Mod note and Forum Policy on Off-line Meetings (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=136785)
We have been asked to make it very clear that any meet-up is not endorsed or officially organised by the forum.

This is due to obvious legal issues if someone was to go missing, be injured, etc. The forum's opinion is that people should never meet each other via this or any other web site.

In the event that people choose to ignore this advice, as already happens with the social drinking meet-ups, that is their concern and the consequences are their responsibility.



Hiya - I don't think the walk went ahead after I regrettably had to duck out of walk-organising duties today:( .

It's really for taxman or wendygs to give the official group standpoint (I don't want to tread on their toes, they being the organisers for this group) but I think the group's having a rethink about the security issues of arranging walks. Speaking personally, I know I am!

So, from my own point of view, I'm happy to post my own thoughts:

It's very different arranging a walk with people whom one doesn't necessarily know irl, to arranging an unofficial forum meal or pub meet. I personally would welcome the input of all interested parties into this....

1. What happens if the only people who want to join the walk are people whom one doesn't know? You're basically setting off to walk through woods or across moorland with precisely the people who your mother warned you against, ie, strangers!

2. What happens if people turn up whose company you actually wouldn't choose to have for four hours or so? You're stuck - and it wouldn't be polite (nor practical) to say, erm, sorry but I'm uncomfortable in your company so you can't come. It's different on a pub meet, for example - if anyone wants to leave at any point, you can just make your excuses and leave. It's a bit difficult to do that at the meeting point - or part-way through - for a walk.

3. Is the person who 'organises' (ie posts details about) a walk, the 'group leader'? Because if so, exactly what responsibility do they carry? If it's a walk through a local park it's not an issue, if it's a trek across inhospitable moorland in inclement weather, it's a vital point. There are two aspects to this -
i) I'm not a qualified 'leader' - if I were to set myself up as one, I'd want to have completed the relevant courses and obtained the qualifications before I would be happy to take the responsibility, because I'm all too aware of the possibilities of emergencies happening (twisted ankles, someone becoming ill, getting lost in fog/unfamiliar territory etc) (yes, it does happen!), and

ii) If there's NOT a group 'leader', then what happens when one person's idea of the correct route conflicts with another's idea? Dissent in the ranks is not good when you're out in the middle of nowhere - if no-one has the ultimate say-so, whose decision is carried out? He who shouts loudest? Or he who has the greatest experience? It's a tricky one if there's no designated leader.

4. Posting details of walk venues on an open forum is effectively advertising where specific individuals are going to be at a specific time - and out in probably lonely places. This is a public forum - we have no way of knowing how many axe murderers (I jest, but you get the drift) are watching but not posting. There ARE potential (unlikely but still possible) security issues here.

5. Anyone who has done much walking appreciates the importance of being properly prepared for the walk ahead. There is a big difference between walking up through the parks from Hunters Bar through to Forge Dam (trainers and a bit of cash for an ice-cream in the cafe and the bus back) and a hike across open moorland (worn-in boots, food, waterproofs/loads of water - dependent on the weather - and first aid kits and compasses etc). What happens if someone turns up who (obviously) isn't kitted out properly? It's not fair on the rest of the group for them to continue, but it would be awkward and seemingly mean to turn them away.

In conclusion.......

Taxman and I have already discussed only arranging the final details (venue and time) via PM with interested parties, rather than posting details willynilly on the forum. That covers some of the security issues, but doesn't address my concerns about the 'leader' side of things.

Maybe I'm making too much of it all, some of you may well think so! In which case, feel free to arrange your own walks, and invite me to join as a participant. I'd be pleased to come along! :)

I'd also be pleased to undertake some proper 'group leadership' courses, especially if there's someone else (or more than one?) who also want to take this seriously and join me. I've done an amount of walking in Snowdonia and know some of the mountain rescue people over there, and thus I've inside knowledge of the kind of pickles that unprepared (but perfectly ordinary people enjoying a walk in the hills) groups get themselves into. It's the unexpected that catches you unawares!

And finally:

Maybe one way round all of it is for seriously-interested people to arrange a get-together somewhere local (in a pub, for example, or for a coffee) to openly discuss what they're bringing to the table along the lines of:

- enthusiasm, but no real expertise just a desire to enjoy walking
- experience up to a certain degree
- more specialist experience and knowledge, eg mountain rescue, first aid, orienteering expertise, etc.

