Rambles Info

Tell me all about Rambles

All Spice walks are designed to be fun, enjoyable, and above all, safe. All the walk leaders we use are experienced and carry first aid and emergency equipment but all walkers must ensure that they are properly equipped for the conditions. If you are a newcomer to Spice Rambles, please feel free to contact the walk leaders through the Spice Office. The leaders will be happy to discuss the appropriate type of clothing and equipment for use on Spice walks but here are a few general points to bear in mind.

No jeans or trainers, please. Any Spice Ramble of Grade 3 or harder may involve walking over open country, not necessarily over well defined paths, and it should not be assumed that you are going for a stroll in the park. You should wear warm clothing, preferably in the form of several layers, and all walkers must bring waterproof jackets and trousers. Happily, accidents and injuries are extremely rare but "injuries" are often caused by ill-fitting boots or inappropriate socks. A relatively minor injury out in the wilds can result in the walk being curtailed, so please ensure that you are happy with the fit of your boots and socks.

Bring liquids and a packed lunch. Even if the write up suggests a convenient pub stop, please do not take this for granted. Pubs have been known to be full or even closed.

A Spice ramble is not a race. The leader's responsibilities are to ensure the safety of all the party, so he will often have to spend time at the back of the group. All walkers should ensure that they do not lose contact with the leader. If you can't see the leader, please stop and wait. (Neither Spice nor the walk leaders can be held responsible if a walker sustains an injury whilst out of touch with the leader.)

Please be ready on time. There will be over 20 walkers taking part in a typical Spice ramble. The time specified in the newsletter is the Start time. If you are not ready to start walking promptly, you will be inconveniencing all those who had the foresight to get ready on time. Some rambles give a postcode near to the meet point; these are given for guidance only and members should not rely on SatNav systems to find the precise meet point for a walk. Always take the printed directions and a map with you. Please remember that Spice cannot be held responsible for the security of the car parking. Please ensure that you take sensible precautions to protect your car and belongings.

Well behaved dogs are welcome on most walks unless otherwise stated, but must be pre-booked - please write it on your booking form or in the notes when booking online if you are bringing dogs. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the dog is kept under control on a fixed lead with a length of no more than two metres at all times, and is not allowed to cause a nuisance. You must bring a suitable lead and use it. Dogs must not be allowed off the lead at any time..

Rambles - Grading System

Grade 1: STRENUOUS: Very strenuous, mountain walking and hill climbing with steep rough ascents and descents. Some rock scrambling, fixed rope and / or snow / ice work may be involved. Suitable only for strong, fit and experienced walkers. Normally 14-20 miles and / or 3000-4000 ft of ascent.

Grade 2: HARD: Strenuous mountain and hill walking on distinct paths. Ascents and descents steep and rough. Previous hill walking experience advisable. Normally 8-12 miles and / or 1000 – 3500 ft of ascent.

Grade 3: MODERATE: Energetic walking over less difficult mountains, hills and moors following paths and tracks. Some rough ground on most walks. 7-10 miles and / or 1000 –2000 ft of ascent.

Grade 4: EASY WALKING: Walking along lower hill slopes, distinct valley tracks, lakeside paths. Rough stony ground may occur on some walks. 3-7 miles with up to 1000ft ascent. Easy to moderate pace. Suitable for reasonably fit beginner.

Grade 5: EASY-PEASY WALKING: Walking mostly paths, fairly level, maximum 6 miles at an easy pace. Good trainers OK.

Day rambles initially priced at £5 will increase in price to £8 for bookings received within 2 weeks of the event so please book early! Evening rambles are initially priced at £3 but increase to £6 for bookings received within two weeks. Some longer rambles and those including a meal are priced differently but this is clearly marked on the event.