STOURBRIDGE HF RAMBLING CLUB
Friendly Group Walking in the West Midlands
Walking Club FAQ – Stourbridge HF Rambling Club
Thinking about joining a walking club in Stourbridge or the West Midlands?
Here you'll find answers to the questions we're most often asked about joining Stourbridge HF Rambling Club (SHFRC), our walks, membership, what to bring and what to expect when you come along for the first time.
We're a friendly, independent walking club welcoming walkers of different abilities, from beginners to experienced walkers. We organise around 6–7 walks each week, including shorter walks and longer full-day walks across Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands, making SHFRC a convenient option for walkers from Stourbridge, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Dudley and surrounding areas.
New to the club? You can join us for up to three walks free of charge before deciding whether you'd like to become a member.
New to SHFRC?
Can I try a walk before joining?
Yes. We encourage prospective members to come along and experience the club before joining. You can take part in up to three walks free of charge before deciding whether SHFRC is the right walking club for you. If you're new to group walking or unsure which walk would suit you, please contact us before your first walk and we'll be happy to help.
Do I need to be an experienced walker?
No. SHFRC welcomes walkers of different abilities, from people who are relatively new to group walking through to experienced walkers.
If you haven't walked with a club before, we recommend starting with one of our shorter and easier walks.
Will I get left behind?
Our walks are organised as group walks and the leader and backmarker aim to keep the group together. However, you should choose a walk appropriate for your own fitness and ability. The difficulty of a walk depends not only on the distance but also on the terrain, gradients, conditions underfoot and weather. If you're unsure which walk to choose, please contact the walk leader or the club before setting out.
Do I have to walk every week?
No. There is no requirement to attend every walk. Our programme offers a variety of walks on different days and at different distances and difficulty levels, so members can choose the walks that suit them. You can see the latest Upcoming Walks and Programme on our website.
What happens on my first walk?
Your first walk is simply an opportunity to meet the group and enjoy a walk. Arrive at the advertised starting point and ask for the walk leader. Introduce yourself and let the leader know that you're new to the club. Make sure you have suitable clothing, sturdy walking boots or walking shoes with good grip, water and refreshments. Don't worry about knowing anyone beforehand — the club welcomes new walkers.
About Our Walks
How many walks does SHFRC organise?
We normally organise around 6–7 walks each week. The programme includes shorter walks, longer full-day walks, evening walks during the summer months and occasional slower walks. The current programme is always the best place to check the latest walks, dates and starting points.
How long are the walks?
Our walks vary in length.
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Short walks: generally around 4–6 miles
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Full-day walks: generally around 8–12 miles
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Summer evening walks: generally around 4 miles
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Slower/shorter walks: organised usually once a month
Short walks normally take around 2½–3 hours, although the actual time will depend on the route, terrain and walking conditions. If you're new to walking with a club, we recommend choosing one of the shorter, easier walks to start with.
What do the A, B and C walk grades mean?
Our walk grades provide an indication of the difficulty of a walk. You should consider the grade alongside the distance, terrain, weather and your own fitness.
A – Difficult - Walks involving some challenging gradients.
B – Moderately difficult - Walks usually involving some gradients.
C – Easiest - Generally easier walks, such as canal towpaths or undulating countryside. These walks will usually involve a number of stiles.
Grades can also be modified with a + or –. For example, a C- walk would typically be an easier walk such as one mainly using canal towpaths.
For further information on walk grades please see our Walk Leaflet.
The number next to the grade is the approximate distance in miles.
Where do SHFRC walks take place?
Our walks take place across the West Midlands and surrounding countryside, including areas of:
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Worcestershire
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Shropshire
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Staffordshire
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the wider West Midlands
The exact location varies from walk to walk.
Members come from Stourbridge and surrounding areas including Kingswinford, Brierley Hill, Halesowen, Kidderminster and beyond.
On which days do you organise walks?
Our regular programme includes walks on:
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Monday mornings – slower walk approximately once a month
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Tuesday mornings
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Wednesday mornings
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Wednesday all-day walks
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Thursday evenings – during the summer months
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Saturday mornings
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Sunday mornings
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Sunday all-day walks
The programme is subject to change, so always check the current Upcoming Walks before travelling to a walk.
Do walks still take place if it rains?
Yes, normally. Walks generally go ahead unless the weather makes the conditions hazardous. The walk leader may make changes where necessary for safety. You should always check the latest walk information and make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions.