It would also give us the opportunity to meet each other and see if we fancy relying on and trusting each other if the need arises.

As I said earlier, maybe it looks to an outsider that I'm taking this all too seriously. I'm just speaking from experience! And it could be YOU who one day benefits from this caution.

:)

PS....there are 215 registered views of this thread, and only 8 posts. You surely wouldn't be looking if you weren't interested? So, come on in, the water's warm! Either post on the thread or PM one of us if you'd (secretly) like to come walking with a bit of company. Probably, once the group takes off, there'll be nice leisurely walks with dogs n' stuff around parks, as well as the scary stuff that I've posted about!

The point is, if you're interested, then register that interest, so you can meet up with people who like the same kind of thing that you want to do. Until you all post, you're all going to be outsiders looking in and wishing that someone would get something going that you could join in with, if only you dared. Go on, take the plunge. It's easier than you think - you're only using a nickname, no-one knows you, but you might get some fun and company out of it.

:)

OK, here’s my take on things. I’ve done quite a bit of walking round the Peak District, but I’ve never learnt to map read, so although I occasionally have ventured onto the upper moorland past the Slippery Stones end of Ladybower, for example, in the company of others who can read the map, I tend to go largely for the Dales type walks further south. Although the upper moorland does have an impressive bleak grandeur all of its own, I just prefer the grassier or woodland areas more.

I think this sort of walk would be more suitable for getting the group off the ground and walking with each other: you don't really need any specialist equipment and if the weather was going to be good it wouldn't matter if people turned up in trainers, the areas are more populated, you're never that far from a road, you're not going to die from exposure if the weather does turn nasty. I don't think you'd need a leader and any route disagreements should be minimal if you're on well trodden footpaths with a route map to follow. Surely once the group has done some of these walks and got to know each other, then it could be time to go for the route march over the moors for those that want to, and that's the sort of walk where you would need a leader. By then people might know who would be the best leader to have and whether to trust them navigationally, for example.

I think it would be a shame if the group was paralysed into inactivity by security fears and fears about responsibility and litigation and so on. I went on some of the walks that were organised for the Sheffield Millennium Walking Festival, and I didn’t know anybody else on them; despite a leaderless sub-group with half a dozen middle aged women (and me as the only male) in it getting completely lost off the beaten track in a wood in Oughtibridge I don’t think anybody felt threatened at all!

In terms of organisation, if everyone signed up for it through some sort of PM system, and if there was a fairly firm commitment that you were going to turn up, then you would know roughly how many were going to do the walk and who they were. Participants would surely have some idea of the views of other walkers from their random wafflings on here and could pull out if they thought there was going to be someone they were going to have a violent disagreement with or be bored to tears by. If women are worried about ending up with a group of men then it might be a good idea if they went with (or maybe got a lift with) someone else that they already knew. In any case if they were going with a group of half a dozen or more it’s unlikely that they would all be axe-wielding maniacs. The details wouldn’t be posted on the open forum, just to those going on the actual walk.

Just my twopennorth - any comments?

In view of concerns raised by various SF users, myself included, about personal safety and awareness, it is worth mentioning that The Ramblers Association publishes walks, start times, group leaders contact details etc on their website.

Are we therefore being unduly cautious about such concerns and if not what precautions would SF users suggest we implement?

taxman and I have already agreed that we will put a Mod Note (wording to be agreed) at the beginning of each SF walk. Is this enough or is there anything else we need to consider.

Do you think we should have some sort of protection to ensure contact details and final arrangements are exclusive to SF Walkers only?

We'd like your constructive contributions and ideas to ensure SFusers feel comfortable going out for an enjoyable walk or hike in our glorious countryside in the Peaks.

just some thoughts:
Maybe before going on walk each person has to read a 'Code of Conduct' regarding H & S issues and that you are undertaking the walk at your own risk
lots of useful info is on the ramblers website regarding walking and possible 'issues' you need to be aware of.

My responses for what their worth....

1) If it would make people feel more comfortable, they could meet up in a pub on an evening beforehand as you suggested. Any axe murderers could be weeded out at this stage.

