Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to questions that are often asked by people considering joining the Ramblers groups in Dorset. If your question about joining is not covered here get in touch with one of the group contacts via our Contact Us page.

Q. Can you explain why there is both a Dorset and a number of Dorset groups.

A.  People tend to do their regular walking in a region around where they live so as the Ramblers is a UK wide organisation so for walking planning it is natural to form groups who's walk typically cover a region of the UK. As well as walks the Ramblers get involved in a variety of other activities which can result in a administration and other tasks which are best catered for by area councils who are responsible for a number of Ramblers groups.

If you join the Ramblers without specifying a group you will be allocated to a group based on you home postcode but you can choose to start with another group or change your group allocation. A even more important factor for many people is you don't have to only go on walks on your group's programme. Many members join in on walks with other groups both 'near to their group' and when away from home (holidaying Ramblers from all over the UK have been spotted on Dorset group walks).

Q. Where do you walk?>

A. Throughout Dorset and the neighbouring counties, depending on the season of the year.

Q. How long are the walks?

A. The range of distances vary between each group and 4 and 20 miles across, depending upon the time of year. It is advisable not to undertake anything which is likely to be beyond your experience to date.

Q. Do we start from a central meeting point?

A.  Walks start from a variety of locations that are detailed in each group programme. Start points are briefly described in each group programme and an Ordinance Survey grid reference is provided.

Q. Is there a car sharing scheme to get to the start of walks?

A. Informal car sharing is in practise in all the groups. The East Dorset Group has recently started a car sharing scheme with contact information available online for members.

Q. How do I find out about and join a walk?

A. Many Dorset Group walks are published on the walks finder facility which can be used to search for Ramblers walks across the UK. There are some links on our Try A Walk page that will find walks in Dorset based on typical selection parameters for Dorset or if appropriate a link to a group web site page. You can also find out about walks via any of the group contacts on our Contact Us page.  You can just turn up at the start point in good time and make yourself known to the leader however if a contact number for the walk leader is provided it can be advisable to make contact a few days before the walk if possible.. He or she will then introduce you to the rest of the walking group and you can take it from there.

Q. Do I have to be a Ramblers member before joining a walk?

A. No - you are welcome to come on one or two walks to see if you enjoy it before committing yourself to membership of the Ramblers.

Q. Are there any age limits?

A. No though the Dorset Young Walkers do aim to attract members from a specific age range.