This page answers some of the questions you may have if you haven't been on a Dorset Group social walk before

What is a Social Walk?

A social walk is a Group walk solely for the enjoyment of the members as a social event, and led by one of the Group. A social walk is the opportunity to meet the Group members, so come along and try one. We have a wide range of interests from archaeology to zoology.

What happens on a Social Walk?

Sunday walks usually start at 9am. Note that we really mean it when we say "start at 9am". If you turn up at five past nine, we will have gone. Typically we walk until 5 pm stopping for 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon for tea and coffee, and for a longer break at lunchtime for a picnic. Sometimes we stop near a pub where you can, if you wish, buy a drink, (We don’t normally stop for long enough to order and eat food) If the walk description is unclear, ask the leader whose contact details will be on the website. The distance will be around 18 to 22 miles, a bit shorter in the middle of winter, but the walk description will tell you how long it is.

Midweek walks often start later, are shorter and include a longer lunchtime pub stop with time to order and eat food. See the walk description for details.

I've never walked twenty miles before. How will I cope?

Most reasonably fit people can walk twenty miles. You may suffer the next day and find it a bit tough the first time, but after a few goes it will become easy. If you have any doubts, try walking 12 miles in four hours and see how you do.

What about the weather?

The walk will happen whatever the weather. The leader will adjust the route to the prevailing conditions.

Is there a charge?

No. You are automatically a member of the Dorset Group if you are an LDWA member living in Dorset, and all social walks are free.

Will I be left behind?

No. The leaders will know how many are on the walk, and will wait for the slowest walkers to catch up every time there is the possibility of going wrong.

Can I bring a dog?

Unless the walk description says otherwise LDWA members can bring a dog provided their dog is covered by Pet Owners’ Liability Insurance. Non-members are not allowed to bring a dog. For full details see the National LDWA policy here.

Do I need to contact the walk leader beforehand?

No, but please do if you have any questions.

Do I need a map?

No, but it doesn't hurt to bring one along if you have one.