Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of The Ramblers before I can join a walk?

For insurance purposes, you should join the Ramblers when coming for walks with us regularly but you can be a non-member for the first few walks.

How do I join The Ramblers?

You can join online:
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/become-a-member.aspx

You can specify your preferred group. We are 'Hike MK' - group code 'BU50'. Note there is another Milton Keynes (none 20-30s) walking group so please do ensure you provide our name and code.

Do I have to book walks in advance?

No, you can turn up to the walks listed in the programme without booking.
Details of all our forthcoming walks are listed on our Facebook page.

Do I have to pay for individual walks?

No, individual walks are free. There is an annual membership fee to The Ramblers.

What can I expect on a walk?

Most of our walks go through fields that may be wet and/or muddy, over stiles and across ditches in all sorts of weather, so come prepared! We endeavour to follow Public Rights of Way, avoid trespassing and to maintain a suitable walking pace. Please follow the leaders' directions and try not to get too far ahead or behind the group.

How many people turn up for walks?

This varies, but typically 8-12 but has been up to 25.

Where are your walks?

We are based in North Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

Walks are normally between the Chiltern Hills and Aylesbury Vale in the south, Bicester and Brackley to the west, Northamptonshire to the north and Bedfordshire in the east.

How long are your walks?

Walks can take place over full days, half days and evenings. The lengths are between 7 and 21 kms (4 and 12 miles).

The average full day walk length is around 10-16 kms (6-10 miles).

Details of all our forthcoming walks are listed on our Facebook page.

How early do I have to turn up for a walk?

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time to meet the group and change into your walking gear.

What do I have to bring to a walk?

Most Ramblers' walks are off-road in rural areas. Please ensure you bring along appropriate clothing and footwear (see the equipment page) plus sufficient refreshments for the walks.

What refreshments do I have to bring to a walk?

On day walks, bring a packed lunch if indicated on the programme. We sometimes stop at a pub, but this is not always possible and food may not be available. We usually have a break on shorter walks too, so bring a drink and snack if you wish.

Please ensure you bring adequate drinks for the walk duration and weather conditions. Remember it's far better to carry too much water than not enough!

Are children allowed on the walks?

No, sorry. We are an adult walking group.

Are dogs welcome on walks?

Yes, generally well-behaved dogs are welcome, if kept under strict control. They should be put on a lead. However, some walk leaders prefer not to have dogs on their walks, so please check beforehand.

Do you arrange walks further away?

Yes, we arrange day walks, weekends and weeks away. Recently these have included weekends in the Peak District, Somerset, Norfolk and Shropshire, and a week in Ireland.

Do you have social events?

Details of all our forthcoming socials are listed on our Facebook page.

We hold regular social events that include: social evenings, restaurants, barbeques, pub quizzes, cinema and theatre trips, comedy nights, and ten-pin bowling etc.

Who can I contact if I need further information?

To contact the Hike MK committee, please join our Facebook group.