Day walks are "star" rated according to factors such as distance, terrain and ascent. It is worth noting that a change in weather can affect the difficulty of a walk. The grades are as follows:
1* walks - these will usually be gently paced, up to 8 miles in length, and over easy terrain such as lowland hills (e.g. Sandstone Trail, Cheshire).
2* walks - may be longer in distance, involve more ascent, or cover rougher terrain but with no technical ability required (eg Moel Famau in the Clwydians).
3* walks - may be faster paced, or cover a longer distance, and will usually involve steep ascents over rough ground sometimes involving scrambling and requiring a good head for heights (e.g. Carneddau, Glyders in Snowdonia).
The rating system is designed to ensure that no one is pushed beyond their limit and that everyone gains maximum enjoyment. During a walk the group ALWAYS travels at the pace of the slowest party member.
Evening walks in the summer are not star rated, but are typically between 3 and 5 miles long.
Please contact the walk leader 1-2 days prior to a walk for further details and to confirm travel/meeting arrangements. Some walk leaders live outside the Chester area, and may travel directly to the start of the walk, rather than to Delamere St.
Members are advised to check that event details are unchanged prior to turning up (especially on walks, and if the weather forecast is poor). Organisers should endeavour to find a substitute if they can't make it or contact committee members ASAP if event details are changed.
For all walks it is essential to wear walking boots, thick socks, suitable trousers or shorts (not jeans), and suitable clothing for the weather and time of year. Waterproof jackets should be brought on all walks along with waterproof trousers if possible. For winter walks, several layers of clothing are better than one thick layer. Spare clothing including a hat and gloves are essential in winter.
Plenty of food is essential, along with hot drinks in winter and plenty of water and protection from the sun in the summer.
In the interests of safety, walk leaders may refuse to take those considered to be ill equipped or not fit enough for the day's walk. Contact the committee for further details.
**ATTENDANCE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK**
Our weekends away usually involve a stay at a youth hostel. Hostels need to be booked well in advance, so you should book with the organiser ASAP to secure a place on a weekend trip. It is essential that places are booked with the required deposit or in some cases the full amount paid to the organiser by the specified date. We normally share transport, and to arrange this you should contact the organiser at least a week before the trip.
It costs less to stay at a youth hostel if you have YHA membership - this can be arranged at any youth hostel or from the YHA headquarters. YHA membership will also bring you discounts with various organisations.
Everyone in the group is encouraged to organise walks and other events. If you would like to organise a future event, or you wish to lead a walk but need advice, please contact a committee member, and we'll make sure that your event appears on the next programme.