2) Grin and bear it and you never know, after 4 hours in their company you may feel differently about them.

3) Good point this one, though in my experience there's no guarantee that the designated group leader will be any less of a knobhead than the person who shouts loudest.

4) Don't get this point, aren't we going as a group?

5) No I don't think you can turn people away because, in your eyes, they are inappropriately dressed. All you can do is to let everyone know the type of terrain, expected duration and recommended clothing/supplies and let the individuals kit themselves out as they see fit.

In addition is there some walker's/rambler's code which we could undertake to adhere to?

And finally: Though I may appear on reflection to have been dismissive of the points you have raised, I think they are good points which DO need to be ironed out.

And more finally, I too would be interested if there are any courses to raise competence levels.

SHsheff, you have some good points, and we at SF are really big on personal safety warnings where people meet IRL., so here's my 2p.

I think that you really need to start the group off slowly with perhaps a few of those walks up through the parks or over regular (busy) routes around Derwent and the like, perhaps having a beer and a pie at the end of it. That way you're not overly worried about being on your own with strangers, the walks aren't too long and you can leave that first aid kit at home ;) Upshot - no real need for established 'leaders' in the early days.

It won't be long before you establish a group(s) of like minded people and you'll soon buddy up and feel comfortable to go onto more taxing things if you want to .

Remember it's a walking group not a yomping group. Some folks will only want to do the regular stuff and won't be want to know the first thing about gaiters and Camelbaks, while others will naturally feel more adventurous. Some people start off in wellies and end up on Everest. :thumbsup:

I'd give it a bit of time to find its feet, and walk before you run (ahem) :)

To address some issues raised, Sheffield Walking Group (http://www.sheffieldwalkinggroup.org.uk)has a page with advice on What to Bring (http://www.sheffieldwalkinggroup.org.uk/whattobring.html) which should provide useful guidelines for anyone in any doubt. We also intend to create a sticky thread with similar advice/guidance which will be linked to in our Mod Note at the beginning of each formally announced walk.

It is also always possible to use the PM system to contact a few SF friends to meet up and go for a walk/hike etc.

Good grief. How did all this get so complicated? :confused:

I was going to address all the concerns raised in the original post to this thread, but as we are regular walkers, and it's all starting to look like too much hassle to some people, I suspect we'll carry on as we were, and save the stress ;)

Can I still be a member of this group by posting stories of walks we've been on, in case anybody else fancies re-tracing our steps at a later date?

*disappointed* :(

*Polishes axe with sleeve and returns it to shed*

Good grief. How did all this get so complicated? :confused:

I was going to address all the concerns raised in the original post to this thread, but as we are regular walkers, and it's all starting to look like too much hassle to some people, I suspect we'll carry on as we were, and save the stress ;)

Can I still be a member of this group by posting stories of walks we've been on, in case anybody else fancies re-tracing our steps at a later date?

*disappointed* :(

*Polishes axe with sleeve and returns it to shed*

I've been giving this considerable thought throughout the course of the day.

On the one hand you are right and on the other oh so extremely wrong.

It's great if you've got a ready made walking companion but spare a thought for those who dont have that luxury.

Perhaps now you've had your rant about the unwarranted complexities please try and suggest some constructive solutions to resolve an issue for those of us less fortunate than you.

Oh hey, I'd be the first to admit that I've made this look complicated! That's possibly because I happened to be the first to try to organise a walk on the thread, then I got thinking how it was maybe a 'lucky escape' after a family commitment made me duck out of the organising and no-one else took up the reins.

I've come to my own conclusion now which makes things nice n' easy for me: I'll happily arrange to go on walks with people who I know (or have a good feel for because of their long-standing posting on the forum) via PM, but not commit to 'leading' a group of strangers via posting an 'organising' thread.

So, anyone who thinks they'd like to spend a few hours with me sometime out in the fresh air, feel free to PM me (or make yourself known to the thread, so other people know you're interested in a walk sometimes too) :).

On the one hand you are right and on the other oh so extremely wrong.

