How do I walk with T&M Ramblers?

Our friendly group is based within Tonbridge and Malling and if you think you might like to join us for a ramble in the beautiful Kent countryside you would be very welcome. Our volunteer leaders offer a variety of walks from which you are certain to find something that appeals in terms of distance or start point. Mostly we go out on Sundays but in the summer of 2009 we implemented a season of occasional weekday outings. In addition there is a social aspect that has included trips to local theatre events, quiz nights, walking breaks and darts evenings. Halloweens have seen "Ghost walks". In 2009 that entailed a visit, with a walk and pub meal, to Pluckley, the most haunted village in Kent!

We put on approximately six walks each month, mostly in the Tonbridge and Malling area but occasionally further afield. Whilst most of our walks are circular, averaging six to seven miles, we also do some shorter walks. We can get anything from 4 to 40 walkers out but the most usual turnout would be in the low to middle twenties. Dogs, under control, are usually most welcome and those dogs that join us on a regular basis are much loved members of the club. Rusty has even been a walk leader!

We are part of The Ramblers and once you have decided that you'd like to join us on a regular basis, usually after three walks, it would be assumed that membership of Ramblers would be taken up. You may walk with any Ramblers group.

What to bring on a walk and walking fitness

Walking in the South East rarely requires specialist, expensive clothing or equipment. Some boots or comfortable shoes with a good sole, waterproofs and a hat appropriate to the weather, together with jumpers or fleeces if the day should be cold, are all you need. Check the weather forecast before you come out and dress appropriately for several hours in the open air. A small daysac (or large pockets) is useful for containing a hot or cold drink and a snack for the nibble break, both of which will keep thirst and hunger at bay until we reach a pub or cafe. Don't forget the suntan lotion, either. During wet periods, and in Winter, many paths or fields can be extremely muddy and often a walk will entail climbing over one or, more likely, many stiles. Assess your fitness honestly and seek medical advice if you have doubts as to whether you are healthy enough to undertake a walk in the country. There are no mountains in Kent but it is not a flat county and a stiff climb up the slope of the North Downs will see the best of us puffing hard! Most likely your local council will run a "Healthy Walks" programme and you could join that to test out and/or improve your fitness.

Before coming out and on the day

If you have any questions then telephone the leader of the walk you plan to join. Allow plenty of time to find the starting place and, if coming by car, to park and change into your walking clothes. Walks details, with maps, are to be found by clicking on our logo on our "Welcome" page. Introduce yourself to the leader and sign the register. That will be it; you will then be a rambler! Enjoy the day, chat to your fellow walkers but let the leader know if you have any problems.