Members currently range from their 30s to their 70s, with the majority in the 40-60 age group.

You may use your own car and if it is more convenient you can meet us at the start of the walk rather than Pickering Pool. The group actively support car sharing however, and the leaders coordinate this. We also use public transport which allows us to do linear (end to end) walks more easily. In addition the group is a member of RYECAT, a community transport organisation. If we use their minibus we pay them for this and recoup the costs back from the members travelling on it. If you need transport it is better to contact the walk leader beforehand and then a lift can usually be arranged. Remember, if you do car share to bring along clean footwear to change into after the walk and to pay the car driver the suggested fuel charge.

Dress for the conditions. Remember weather can change quickly especially on high ground. We would recommend good comfortable walking boots, waterproof jacket and over trousers, gloves, hat and scarf in winter. Jeans are not recommended as they become uncomfortable to wear when they get cold and wet. Other items that are essential are a packed lunch and plenty of water (hot drinks are recommended in Winter). Getting kitted out need not cost a fortune - you don't need to purchase specialised technical clothing. Don't forget if you are a sponsor of Ryedale Walking Group you will get a discount from Ryedale Rambler (Pickering) and Wrays Trek & Ski (Helmsley). Just show your RWG membership card.

No. We are a Ryedale based group and we walk there regularly, however we walk north south east and west of the area. We favour the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills, the Cleveland Hills and the Yorkshire Wolds. We also venture further on special weekend breaks at least twice per year. Speak to walk leaders for further details.

No, but you will get a lot fitter if you can walk with us regularly. We don't rush, and we enjoy the scenery and conversation as we go. The average pace of a walk including breaks is usually around 2 mph and even less than that on walks that involve steep ascents. We endeavour to give each walk a rating of difficulty to help you to decide if you can manage it. As your fitness slowly improves you will probably find you want to take on the more challenging walks. If the length of some of our walks sounds scary, remember 8 miles is not that far when taken over an entire day with a tearoom stop and rest stops along the route. If you are wanting to get fit you will find this more fun and cheaper than joining a gym. To get really fit just through walking most people find that they need to have two walks of reasonable distance every week.

No. Each walk is led by a walk leader who will guide you along the walk. Where time has allowed, leaders will have reccied the route in advance. If you want your own maps go for the 1:25000 Ordnance Survey Explorer range. These are double sided for the National Park. Maps OL26 North Yorks Moors West, OL27 North Yorks Moors East, 300 Howardian Hills and Malton and 299 Ripon and Boroughbridge are the ones to consider buying.

No. The group does not have third party insurance for walking. Every walker is responsible for their own safety and you walk with the group at your own risk. Accidents can happen but can usually be prevented if care is taken. Please take note of the legal policy notice which applies to all that walk with the group. It is a condition that you must accept this indemnity statement if you join us on a walk. Walkers registered with Ryecat as a member of the group are covered by insurance when travelling on the community transport but not when walking.

Yes. You will be very welcome. It would help our planning if you could let us know in advance so that we can expect you. Visitors walking are expected to pay the daily walk fee of 50p. You are welcome to join us in car share, please don't forget to pay the driver the recommended amount which is based on an estimate of the mileage to be travelled. If we are using the RYECAT Minibus to get to the walk you must be registered as a sponsor of the group.

Yes, dogs are welcome providing they are kept on a lead when it is necessary. Several of our members regularly bring their dogs and so far there has never been a problem. If the group uses public transport then it's worth remembering that it is at the drivers discretion whether he/she allows dogs to travel on the bus. This applies to all Scarborough & District Buses, Moorsbus and Coastliner services, which are the ones that we use. Regrettably dogs cannot be carried on the RYECAT Minibus unless they are guide or hearing dogs.