It's great if you've got a ready made walking companion but spare a thought for those who dont have that luxury.
I'm not 'wrong' Wendy. The only statement I made was that we would continue to walk as we do :confused:

I have spared a thought for those who don't have walking companions, and have made the offer for other forumers to join us on our frequent hikes, but I've been stomped all over.

We have met forumers privately for walks before this group started, and if walks will only happen via PM invite, that's no different to before :confused:

I'm looking forward to reading the threads about walks people recommend, and any about new gear people have tried, but please don't resent me for getting out there and doing it instead of moaning about not venturing out.

I think SHsheff has raised some very valid concerns but there is a danger that you can talk yourself out of ever making anything happen if you take an overly pessimistic view of how things will (or won't) work. You just need to make sure that you take sensible precautions.

Metalman's idea about having an easy kick-off walk so that everyone can get to know each other gets my vote. I'd be equally happy with Tricky's suggestion of meeting in a pub of course!

I imagine that I fall into the "total stranger/potential axe-murderer" category cos I don't get much chance to post on SF so can I just take this opportunity to mention that I'm really lovely and, apart from accidentally slicing my own finger with a breadknife yesterday, I have no intention of causing physical harm with sharp implements.

I'm happy to entrust all map-reading/decision making etc to whoever wants to be in charge. I just want to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the scenery and (hopefully) the company.

If you want to interrogate me I won't be offended - just drop me a PM. :)

It's this bit about leaders and being in charge that's amusing me (and Mr Strix)

Walking is something we do alot of socially,with alot of different people, and a hierarchy is just not necessary. It kind of goes along the lines of 'We're going to walk from here to there and back, do you want to come' Decisions about shortening a walk due to weather or terrain are taken democratically, according to the lowest ability in the group. Equipment is discussed beforehand, and anybody coming along makes their own decisions about what they aren't bringing off that list.

It isn't complicated.

It worries me that this desire to appoint leaders and to exclude members from walks defeats the original concept of the walkers group.


Here's my perspective really.... We have a friend who has recently moved to Sheffield. We have known him for over 10 years. He has joined the forum, but currently has less than 20 posts as he hasn't found anything to contribute to much that has pushed his buttons. The walking group is likely to be right up his street, and is likely to provoke his posting (as having a pet group seems to have done amongst pet owners) (Hi Juhbuh :wave: )

This friend is exactly the sort of profile you guys are now ensuring you exclude, though I know he'd be a huge asset to your group - what with his past experience and qualifications.

It also bothers me that there are (at first glance) more posts for the negative points than for the positive in this forum.

Perhaps we could consider a large-group open-invitation meet tackling part of the Sheffield round walk? This will enable people to drop out and catch a bus wherever they feel like, and isn't 'out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of strangers' ;) (Pub to finish would be nice, or perhaps a park cafe?)

...This friend is exactly the sort of profile you guys are now ensuring you exclude, though I know he'd be a huge asset to your group - what with his past experience and qualifications....
What is it about his 'profile' that would exclude him from the group and/or his participation in any walks arranged via this group?

Being a single male who nobody knows - going on earlier posts

Forum Policy on Off-line Meetings (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=136785)

We have been asked to make it very clear that any meet-up is not endorsed
or officially organised by the forum.

This is due to obvious legal issues if someone was to go missing, be injured, etc. The forum's opinion is that people should never meet each other via this or any other web site.

In the event that people choose to ignore this advice, as already happens with the social drinking meet-ups, that is their concern and the consequences are their responsibility.

Being a single male who nobody knows - going on earlier posts
Well you know him, so presumably you can vouch for him...

The safety issues are entirely valid, as are the other points raised by SHSheff. I wouldn't be entirely comfortable going on a long walk with strangers. However, I'd be surprised if all the people who participate in the walks arranged via this group were wholly unknown to eachother. Surely there would be the usual couples, small groups of friends, relatives etc.

The usual sensible precautions of letting people know where you're going, making sure there's a reasonably large group etc should be sufficient to keep folk safe.

As for the issues about map reading, dealing with difficult terrain etc, it would be sensible to make sure that you possess at least some knowledge of basic walking-related skills before venturing out on a walk which might require them. I wouldn't want to rely entirely on the capabilities of others in such a situation.

