What to bring on a walk and walking fitness

Walking in the South East rarely requires specialist expensive clothing or equipment. Some boots or comfortable shoes with a good sole, waterproofs and a hat appropriate to the weather, together with jumpers or fleeces if the day should be cold, are all you need. A walking pole (or better still, a pair of poles) may be helpful in muddy or hilly terrain.

Check the weather forecast before you come out and dress appropriately for several hours in the open air. A small daysack (or large pockets) is useful for containing a hot or cold drink and a snack for the nibble break, which will keep thirst and hunger at bay until we reach a pub or cafe. Don't forget the suntan lotion, either.

During wet periods, and in winter, many paths or fields can be extremely muddy and often a walk will entail climbing over one or more stiles. Assess your fitness honestly and seek medical advice if you have doubts as to whether you are healthy enough to undertake a walk for several miles in the country.

There are no mountains in Kent but it is not a flat county and a stiff climb up the slope of the North Downs will see the best of us puffing a bit! Ramblers, in conjunction with local authorities, run "Wellbeing Walks" programmes and if you have any doubts you could join them to test out and/or improve your fitness.

Before coming out and on the day

Details of our walks, and maps showing you where the starting point is, are to be found under the 'Walks' item in the main menu of this website. If you have any further questions, telephone or email the leader of the walk which you plan to join. 

On the day, allow plenty of time to find the starting place, park the car, and change into your walking boots. Introduce yourself to the leader and sign the register. Enjoy the day's walk, chat to your fellow walkers and ask them or the leader anything you want to know about joining the Ramblers. That's it, you're almost one of us!