Preparing for Your Walk
What should I wear for a walk?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and conditions. Layers are recommended, as they allow you to adjust your clothing during the walk. Waterproof clothing is particularly important because conditions can change quickly. Sturdy walking boots or good walking shoes with good grip are essential.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing:
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Suitable walking boots or walking shoes
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Weather-appropriate clothing
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Waterproofs
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Plenty of water
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Snacks or refreshments
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Lunch for longer walks where required
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A small personal first-aid kit with foil blanket
You should also be prepared for the possibility that there may be no formal toilets during the walk.
Should I carry a first-aid kit?
Yes. We strongly recommend that walkers carry their own small personal first-aid kit and a foil blanket. You should also make sure that you are adequately prepared for the length, terrain and conditions of the walk.
Do I need walking boots?
Yes, suitable walking boots or good walking shoes with good grip are essential. The type of footwear you need will depend on the route and conditions, but ordinary trainers are generally not suitable for countryside walking where the ground may be muddy, wet or uneven.
Joining and Taking Part
Do I need to book a walk?
No. Normally you do not need to book an individual walk. Simply turn up at the advertised starting point and ask for the walk leader. We recommend checking the Upcoming Walks information before setting out because starting points and other details can change.
How do I find the starting point?
The starting point is provided with the details of each walk. Full details are normally made available on the Upcoming Walks a few days before the walk. The walk leader's telephone number is also provided in the programme if you need further information. Where available, the Upcoming Walks provides a direct Google Maps link to the starting point to make finding the walk easier. Allow plenty of time to arrive and park before the advertised start time.
Do I have to make my own way to the walk?
Yes. Walkers normally make their own way to the advertised starting point.
Car sharing is encouraged, and lifts may sometimes be available from other members. Where a member provides a lift, the current club guidance is that the driver should be paid 15p per mile per passenger and please ensure you bring a change of footwear and a bag for your dirty boots.
Are dogs allowed on walks?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on rambles, and this is subject to agreement with the walk leader.
Are children allowed on walks?
Generally children are welcome on SHFRC walks, but this can depend on the walk, distance, terrain and age of the child. Please contact the club or walk leader if you are considering bringing a child. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Membership
How much does membership cost?
The current annual membership subscription is £10, plus a one-off £5 joining fee.
How do I join Stourbridge HF Rambling Club?
If you've enjoyed your trial walks and would like to become a member, complete the Online Application form or Contact/Join Us form. Our Membership Secretary will then provide the membership application form and further information.
Can I try the club before becoming a member?
Yes. You can take part in three walks free of charge before deciding whether to join. We think this is the best way to discover whether group walking and SHFRC are right for you.
How do I find out about upcoming walks?
Upcoming walks are displayed on the website calendar and programme.
Members also receive a quarterly programme and weekly email updates, which include the walk leader's telephone number.
What are the benefits of joining SHFRC?
Membership gives you the opportunity to take part regularly in the club's organised walking programme and meet other people who enjoy walking and the outdoors. The club organises a wide variety of walks throughout the year, ranging from shorter, easier walks to longer and more challenging routes, along with walking breaks and social events.
Members may also benefit from discounts of around 10–15% at outdoor retailers, subject to the arrangements available to members.
Safety
What happens if I can't keep up with the group?
Our walks have a backmarker whose role is to help ensure that nobody is left behind. However, everyone is responsible for selecting a walk appropriate to their own ability and fitness. If you are unsure which walk is suitable, speak to the walk leader before setting off.
What happens if the weather becomes unsafe?
The safety of walkers comes first. Walks normally go ahead in wet weather, but the walk leader may alter, shorten or cancel a walk if weather or ground conditions become hazardous. Always follow the walk leader's instructions during a walk.
What should I do in an emergency?
Follow the instructions of the walk leader, particularly where there are safety hazards. SHFRC also provides specific Emergency Information and club guidance that walkers should familiarise themselves with.
Do I need to tell the leader about any health or mobility concerns?
If you have any concern about whether you can safely complete a particular walk, you should discuss this with the walk leader before setting off. Remember that the difficulty of a walk depends on the distance, terrain, gradients, weather and conditions underfoot as well as your own ability.
Are there Club Rules?
The Club Rules are there for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our members.
Still have a question?
We're always happy to help. Please contact us if there's anything else you'd like to know about Stourbridge HF Rambling Club, our walks or membership.
Ready to Give SHFRC a Try?
Come along to an upcoming walk and discover what walking with Stourbridge HF Rambling Club is all about. You can try three walks free before deciding whether you'd like to become a member.