Being a single male who nobody knows - going on earlier posts

Looks like this is going to rule me out too :(

Looks like this is going to rule me out too :(

No it won't

No it won't

:)

thanks taxman :thumbsup:

Looks like this is going to rule me out too :(
I doubt it. I'd probably think twice about walking with you on my own, or with just a couple of other blokes I didn't know, but on a walk composed of a fair number of people I'd be more than happy to see you there :) .

Personal safety and awareness, is as previously stated, an extremely valid concern and although I cant see any difficulty in going for a hike with men I would also feel a tad uncomfortable going for a day out with lots of men and being the only woman in the group.

Another common sense thing in this mobile age would be to take at least one fully charged mobile.

Okey doke. Seeing as I'm the one who started the thing about 'leaders' and 'responsibility' etc, I think I should maybe put my original comments into perspective. It was only AFTER I posted a thread 'organising' a walk that I realised:

1 - anyone turning up would, not unreasonably, expect me to know where we were going! The particular walk I was proposing (in my enthusiasm, because I fancied walking it) is not one I'm hugely familiar with, as a route, although I have walked over that area in general. I have, however, always walked with a friend of similar ability (so we can check each other re mistakes) an OS map and a compass to check where the path is going (it's not all paved, tho the Pennine Way itself is pretty clearly marked - tho not in all places!) and where we need to leave the path, take a compass bearing and set off across unmarked territory. It IS possible to get lost up there, believe it or not! All I was concerned about was feeling that I would have the responsibility of making sure that we were in the place we were expecting to be. The weather can change pretty quickly on high ground, I'm not exagerating when I say that visibility can alter in heavy rain and mist, for example, and it can be easy to become disorientated. Hence my posting concerns (not directed at the Strixs in any way, they clearly are experienced walkers) about 'leading' and 'responsibility'.

2 - also, the only people who said on the thread that they were coming were the Strixs. Now, I have no problem with the Strixs (of course), having met them previously and Mrs Strix in particular being a regular contributor to the forum. However, it made me realise that, if only one person had posted a response, someone who I didn't know and who is an infrequent poster, I would be uncomfortable about setting off across lonely moorland with them. Is that so unreasonable? I think not. They might not be an axe-murderer (that's just a phrase I used to get the point across) but they equally might be people who I would not choose to be stuck with for hours. And vice versa!

3 - it's fine for people to say stuff like, 'but I thought we were walking as a group, so what's the problem?' - but only if a group turns up! What if it's only one or two people who are 'strangers' who are interested? Does the walk still go ahead? Or does the person posting the OP say, sorry but I don't know either of you well enough to walk with you? Think about it! (And imagine you were the person starting the thread. What would YOU do?)

4 - incidentally, after I had to cry off going (my mum wanted to see me, and I don't see much of her as it is!), no-one else walked either! Yet, why not? If I wasn't the 'leader', there was absolutely no reason why anyone else interested shouldn't have still met up. No-one did - yet we apparently have no 'leaders'? :confused:

5 - Strix's post about her friend, although valid, isn't really the point - a 'friend of a friend' isn't a stranger! My hesitation about walking with someone I don't know (and I'm talking about the two of us, not him joining a group of people) is to do with complete strangers. Just because someone posts a few posts on the forum, doesn't mean that we know him (or her).

6 - Since joining the forum, I've had several (unpublicised) walks with people I've met through the forum. The difference has been that we've noticed a mutual interest, and PM'd each other. So, yes, it is perfectly possible to do that!

7 - Some of us (including Strix and her friend) have arranged to walk tomorrow (Wed). BECAUSE we now have a bit of a group together, I'd be perfectly happy to throw open the invite to other people - yes, including 'strangers'!

So, no, it's not to do with being negative or not being friendly. IMO it's a perfectly rational (and very sensible) approach to the whole situation.

BlankFrack, if you're free to join us tomorrow, you'd be welcome! Otherwise, it's possible that there'll be several people walking together on Sunday. Maybe I'll start a thread. Or maybe, someone else could! ;)

:)

Well you know him, so presumably you can vouch for him...
That is not the point at all. My point is that there are people who join the forum to meet new people, having moved into the area perhaps, and this group would (on the face of it) be ideal - except we're discriminating before it's even got off the ground (well some people are anyway)

Can we not find a solution to the problem of these worries that doesn't result in the whole group going all cloak-and-dagger?

