Reaching a walking event
Feel free to turn up at walks without prior arrangement, as we are recognisable by our clothing, Arrive ten minutes early to put boots on, and sign our attendance register. Though also feel free to ask beforehand for an event contact to help with directions and route information. Note that we do not publicise phone numbers on our website. We aim to hold walks every Saturday, every Sunday, and on some evenings mainly during summer.
Social Events & Weekend Breaks
These are also good events to meet people. Making prior contact is advisable for social events to ensure you can find us, and mandatory for weekend breaks where booking meals and accommodation is usually necessary. Holiday weekend breaks are very popular, and you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Holiday Club is our monthly newsletter.
How to join the WMWG
You join the central Ramblers Association, and affiliate yourself to us, by specifying group WK11 (West Midlands 20s/30s group) or else you will be allocated to your most local senior/ standard group, and not to a young person's group. Prospective members may join our events on a trial basis, but need to join after their second event. The annual fee is just £27 per annum, and joining is possible by calling 020 7339 8959, applying online at www.ramblers.org.uk/join or by postal application.
Benefits
There are many benefits of joining. For example, you will receive our quarterly hardcopy events programme and various magazines, discounts on walking gear at certain High Street stores, and can join other RA walking groups around the UK without further cost. You are also invited to join our transport share scheme, attend our annual party, will receive details of some occasional ad-hoc events, and can book onto our many walking weekend breaks.
Keeping Informed
While you are considering joining or waiting for your membership card, you may wish to be included on our email blind-copy circulation list for our newsletter VIGIL which is issued every 3 weeks. Email to wmwgnews1@tiscali.co.uk to be added.
Transport Sharing
We operate a self-help transport sharing system, open to members and (at our discretion) people known to us. Local volunteers for each town who are happy to be contacted about giving/receiving lifts are included on a transport share contact list. Those receiving lifts should contribute towards petrol and meet at a single point specified by the driver (e.g. driver's house, or somewhere along the way). The only information we will need to know is your name, e-address, telephone and town.
Prompt Arrival
Walks will leave on time, except at the leader's discretion. However if you encounter traffic problems, do not panic. Walk leaders can at their discretion wait up to 15 minutes before starting. Otherwise they may be able to suggest a parking location further down the route so that you may join us part way through the walk, and we'll normally be able to get you back to your car. We usually provide mobile numbers for contact on walk-days, but cannot guarantee there will be a signal
What to Bring on walks
Proper walking boots, waterproofs and suitable clothing (no jeans) are essential. Hat & gloves are advisable in poor weather. Walk leaders may refuse people if not attired appropriately. Drinks and snacks are strongly advisable, as it is often not possible to purchase them during the walk. Well-behaved dogs and children by prior arrangement with walk leader only.
Walk Grading
Walk mileages are indicative only. Walks are graded (easy, straightforward, intermediate, challenging, difficult) to approximate effort involved. Walks are designed to appeal to members, so do not be put off by the descriptions. Over 90% of our members can comfortably complete walks up to and including intermediate grading, and only the 'difficult' grade is suitable only for mountain specialists.
Grid References
Ordnance Survey references are usually provided for walk location start points to assist anyone with an OS map or internet access e.g. to www.streetmap.co.uk to locate. The full eight character grid reference is used.
Buddy System
If a prospective new member would like a buddy to accompany them their first few walks, this can usually be arranged. The buddy will usually be someone who has been a member for at least one year. Contact wmwgnews1@tiscali.co.uk for this purpose
Who are WMWG members?
Club membership is now well over 300 people, and even split of young men/women walkers across towns in the West Midlands and over the borders into neighbouring counties, and across the 20-40 age range, with a few members between 18&20 or just over 40 (who joined whilst in their 30s). We pride ourselves on being a friendly group, and we cater for casual and serious walkers alike. All events are organised as a result of members volunteering, so our programme reflects what our members enjoy doing!
Health & Safety
“All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.”
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW