A. The LDWA is an Association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas. We are also the governing body for long distance walking recognised by Sport England.

Q. What makes a walk ‘long distance’?

A. We think that any walk over 20 miles counts as a long distance walk but many Challenge Events and our Group social walks offer shorter alternatives if you are just getting started.

Q. What sort of people are members? Are you all fanatics?

A. Anyone can join who has an interest in long distance walking. We have lots of experienced walkers and plenty of newcomers as well. You don’t have to be a fanatic to enjoy our walks. We do have some members who zoom round walks at lightning speed but there are plenty of others who like to take their time. Our Challenge Events usually have generous time limits to allow even a slower-paced walker to finish.

Q. I'm new to walking. How do I get started?

A. Come along on a Group social walk or try a shorter Challenge Event. There will be plenty of people on hand to give you good advice. Find our events here.

Q. Can I just come along to a walk or do I have to join first

A. You don’t have to be an LDWA member to take part in a Challenge Event, although it usually saves you some money so it’s worth joining if you plan to do several events.

You may want to try a few Social Walks before you join. It’s usually worth contacting the walk leader in advance to let them know you are coming. You will be welcome and there is no fee. They are listed online here.

Q. What is a Challenge Walk?

A. A Challenge Walk is an organised walking event with a set route and checkpoints on the way round. These are usually at least 25 miles but some offer shorter versions too. Most Challenge Walks have route descriptions to help you find your way. You will find regular checkpoints normally every 5 miles or so where you will be given refreshments and a chance to rest if you need it. Events differ so check what is on offer.

LDWA Groups organise events and so do other organisations like scouts and charities. We list both. LDWA Challenge Walks are open to non-members but usually cost more than for members. If you plan to do several Challenge Walks then why not join us – you will soon save your subscription?

Q. I’m a bit new to walking and I don’t know if I could keep up with everyone else. Can I do a challenge walk?

A. The “challenge” is a personal one; it is not a race. You walk at your own pace and can stop for rests at checkpoints. If you think you can manage the distance then why not give it a go?

Q. What is an LDWA Group Social Walk?

A. An LDWA Group social walk is a day walk led by a member of one of our local groups. Everyone walks together and follows the leader so there is no need to navigate. These are usually about 20 miles and walked at a fairly moderate pace, though you will find it brisker than you may be used to while your stamina improves. You may need to take a packed lunch or at least some snacks and plenty of water with you. The leader will decide where to stop on the day, usually at elevenses, lunch and mid-afternoon.

Some local groups also offer shorter evening walks in the summer. Why not contact them and find out.

Some groups organise overnight walks and longer walks, useful for training for night and endurance events.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Wear what you would normally wear for a day’s walk. Some Challenge Events have kit lists, in which case you should make certain you have everything on that list with you on the day.

Q. I want to walk a National Trail or long distance path. What is there for me?

A. Have a look at our very extensive Long Distance Paths section. This contains information on all sorts of paths, including National Trails, as well as details of books and maps to help you on your route. It’s a one stop shop for trailwalkers. There are more FAQs about LDPs in this section.

Q. How did the LDWA start and develop?

A. Since its formation in 1972 (founders Chris Steer and Alan Blatchford) the LDWA has grown steadily from 355 members to 6,500 (approx.) at present. That growth, recognition in 1985 as the Governing Body for Long Distance Walking and becoming a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1999 have not prevented the LDWA retaining the feeling of a family of diverse individuals united by a common interest in long distance walking.

The Newsletter, containing details of challenge walks throughout the country, was also started in 1972, became “Strider” in 1977 and is now a 100-page journal, published in April, August and December each year, with a print run of 7,000.

Local Groups are the life-blood of the Association, running led walks and other social events, organising Challenge Walks and running checkpoints on the Annual ‘Hundred’. The first Group was formed in 1973, also the first year of the ‘100’, and there are now 41 spread across the UK - although rather thinly in Scotland.

