What to Wear
We are often asked by prospective walkers what to wear. You don't need to buy expensive walking kit to have a safe and enjoyable walk. Check the weather forecast, and dress for the conditions. Here are a few pointers:
Wear shoes or boots you will be comfortable walking in, we advise something with ankle support
Dress for the conditions - a sun hat will be useful in summer, warm waterproof clothing will be essential in winter. Shorts may seem like a good idea... until you have to walk through thistles or nettles
Carry a waterproof, even if you don't think it will rain. Use sunblock on hot days
A walking pole or walking stick can be helpful over rough terrain
Multiple thin layers are better than one thick layer for keeping you warm - and you can always take layers off to remain comfortable
Always carry water and something to eat. We recommend you take a first aid kit, carry the appropriate OS map, and have a fully charged mobile phone in case of emergencies.
Download What3Words to your mobile phone in case you get into difficulties and need to give someone your exact location.
Guided Walks Risk Assessment
Whilst our guided walk programme is intended as a fun, social activity, it is important to understand that the open countryside does present a number of hazards which need to be taken into consideration by all those involved.
It is important that everyone takes responsibility for their behaviour on the walk, and considers the safety of the group at all times. Click on this link to download our Risk Assessment which details the steps we take to manage your safety, and please abide by these simple rules:
Please do not attend the walk if you are feeling unwell.
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and walk terrain.
Bring your own drinks and food. Make sure you bring enough water particularly if it’s a long walk, or it is a hot day ...and don't forgot water for your dog!
On the walk, remember you are responsible for your actions, so take care in wet and muddy areas or when near roads. The walk leaders will flag up any safety issues, such as busy roads, slippery paths and so on, but it is your responsibility to be aware of the terrain and proceed safely.
Please remember that well behaved dogs and children are welcome on our walks but are the full responsibility of their owners!
Reporting Footpath Problems
We are lucky in Wolsingham to have a host of walking options to choose from. Inevitably, footpaths can become obstructed, stiles can get worn, or waymarks can fade. The Wolsingham Wayfarers work closely with landowners and farmers to keep our Rights of Way accessible, in as good a state of repair as possible and clearly way marked.
We can carry out minor repairs ourselves or we can make sure the issue is reported to the relevant body. At the very least, we can advise other walkers of where problems are.
The more people spot and report problems the better, so if you spot a problem footpath please report it to us via our Contact Us form or contact the County Durham Public Rights of Way team at prow@durham.gov.uk. (If you decide to contact the PROW team directly please let us know too so we can monitor progress).
Reporting a problem is not difficult, but we need to know exactly where the problem you've spotted is. You can use What3Words, or, if you know how to read an Ordinance Survey map you can tell us the grid reference. Alternatively, you can look at the County Durham Definitive Map. Once you've found the rough location on the map, use the zoom to find the footpath number. You can also place your curser on the location in the map and the coordinates will appear at the bottom left.
Always Follow the Countryside Code
The Countryside Code offers advice on how you can enjoy your visit to the countryside and how to protect it by acting responsibly. The code explains that it is important to plan ahead, stay safe, control your dog near livestock and prevent fires.
Respect people who live and work in the countryside. Show courtesy and consideration to everybody. Be friendly and responsible.
Know where you are allowed to go. Most land is private property and access is only available with the goodwill and tolerance of the owner. Whilst most landowners do not object to recreational users on their land, some do. Always respect a landowner's wishes.
Keep to paths across farmland. Help stop damage to crops by walking around the edge of a field unless there is an existing path across it. Try avoid fields where there are animals, as your presence may cause them stress and endanger your own safety.
Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls. When crossing fences, hedges and walls, use the nearest gate or stile. Damage to fencing can allow animals to stray. If you must climb a gate because it is difficult to open, always do this at the hinged end.
Leave gates as you find them. If you find a gate closed, close it when you pass through to stop animals straying. Farmers sometimes leave gates open to allow animals to pass from one field to another to graze or drink. Help farmers by leaving gates as you find them. If in doubt, close a gate.
Don't interfere with livestock, machinery and crops. These are valuable commodities and should be left alone. Interference with animals and equipment may endanger you. Pay attention to warning signs as these are for your protection.
Keep dogs under control. Keep your dog on a lead when walking on roads or when close to farm animals. A dog can cause distress to animals and endanger you. Keep your dog under control always so as not to disturb wildlife or annoy or frighten other visitors.
Protect wildlife, plants and trees. Leave all natural places as you find them. Never uproot plants as they will be lost forever. Keep your distance from wild birds and animals so as not to disturb and stress them - especially those that are with young and in winter when food may be scarce or weather harsh.
Keep all water sources clean. The public water supply is not available to everyone living in the countryside. Take care with your personal hygiene and do not pollute water. Don't interfere with water troughs which provide clean water for livestock.
Take your litter home. All litter is unsightly. Glass, tins and plastic bags can be dangerous to people, livestock and wildlife. Keep the countryside clean by taking home your own litter and any which you may find.
