beforehand to ensure that there are no ongoing issues along the way. They will also identify safe and suitable parking for the meeting point.

Once everyone is assembled the leader will give an overview of the route, villages that we pass through and other landmarks. An idea of the location of the tea break and lunch stops will be highlighted. Once under way we generally walk for between an hour and a half up to two hours before the tea break – popular spots are Churchyards and public open spaces where picnic benches are available.

If you go on a half day walk of say up to 6 miles then the tea break would represent the half way point and at the end many of the walks offer the chance to take a pub lunch with your fellow walkers. This is optional however and some make their way home.

If you are on one of our full day walks, generally 11 to 13 miles, there is a further stop. If you are lucky, several of our walk leaders are enthusiastic bakers and various cakes can be offered around. If you are unfamiliar with day walks you need to pack sufficient water, a flask of tea or coffee, sandwiches or rolls, fruit and snack food.

The post lunch section is normally no more than four miles and we normally return to the start point before the evening rush hour.

I hope that gives you more of a flavour of how our walks operate, a number of our leaders are keen on local history and will take you to some interesting points along the way.

Full details of our year round walking programme together with contact details of walk leaders can be found on our website https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-finder/areas/leicestershire-and-rutland/groups/leicester–district.aspx

Or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LeicesterandDistrictRamblers

Or contact myself Dave Wheeler, Publicity Secretary publicity@ramblers-leicester.org.uk