We collect together here some guidance for all walkers to help with the enjoyment and the experience of walking in the countryside. Many of the walks you will find with the OFS are on paths and tracks with unmetalled surfaces and often on private land. We seek to be good citizens and tread lightly.
Relevant information can be found in the relevant sections of the Highway Code and the Countryside Code.
Please make sure that you take all litter home with you. This includes biodegradable items such as banana skins and apple cores; they may decompose in a few months but consider how you would feel if they were left in your garden every day.
Starting Walking
Set your expectations realistically – if you haven’t been exercising regularly then start slowly and only go a short distance on fairly flat terrain. Until you are confident of your ability, don’t go too far from your starting point – this may mean walking round the block several times.
Decide how long you want to walk for rather than setting yourself a distance – speed and distance will come as you get fitter. Gradually increase the duration of your walks.
Be prepared!
It’s absolutely possible to enjoy walking in all weathers by being appropriately equipped. Our collective experience suggests that having comfortable boots (or shoes) and being able to keep warm and dry on the inside are particularly important. Check out our guidance on Footwear, Clothing and Equipment.
Navigating
On walks with the OFS there is always a leader who has familiarised themselves with the route for the day. You may want to learn about using a map and navigating a route yourself. We have collected some further information in separate page about maps and navigation.
Weather
When you do plan to walk you will undoubted want to check the weather forecast to make sure you are not surprised by the conditions. We have collected together some of reference sites where you can consult for the current Weather forecast.