How demanding are the walks?
To answer this question we need to consider a number of factors.
- Firstly the walk length: Sunday coach rambles have 3 walks organised, typically 5, 7-8 and 9-11 miles, Wednesday rambles, typically 5-8 miles.
- Secondly how “hilly” is the route; walks in Nottinghamshire and in Leicestershire are relatively flat and so involve only very modest climbing. Derbyshire and Staffordshire can be much “hillier” and hence more demanding.
- Thirdly the terrain underfoot; firm ground with short grass makes for easy walking but rough, stoney or soft, muddy ground makes for much harder going. Also stiles can be quite common on some walks.
- Fourthly, weather conditions on the day e.g. walking into a strong headwind with driving rain.
- And lastly the pace e.g. the longer Sunday walks must maintain a good steady pace (but not flat out) to cover the 10 miles in the time available whereas a 5 mile walk is obviously more leisurely.
“How demanding?” is clearly a complex mixture of the above factors. At one extreme is a 11 mile “hilly” route over difficult terrain in the Dark Peak, and at the other, a gentle stroll of 5 miles over firm ground near Nottingham.
An experienced walker used to crossing moorland and hill country could happily join the longer Sunday walks, somebody new to walking should start with a few of the shorter walks.
