If you unable to find an answer to your query or require further information on any point please do contact us

I've not been on a social walk before, can you explain the format?

Most social walks start between 8.30am and 9.30am at a predefined venue, usually a car park which may also be at a railway station. Social walks range from 15-25mls but are typically 18-20mls. Over recent years (and after consultation) we have moved away from a pub stop for lunch in favour of member bringing their own lunch. This has reduced the lunch stop to about 45 mins. In winter months however with less clement weather we still tend to go for a pub stop. Such arrangements appear in the walk details. Members often carry water or a flask in readiness for the 10min mid-morning break which most leaders include.

Full details of social walks including start time, start grid reference, walk distance, lunch arrangements and leaders contact details can be found in the programme. Also included is a reference to a map showing the location of the start (click the GR in the programme details to see the map).

It's usual to let the walk leader know if you are planning to join the walk.

Can I bring my own food rather than eat in the pub at lunchtime?

Yes - some members take a packed lunch and find a place to sit close by. Having eaten some may then join us for a drink or coffee at the pub before moving off.

How long do you stop for lunch?

Typically 45 mins.

I can average 3mph when I walk. Will I be able to keep up?

We are a very friendly and supportive group - no-one gets left behind on our social walks! Putting some numbers to this, a social walk would typically involve 7hrs of walking excluding breaks. This gives a little under 3mph for 20 miles. All social walks are graded in terms of terrain and pace. The gradings can be seen under 'walk grades' in this menu.

Are dogs welcome on social walks?

In general dogs are welcome on social walks but before bringing your dog you should always check first with the group leader. If you do bring your dog then you must abide by the guidelines on dogs on walks as specified by the LDWA and follow any requests made by the walk leader. Ultimately you are responsible for your dog.

 What time do social walk finish?

Usually between 4.30 & 5.30pm. Some may finish before this. Those over 20mls may finish a little later.

Is there anything in particular I need to carry?

Nothing more than you would normally take on a day’s walk to support yourself. But for autumn and winter walks a torch is a good idea!

Why am I limited to only 3 social walks before I have to join the LDWA?

This is in to order to comply with the LDWA’s insurance policy. In practice this means that you can effectively ‘try us out’ before committing yourself to joining.

What’s the difference between a social walk and a challenge walk?

A social walk is a led walk where everyone walks as a group. On a Challenge Walk you move at your own pace following a detailed route description and passing through a series of checkpoints, several of which may provide food and drink. Most challenge walks award certificates to finishers and produce results lists. Whilst they are not races they do offer entrants an element of personal challenge and competition.

Should you be wondering, a Kanter is a special form of challenge walk. Instead of a detailed route description, a list of grid references is provided and participants plot their own routes. To add an element of fun each grid reference requires the answer to a simple clue to be found.

I don't seem to be getting emails from you or my associate groups - what's the problem?

Surrey uses the National Group's bulk email facillity to communicate with members and associates. You need to review your email settings in the members area. See the more... menu for instructions on how to do this.