Boroughbridge Striders
Boroughbridge Striders is an informal walking group, run by volunteers that focuses on walks in the 8-20 miles range, mainly in the local area
It was by started by John Helliwell shortly after the Boroughbridge Easter Walking Festival of 2019. Eight people, having completed the 17 mile “River Round” walk in just over 6 hours indicated that similar walks might be attractive and desirable in the future, based on a perceived interest in “longer walks”.
The features of Boroughbridge Striders, apart from the length of the walks are:
• It’s for fit, experienced, adult walkers, not for beginners or children
• The pace might be described as “brisk”; there are few, if any, stops, apart from a brief break for lunch (packed)
• Pubs and café stops are not on the menu; neither are talks en route connected with points of human and geographical interest and local history
• As far as possible, the walks take place in the Boroughbridge/Lower Ure Valley area with minimal dependence on motor vehicles and the need travel by car to distant start points. We start and finish at the same point
There is not an underlying philosophy; but maintaining personal fitness through walking is at the heart of what Boroughbridge Striders is about. We walk to engender good mental and physical health and personal well-being. However, we acknowledge that enjoyment of the countryside is important, as is the satisfaction of walking energetically for several hours in order to complete a challenging hike. Boroughbridge Striders is committed to a non-competitive approach to walking and to the support of all members of the group on its walks; we would never abandon anyone on a walk or leave someone behind!
Are there any “rules”?
In a word, no. The walk “leader” has no authority per se, but overall there is an assumption that the leader will guide group members on a walk, given that he/she has researched and prepared the route in advance of the event. The group would also expect to abide by the Country Code and accept the conventions and protocols that have evolved in the UK over the past century or so through national bodies such as The Ramblers
Is there a kit list or a schedule of requirements with respect to clothing, footwear, food, etc?
No, there is no kit list and no formal expectations with reference to clothing, footwear, etc. However, if advice is required, we will provided it in the form of suggestions made by group members, in as much detail as is necessary in the circumstances. The walk leader will carry a first aid kit but group members provide for their personal first aid needs, e.g. dressings for minor cuts and blisters
What about GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)??
Boroughbridge Striders subscribes to GDPR and endeavours to adhere to the national guidelines in all aspects of data handling
Does participation in a Boroughbridge Striders walk involve any cost?
No, there is no membership and no fees, people can join us for a many or as few of the walks as they like.
Are participants in Boroughbridge Striders’ walks covered by insurance?
No. When you join us for any walk, you accept that you are responsible for your own safety at all times. If you want to be insured during a walk, you will need to make your own insurance arrangements