Another common sense thing in this mobile age would be to take at least one fully charged mobile.
Unless you're going to Edale - where nobody can get a signal at all ;)

That is not the point at all. My point is that there are people who join the forum to meet new people, having moved into the area perhaps, and this group would (on the face of it) be ideal - except we're discriminating before it's even got off the ground (well some people are anyway)

Can we not find a solution to the problem of these worries that doesn't result in the whole group going all cloak-and-dagger?
I should imagine that people who join the forum to meet new people would of course be welcome to join a walk. I don't think anyone is discriminating against such people. As I understand it, the fundamental point is that some people would not feel comfortable about walking in a very small group composed entirely of people who are strangers to eachother.

Solution: Find out who's going before setting off?

That is not the point at all. My point is that there are people who join the forum to meet new people, having moved into the area perhaps, and this group would (on the face of it) be ideal - except we're discriminating before it's even got off the ground (well some people are anyway)

Can we not find a solution to the problem of these worries that doesn't result in the whole group going all cloak-and-dagger?

Absolutely. I wrote my long post whilst the rest of you were posting, so it maybe looks a little out of sequence.

New faces are MOST WELCOME! :) As long as there are other people there who I know - or if I've joined a group that has been organised by someone else - I'd love the opportunity to walk with you and get to know you! :)

Solution: Find out who's going before setting off?
That's the tricky bit, if you're the organiser!

But thank you, Hecate, for coming to the nub of the problem! :)

4 - incidentally, after I had to cry off going (my mum wanted to see me, and I don't see much of her as it is!), no-one else walked either! Yet, why not? If I wasn't the 'leader', there was absolutely no reason why anyone else interested shouldn't have still met up. No-one did - yet we apparently have no 'leaders'? :confused:Because we were most interested in doing this walk, not for the walk's sake, but to meet other forumers who share an interest. As there were no other takers, we didn't go on our own ;)

5 - Strix's post about her friend, although valid, isn't really the point - a 'friend of a friend' isn't a stranger! My hesitation about walking with someone I don't know (and I'm talking about the two of us, not him joining a group of people) is to do with complete strangers. Just because someone posts a few posts on the forum, doesn't mean that we know him (or her).:)My point about our friend is that he is a forumer in his own right. He'd have been welcome as a non-forumer as a friend of ours


Now can we organise a get-together, perhaps for a park walk that can put some of these concerns to bed, and allow us to meet each other in a safe environment? (that isn't aimed at anybody, it's just a general frustration :rolleyes: )

That's the tricky bit, if you're the organiser!

But thank you, Hecate, for coming to the nub of the problem! :)
Why is it tricky? A walk is to be arranged. People sign up for it on the forum. Are we going to be paranoid about publicising our intention to participate in a walk?

BlankFrack, if you're free to join us tomorrow, you'd be welcome! Otherwise, it's possible that there'll be several people walking together on Sunday. Maybe I'll start a thread. Or maybe, someone else could! ;)

:)

Thanks SHsheff - Sent you a PM

Now can we organise a get-together, perhaps for a park walk that can put some of these concerns to bed, and allow us to meet each other in a safe environment? (that isn't aimed at anybody, it's just a general frustration :rolleyes: )

Feel free! :)

Why is it tricky? A walk is to be arranged. People sign up for it on the forum. Are we going to be paranoid about publicising our intention to participate in a walk?

Hecate, it's the 'we' bit! You've just said, 'A walk is to be arranged'. But it's ONE PERSON who posts that thread! What if only one person says they want to come?

If there are loads of people who want to do it, then it's not a problem at all - everyone welcome.

My personal take on it is: what if one (I, or you, for example) posts a thread, and only a newcomer to the forum wants to come along. What then? Does one take a risk and walk with that person? It's a whole different ball-game if several people - some of whom are 'known' - are coming too.

Thanks SHsheff - Sent you a PM

And now sorting out arrangements with you accordingly. :)

Anyone else interested? In either tomorrow's walk, or one on Sunday?

Hecate, it's the 'we' bit! You've just said, 'A walk is to be arranged'. But it's ONE PERSON who posts that thread! What if only one person says they want to come?

