What’s the group like?
Our group is mainly made up of walkers in their 20s and 30s. We are a mix; some members are just looking to enjoy being outside for a shorter hike (6-8 miles); some members love to fit in as many pub stops on the walk as possible; and other members like to walk all day (15+ miles, sometimes taking part in events like Race to the King!).
Am I eligible to join?
We have a few older members who are still in the group, though we have a partner group – the Berkshire Weekend Walkers which is designed for people in their 40s onwards. If you aren’t sure which group you’d fit into feel free to try out walks with both groups!
It’s okay if you don’t live in Berkshire too – we often have young walkers from neighbouring groups join us, especially those people who live at the edge of the county! You don’t have to stick to the same group either – you can mix and match which walks you go on!
Please feel free to try out a few of our walks before officially joining.
Group activities
Walks
Our walks are open to all Ramblers members and anyone interested in joining our group. Please feel free to come to a few of our walks before officially joining. The walks are led by volunteer leaders within the group and cover Berkshire and the surrounding areas. We walk most weekends all year round, whatever the weather (unless it’s not safe to do so!). In the summer months we often have evening walks, and we also run litter pick walks several times a year, especially during the Great British Spring Clean!
Socials
The Berkshire Walkers is a social walking group. We organise a programme of two or three social events per month, which complements the walks programme. Our socials are a good way to get to know people in the group and offer a good change from walking. We rely on volunteers, who kindly organise events for everyone in the group to attend. Recent social events have included local beer festivals, ten-pin bowling and a spot of barn dancing.
Holidays
We usually organise 2-3 weekends away and holidays each year. These trips are run by volunteers from the group, and are open to all members. In the past we’ve been to Somerset, Dorset and Snowdonia on weekend trips; and to the Lake District and Scotland for longer trips.
Staycation
Each year, the group holds a “staycation” over Christmas and New Year, with a full programme of walks all week, including a “Christmas Jumper” walk!
What do we expect from our members?
What should I wear on a walk?
Please see our walk advice & equipment page, and our footwear tips for new members page.
Who runs the group?
The group is run by a group of members who volunteer on the committee. Most meetings are open to all members, and we are always looking for more volunteers! We hold an AGM each October where members are elected, and people hold their positions for a year until the next AGM.
Where can I get one of those BW t-shirts?
You might have seen our members wearing BW t-shirts, jumpers and hoodies – we try to order these about once per year. Keep an eye on our weekly newsletters to hear about the next order.