Summer 2019 Walks Programme Message From The Chair am proud to be taking over the helm of our very successful Ramblers Group and as the days start to get longer, the I birds start singing and the spring flowers begin to rear their heads, the final confirmation that summer is approaching is the appearance of the Tavistock Ramblers Summer Walks Programme. Preparing the programme is akin to drawing up a menu. Retaining a few proven favourites but trying a selection of new “dishes” with Paul being Head Chef. So it is with our latest programme. We always like to thank our leaders who submit walk suggestions but this time they seem to have excelled even their high standards. As a result, we have been able to put on more walks than usual; more Wednesday and Thursday walks, linear walks, walks as part of Dartmoor Walking Festival and a repeat of the popular Lych Way walk. The “menu” guarantees there is something for everyone. The good news is that even if you overindulge, it will be good for you! Even the strongest walkers have to stop and rest sometimes which is where the social programme comes in, so make sure you look at what is planned over the coming months and come along. Many of the walks have a particular social slant as well, so there is always an opportunity to share extra time and laughter with each other. Whether you are a regular or occasional walker, a new or older member, you are all very welcome in our Tavistock Ramblers family and we all look forward to spending time with you. Best Wishes Sue Whiteman Walks Guidance Notes We welcome all Ramblers members on our walks. Non -members are also welcome to join us on a walk or two before deciding to join Ramblers. Walks Meeting Points Our Group encourages car sharing and we meet in Tavistock to share transport FOR ALL OF THE WALKS IN THIS PROGRAMME unless specifically stated otherwise. The meeting point is the free car park in Pixon Lane, Tavistock PL19 9BB (just below the Market Inn). Note that the programme now shows the time that we meet at Pixon Lane AND the anticipated time that the walk will start. Also note that we do leave the Tavistock meeting point promptly. Those wishing to make their own way to the start point of the walk should check with the leader to confirm that there have been no changes in details. Drivers usually appreciate it when passengers make a voluntary contribution. As a guide, £1 to £4 according to distance travelled, is considered a reasonable amount to offer. Please bring clean shoes to change into if a passenger in another walker’s car. Safety Information Walks take place over ground that may be steep, uneven, slippery, muddy or rough and can involve climbing stiles and crossing streams. No liability is accepted by the leader or Tavistock Ramblers in respect of any personal loss, damage or injury that occurs on, or as a consequence of, any walk or event. Walkers should wear suitable footwear and clothing appropriate to the walk and weather conditions and bring adequate food and drink. Always bring an extra snack and spare warm clothing in your rucksack in case we are delayed or the weather deteriorates. Walkers are advised to carry their own first aid kit. Walks leaders no longer carry first aid kits provided by the group. The leader reserves the right to vary the route or cancel the walk to take account of weather or ground conditions. The leader also has the right to exclude from the walk anyone who is felt to be insufficiently fit or equipped for the planned walk. Walks Gradings The walks in this Walks Programme are graded in accordance with the Ramblers grading system. Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or who is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. The walk may include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and might be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. Walks Gradings The grades are indicated on the Walks Programme as follows: E Easy L Leisurely M Moderate S Strenuous Please also note: When walking, we usually stop after an hour or so for a “coffee stop”. If the walk is more than, say, 5 or 6 miles you should bring lunch. If in doubt, contact the leader beforehand. Walk gradings are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance. • Bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned. • If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first - it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted. • Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit. • Walks gradings relate to the difficulty or otherwise of the walk and not the length. A long walk, requiring a degree of stamina, can therefore, possibly be graded as Easy and you should take this into account. ICE Cards All regular walkers who are members of Tavistock Ramblers have been given an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card. These cards have been purchased from group funds and are for the safety of members. They record identity, contact and medical information and should be clipped inside the top of the rucksack. Medical ID Your smart phone can also help in an emergency even if you are unresponsive. Both IOS (Apple) and Android have a standard feature in “Settings” called Medical ID where similar information but in more detail is available. This is accessible even if your phone is locked. It also means that an emergency call can be made without knowing the passcode. You are urged to make sure that you have activated this feature. You are more likely to be carrying a phone than a rucksack when not out walking, after all. Emergency SMS On the subject of phones, we have been advocating for several years now that all members register their mobile phones with the SMS Emergency Service. This means that you should be able to contact the emergency services even if there is no signal on your network. Dogs Dogs are permitted on walks, except where specifically excluded, but on the clear understanding that they are under complete control at all times and on a lead where there is livestock. In particular, dogs should be kept on a short lead during the bird nesting season on Dartmoor (1st March to 31st July) and throughout all refreshment and lunch stops during the walk. Diary Dates For further details, see the programme Saturday 6th April BIG Walk 3 – Two Moors Way Associaon Sunday 14th April Liskeard to Looe walk and train ride Thursday 25th April FIRST evening walk of the summer – then every two weeks unl 29th August Saturday 11th May Bill’s 10 Tors Saturday 1st June Bere Ferrers train ride and walk Sunday 2nd June St. Petroc’s Lydford Lich Way Walk Saturday 29th June St. Michael’s Way, both the easy and not so easy way. Trains to and from Cornwall Friday 12th July Summer Party, Malcolm and Sarah’s. Weekend 27th/28th July Two Castles Trail- Okehampton to Launceston Saturday 17th Aug Walks Leaders Training Day 24th August to 1st September Dartmoor Walking Fesval Saturday 31st August Mary Michael Route- Lydford to Belstone Sunday 1st September Mary Michael Route- Belstone to Chagford Saturday 7th September Devon Area 50 th Anniversary Celebraon Walk Saturday 7th September Dartmoor Naonal Park 70 th Anniversary. Sunday 5th October Abbot’s Way Walk Sunday 13th October AGM Whitchurch Village Hall First Monday of the month Coffee at the Bedford, 10:30am First Friday of the month SAS (Pub evening) 7.30pm. Contact Paul (01822 820597) for details Holiday 18th May to 25th May Yorkshire Dales Holiday (fully booked) Ramblers Discounts One of the many benefits of membership of The Ramblers is the discount available from various outdoor gear retailers. Most of the High Street chains will give a 10% discount on producon of a current membership card. This includes Millets, Blacks, Mountain Warehouse, and Taunton Leisure. Go Outdoors will give 10% in addion to their own discount card and Cotswold Outdoor, Ramblers preferred outdoor specialist, give 15%. Tavistock Launderee also give us 10% discount off the cost of cleaning and reproofing our gear. Worth having! Thanks! We are very grateful to HF Holidays, Ramblers Walking Holidays, The Walking Partnership, Cotswold Outdoor, Tavistock Launderee and ABC Service for the financial support they give us which helps with the cost of producing this programme. Summer 2019 Walks Programme Date & The Walk Contact Time Start Point, Description, Distance (Miles) and Grade Wednesday Meet in Tavistock. Drive to Scrub Tor CP. SX414744 for 10:00 walk start. Bill 12 3rd April Devon Great Consols. Walk New Quay, Morwellham.