If there are loads of people who want to do it, then it's not a problem at all - everyone welcome.

My personal take on it is: what if one (I, or you, for example) posts a thread, and only a newcomer to the forum wants to come along. What then? Does one take a risk and walk with that person? It's a whole different ball-game if several people - some of whom are 'known' - are coming too.
I do see your point, but I think I'd be honest about it. If only one person responded, and especially if that person was someone I didn't know at all or very well, then I'd say something along the lines of 'no offence, but I don't feel comfortable about this walk just being the two of us' and cancel/postpone it until there was more interest. Any rational person would understand the concerns in such a situation and would know not to be offended.

My personal take on it is: what if one (I, or you, for example) posts a thread, and only a newcomer to the forum wants to come along. What then?

If I signed up for a walk that turned out to just be me and the organiser then I wouldn't be offended if they cancelled it due to lack of interest.

Can't imagine anyone else would either if they aren't dodgy.

The person who starts the thread can say up front if they have a minimum number of participants requirement.

EDIT: In other words, exactly what Hecate and her slightly faster typing skills said!

If I signed up for a walk that turned out to just be me and the organiser then I wouldn't be offended if they cancelled it due to lack of interest.

Can't imagine anyone else would either if they aren't dodgy.

The person who starts the thread can say up front if they have a minimum number of participants requirement.

Cool idea. And, it must be said, as the circle of 'group members' grows, we have a greater pool of known people to come along as the 'core' people, to add 'strangers' to. If that makes sense!

It's working for me.......! :)

I'm definitely interested in coming on some of these walks, although I don't think I'll be able to make this weekend. Should be available for the next weekend though!

I'm definitely interested in coming on some of these walks, although I don't think I'll be able to make this weekend. Should be available for the next weekend though!

It'll be great to meet you again:thumbsup:

There are obviously some very highly experienced walkers on this Forum which I'm sorry to say doesnt include me. I wonder whether they could somehow get together and compile a list of issues to consider if going on a walk/ramble/hike or whatever and for small or large groups.

As strix points out there is no radio signal for mobile phones in the Edale area and it would be useful if some information could also be included on this issue.

We could then post it as a sticky and would add feedback on possible amendments as and when required.

Thanks :thumbsup;

Wendy

Are you coming on Saturday Wendy?

I'm happy to talk equipment with you if you intend coming, but (and please don't take this the wrong way) I'm not getting bogged down in anything that could be construed as a risk assessment :suspect:

Taxman - would you say saturday's walk is a 'good pair of walking shoes', 'dog walking boots' or 'proper hiking boots' kind of event?

Are there any 'escape' points en route?

*re-posts on saturday's thread*

Are you coming on Saturday Wendy?

I'm happy to talk equipment with you if you intend coming, but (and please don't take this the wrong way) I'm not getting bogged down in anything that could be construed as a risk assessment :suspect:

Taxman - would you say saturday's walk is a 'good pair of walking shoes', 'dog walking boots' or 'proper hiking boots' kind of event?

Are there any 'escape' points en route?

*re-posts on saturday's thread*


Thanks for the invite strix, I'm fully committed on Fridays/Saturdays. I think the most I could realistically do on Saturday would be to meet you guys at Hunters Bar for a leisurely stroll in my "Sunday best" from which you can take it that I've already done the "risk assessment" :P

If I'm around, I otherwise have a fairly flexible diary unless I've got deadlines to meet. Another aspect of my "risk assessment" is that apart from excellent boots, I dont have suitable clobber and I've already checked the links thread for special offers which are more than I can afford for the foreseeable future.

Wendy, there are plenty of walks where you don't need any special clobber whatsoever - just some old clothes and a pair of trainers. Especially if you pick a nice day for it. It all depends where you want to go.

Thanks for the invite strix, I'm fully committed on Fridays/Saturdays. I think the most I could realistically do on Saturday would be to meet you guys at Hunters Bar for a leisurely stroll in my "Sunday best" from which you can take it that I've already done the "risk assessment" :P
Well how about meeting us to do the park/tarmac path bit of the walk? It's shaping up as quite a popular event, and it would be a great opportunity for us all to get to meet each other - in preparation for future events :)