Guard against all risk of fire. The countryside is vulnerable to fire especially during dry weather. Accidental fires pose a great risk to farmers and foresters. Be careful to extinguish all used matches and cigarettes. Use a stove for cooking rather than a fire. Never throw cigarettes from a car window.
Make no unnecessary noise. One of the attractions of the countryside is its peace and quiet. Do not disturb this with noise or disruptive behaviour which might annoy residents and visitors or frighten farm animals and wildlife.
Respect other recreational users. Behave responsibly. Where possible, warn others of your approach and slow down or stop if necessary. Irresponsible behaviour could lead to you and your activity being banned from the area in the future.
Take special care on country roads. Always drive carefully with reduced speed on country roads. Consider others when parking and avoid blocking entrances, gateways or other drivers' visibility. Walkers should take special care on narrow country roads and if uncertain should walk in single file.
Consider your personal safety. If possible do not go alone. Wear suitable clothing and footwear as the weather can change very quickly. Don't go if the weather conditions are beyond your experience.
Stay Safe near Cattle
While the vast majority of walkers enjoy the countryside safely and use the extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and public access land without any problems, going through fields where there are cattle can be hazardous. There are simple steps that walkers can take to remain safe, such as not walking in between a calf and a cow, as well as keeping dogs under effective control and in sight on leads around animals. Always remember that the Countryside Code’s advice to dog walkers is to let go of the lead if you feel threatened by cattle therefore giving both you and your dog the best chance to get away from danger.
Be alert: keep an eye out for any signage warning of cows on your route.
Give cattle space: don’t walk through a herd and never separate cows from calves (stay clear of calves altogether).
You are allowed to leave a footpath to walk around cows, according to the Ramblers Association. Position yourself so cattle are not between you and your nearest exit route.
Walk (don’t run) through fields with cows quickly and quietly and avoid sudden movements or using your phone. Unfamiliar sounds are stressful for cattle so stay quiet and calm. If you panic, or run from them, they may also start running.
If you are walking with a dog, keep it under close control – ideally on a lead – and away from cattle. But let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened: it will be easier for both of you to get away.
If cows run towards you, don’t try and confront them: get yourself to a safe place.
Once you’re safely home, report problems with cattle to the local authority and the Health and Safety Executive with as much detail on the location and what happened as possible.
Why join a Walking Group?
We all know about the physical health benefits of walking and whilst walking alone can be enjoyable, there's something special about walking with others. Here we share some of the less obvious benefits of walking together and how it can elevate your experience exploring the great outdoors.
Social Connection. Walking in a group provides an excellent opportunity for catching up with friends and family or meeting new people with shared interests. It allows you to connect with like-minded people who share your passion for exploring our beautiful landscapes on foot. Talking, sharing stories, and building new friendships are just a few reasons why walking together can be more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Fun & Enjoyment. You may enjoy walking alone, but you can’t beat a ramble with friends and family. It can turn a regular stroll into a chance to catch up while surrounded by nature. Share stories about other walks in the area, your favourite part of this walk, or even take your group to your most-loved café or beauty spot. Walking with friends and family allows you to connect, strengthens bonds, and creates long-lasting memories together.
Motivation. Walking with friends or as part of a group can boost your motivation. Plus, it keeps you accountable. Knowing that others are expecting you to show up for the walk creates a sense of commitment which can be helpful if you struggle with self-motivation. When you're feeling less motivated, the encouragement from your walking group members can help you push through and stay on track. Whether you’re struggling to get up and go, or feel like you can’t possibly conquer that hill, support from your peers makes all the difference.
It’s Free. Walking is free. It can be enjoyed by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Whether it's a gentle stroll around your local park, a thrilling hike in the mountains, or a wander along a sandy beach, walking allows us to immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of our stunning surroundings. It’s a free way to reconnect with nature, explore new perspectives, and experience the great outdoors.
Consistency. Consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of walking. Group walks often have scheduled meeting times, helping you establish a regular walking routine. Having a set time and place to meet with your fellow walkers helps you to stick to your routine and ensures you're getting the physical activity your body needs. As well as being good for your physical health, it’s great to have regular social time and the chance to connect with others while doing an activity you enjoy.
Discover New Destinations. Walking in a group opens a world of possibilities for exploring new routes and destinations, and there’s plenty to discover in England and Wales. Each group member brings their own knowledge and experiences, suggesting different paths, parks, or scenic routes to visit nearby. Discovering new routes and enjoying nature's beauty together adds an extra element of excitement to your walks. It’s always good fun to discover something new, and even more so when you can share your discovery with others. To help with this, we created our self-guided maps for exploring new areas.
A Positive Well-Being. Walking in a group not only benefits your physical health but also contributes to your mental well-being. Connecting with others, laughing, and feeling a sense of belonging can boost your mood and aid better sleep. The support and energy within the walking group can create a positive and uplifting atmosphere, making you want to ramble again and again!
More walking advice can be found HERE.