Each Spring Bank Holiday Weekend sees our ‘flagship’ event, which entails walking 100 miles in 48 hours, being held in a different area (2003 West Yorkshire, 2004 Exmoor, 2005 The Chilterns, 2006 Northumberland, 2007 Mid-Wales) with the Local Group playing a leading role as organisers and other Groups ‘mucking-in’.

The first edition of the Long Distance Walkers’ Handbook, was produced by Barbara Blatchford and published in 1980. The seventh edition was published in 2002 and this comprehensive Directory has details of over 600 Long Distance Paths. The task of preparing that edition for publication was undertaken by five volunteers.

Similarly the Local Group Committees are comprised of volunteers as is the National Committee of 12 members elected at the Annual General Meeting, held in a different part of the country over a weekend in March and including a choice of social walks.

Joining

Q. How do I join?

A. You can join online. Details of membership fees and types of membership are available here.

Q. Can my children/family join?

A. Yes. ‘Family membership’ includes any two adults and their children (under 18) living at the same address.

Q. What do I get if I join?

A. You’ll get:

a copy of Strider, the LDWA magazine, three times a year, which is full of useful articles as well as details of long distance walking events and group walks;
full access to our website, which has up to date information on events and social walks, a library of walking articles, information on Long Distance Paths with special facilities for members, LDWA news and a forum for walkers to exchange news and views;
discounts on most Challenge Events, including the annual LDWA Hundred; and
discounts at a number of outdoor shops. Click here for details.

Membership

Q. How do I get a membership number?

A. If you join, you will automatically be assigned a membership number. This will be sent to you either by email or by post.

Q. How do I get a password?

A. If you have not been assigned a password but are a member, go to the My Membership Details page and we will issue one.

Q. How do I change my membership details?

A. Access your membership details here.

Q. I've lost my membership card, how do I get a new one?

A. Contact the membership secretary here.

Local groups

Q. How do I join a local group?

A. Look up your nearest local group here and contact the Secretary for more information. If you are already an LDWA member you will have been assigned a local group (nearest to your home) but that does not mean you have to walk with them. You may choose to join any local group no matter where you live.

LDWA Events

Q. What events do you organise?

A. LDWA-organised events are usually at least 20 miles in length but some offer shorter distances too. The flagship LDWA Hundred is held every year on the second bank holiday in May. (Yes, that’s right; people do walk 100 miles in one go, without sleep. You may end up being one of them!)

Q. How can I help on an event?

A. Contact the walk organiser, whose name and contact details are listed in Strider and on our challenge event and group walk pages.

Q. How do I find out about events?

A. Our challenge event and group walk pages list all events that have been notified to us and meet our criteria. If you need more information about a particular event, have a look at the event website or contact the event organiser.

Q. How do I enter an event?

A. Where an event states ‘SEF acceptable’ you may use a Standard Entry Form, available to download here. Some events have their own entry form which will either be available from the event website or from the event organiser.

Q. Do I need to enter in advance?

A. Please enter in advance if you can! Some events do not allow ‘on the day’ entries. If an event states a deadline for entering then this is strictly adhered to and no late entries will be allowed. This is normally the case in longer distance events, such as the Hundred, which cannot cater for last-minute entries.

If an event does allow ‘on the day’ entries, expect to pay more than early entrants. You also run the risk of the event being full so it’s worth entering in advance if you can. Conversely, you also run the risk of the event not happening at all if you don’t enter in advance, as organisers need a minimum number of entrants for their events to go ahead.

Q. Can I use the standard entry form for every event?

A. Not if you can’t see ‘SEF acceptable’ in the detail about the event. Some events have their own entry forms for good reasons, eg, because they have particular kit you need to carry or because you need to give team information. Please stick to what the organiser has asked for!

Q. Can I advertise my event in your Events Diary?

A. Yes, if your event meets our requirements for a long distance walking event. Contact the Events Secretary. It’s a free service.

Q. I’d like help to organise my own event

A. Great. Have a look at our event organisers’ bible, our ‘Guidelines for Organising a Long Distance Walking Event’.

Have we answered your question?

Q. Have we answered your question?

A. If not, contact the relevant member of the National Committee.

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