Welcome to the LRWG (Leicestershire & Rutland Walking Group) Members Area. This is where you'll find resources and advice for walkers and leaders, committee and AGM meeting minutes, past and present walks programmes and all the information you'll need to be a member of LRWG.
If you're new to LRWG, please visit our main site at www.lrwg.org.uk
Initially you need to Create your own https://www.klubraum.com/ account.
Then you need to request to join chair@lrwg.org.uk
As detailed on our main site if numbers on a walk are capped, you must have a place confirmed on the walk listing there before you arrive at the walk start.
Please send a message to programme@lrwg.org.uk (We are currently changing from Meetup to Klubraum and still refining our process).
For the inexperienced walker, we aim to answer some of your questions here.
Can I come to try out the group before I join?
Yes, prospective members are very welcome to come on 2 or 3 walks before joining the group, but if you wish to go on a weekend away, then you must join before going.
Which walk for me?
Pick a walk that suits your level of experience and fitness. Weekend walks are generally in the range of 7 to 15 miles while evening walks are generally between 3 and 5 miles. Leicestershire walks, for example, tend to be easier going than Peak District walks. Email the walk leader (email address in the members programme) if you're unsure. Please be aware that for the safety of yourself and others on the walk, the leader has the right to refuse you if you aren't sufficiently prepared for a walk. Walks are graded in the programme as follows:
Walk Grades
Leisurely (L) - This will be most evening walks. Suitable for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. Terrain includes unsurfaced country paths that may be narrow, uneven, muddy or overgrown, and obstructions such as stiles, narrow bridges, stepping stones and steps. May be hilly, with a few ascents and descents. May also include walks that would otherwise be graded easy access or easy but are longer than 8km/5 miles. Pace Slow or moderate pace; could include otherwise easy walks taken at a moderate pace.
Moderate (M) - This will be most Sunday walks around Leicestershire. Suitable for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. Terrain As leisurely walks, but with some sustained climbs and perhaps some moderate walking on open hillsides or moorland in the warmer months. Pace Moderate pace; could include walks on leisurely terrain taken at a brisk pace.
Strenuous (S) - This will be most Peak District type walks. Suitable for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance. Terrain Includes rough country and mountains, a few long or lots of short ascents and descents on rough paths and across open country. Pace Moderate or brisk pace; could include walks on moderate terrain taken at a brisk pace.
Technical (T) - Something like going up Tryfan. Suitable for walkers with experience of walking in rough country, with additional technical skills and specialist equipment where appropriate. Walkers must contact the organiser or leader for further details. Terrain includes rough country and mountains; may involve scrambling, ropes, ice axes or crampons. If there is a chance that weather conditions will require ropes or other technical equipment to be used and these are carried as a precaution. The walk should be classed as technical whether they are used or not.
What should I bring?
You've been on a couple of walks and decide to sign up so you may want to set yourself up with some walking gear. Below is a list of essentials and recommended items to bring on a walk.
Don't forget your Ramblers discretionary discounts at:
Essentials:
Recommended, but not essential:
Why do I have to Join LRWG before going on a Weekend Away?
Our weekends away are very popular and tend to book up quickly therefore only paid up members of the group/Ramblers are allowed to book for such events. The Ramblers Association also holds Group Membership of the YHA which enables all members to attend group weekends at YHA hostels without being individual members of the YHA. This Group YHA Membership cover is only valid for Ramblers members attending group events, therefore non-Ramblers members are not able to attend weekends away at YHA hostels.
Do you have Insurance?
(Updated 2020) The Ramblers now provide both Personal Accident Insurance to members and Liability Insurance (to walk leaders) Provided that the walk has been listed as an official Ramblers walk. (See the Ramblers description of this cover)
How do I Join The Leicester and Rutland Walking Group and the Ramblers Association?
Go to the Join LRWG page. This will guide you to the Ramblers Association Website where you can fill in the application form. You must join the Ramblers Association before you can join LRWG.
What kind of walks do you do?
We organise walks of varying lengths and grades, from short distances to 14 miles+ over fields, low level hills and high level terrain. The Walking programme aims to have a variety of events to suit all fitness levels.
Can dogs be taken out on walks?
Dogs are welcome on LRWG walks but the owner of the dog must comply with the Countryside Code which states that:
Dog owners should also bear in mind the following advice contained in the Countryside Code:
"If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead don't risk getting hurt by trying to protect it."
The Countryside Code is officially supported by the Ramblers Association. To download the code in full please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
If I move away from the area, is my membership still valid?
Yes, you join the Ramblers for a year or whatever period you choose if you join via the Ramblers site. If you wish to join a different group, ask the Ramblers to change the group number on your membership card. You can find out the group number from the group Secretary.
Can I walk with other groups using my Ramblers card?
Yes, your membership of the Ramblers allows you to walk with any of the 400+ groups around the country. Ask the relevant group secretary or Walk Leader for details. See the Ramblers Association Page to find your local group.
What age are the majority of members?
Initially LRWG was set up as a 20s and 30s group. Since then, many friendships have been made and as people have got older they prefer to stay together in the group. This means that the age range of the group has risen. We still encourage younger members and have members in their 20s, but the majority of members are in their 30s and 40s with a few young at heart people in their 50s. Whatever the age, we all have the love of walking and the outdoors in common and make any like minded people welcome.
If you feel like leading a walk, this section will give you all the information you will require.
Planning your walk
On the day
After your walk
Walk planners
Leicestershire walks
Rutland walks
Derbyshire walks
Nottinghamshire walks
Staffordshire walks
Northamptonshire walks
If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed to open the pdf files you can download it here.
LRWG has an emailing list open to all members to communicate with each other. The idea is to use the list to promote walks and socials as well as ask for lifts to events etc.
The Main LRWG Emailing List
The main list is open to members only. This is a fully functional, two-way emailing list. You will receive emails from other members and can send emails to the membership too.
Important note
Procedure for joining the emailing group:
To unsubscribe:
Downloads are in PDF format. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed to open the pdf files you can download it here.
Past walks programmes
Please note that info contained in these programmes may be out of date.
Committee meeting and AGM minutes
Please note that online minutes may be edited to protect individuals' identity.
Other Files
