Frequently Asked Questions

You may find answers to your questions on this page. If not, please send your question in an email to us.

How fit do I need to be?

Our half-day walks are typically 4-5 miles and the all-day walks 8-10 miles. We aim for the short walks to take 2 h, and 4½ h for the longer ones (plus a short lunch break for the all day walk). You should be able to keep up this pace when walking with a group.

Devon is hilly, so if you cannot walk up Roundball Hill from the Battishorne Way side, you are unlikely to be able to keep up on a club walk (not that many of our walks include hills that steep).

We have three categories of walk: easy, moderate and strenuous.

• Easy walks are on a sound surface though this may be muddy in places, with only gentle slopes and few obstacles. There are very few of these in our programme.

• Moderate walks may have rough, very muddy or unstable surfaces, have slopes that are steeper or prolonged and obstacles that need a level of agility to pass (for example awkward stiles or stepping stones), and may have uneven steps. Most of our walks fall into this category.

• Strenuous walks need a higher level of fitness or agility. They will typically have steep or long slopes, very difficult ground surface or obstacles that need a level of strength or skill to navigate.

In addition to the difficulty level you will need to be aware that we state the approximate distance of the walks in the programme. We expect to complete "half day" walks (typically 4-5 miles) in two to two and a half hours as a group - so you need to be able to walk that distance in a much shorter time walking as an individual. We expect all day walks (typically 8-10 miles) to take about four to six hours depending on the terrain and distance (including a break for packed lunch).

What equipment do I need?

You must dress appropriately for the weather. We walk in the open countryside, so there is little or no shelter available from rain, wind or sun. Wind-proof and water-proof outer clothing will be needed on many walks. You should wear stout, waterproof footwear with good grip, preferably walking boots. Members are offered discounts by some retailers (see the Members' Area).

How many people will I be walking with?

We do not know how many people will choose to take part in a walk until we all arrive at the start point. Depending on the type of walk, the weather and other events taking part we may have half a dozen walkers or over thirty. Apart from the walk leader (who has to stay at the front) and the back marker (who has to be at the back), walkers can (and do) move freely around the group.

How do I join?

You can join us by filling in our online form, by email or during a walk. See our Join us page.

What is a coach walk?

We normally run one coach walk a month during the summer. These are typically between one and two hours away from Honiton, and don't return to their starting points. We pick up from specified points in Honiton and the coach drops us off in groups: the "long walk" is typically 8-10 miles, and the "short walk" is typically 4-5 miles with an opportunity to explore the destination before the "long walk" group arrives. The coach is subsidised by the club. Walkers in both groups need to bring a packed lunch and refreshments.

How do I book for a coach walk?

Members are sent an email with details of how to book a coach walk about a month before the walk itself. This will ask for the name(s) of who you are booking for and your contact email address. It will also tell you the cost and how to pay for your place(s). We will confirm you place, or let you know if the coach is already full, by email.