Important Rules Safety Advice for New Members
How to join and become a member....
Membership and Joining instructions 
If you would like to join us, send us an email to bcwg@hotmail.co.uk introducing yourself and then just turn up to one of our walks. We expect people to join The Ramblers Association within their first three walks giving you the chance to see what we are all about and to meet other friendly members.
To continue attending our walks, or to take part in one of our weekend breaks you will need to join by going to The Ramblers Association web site. Please make sure you state that you would like to join "The Black Country Walking Group" otherwise you will be allocated to your local ramblers group.
Membership for a whole year costs less a months worth of gym membership. For this you will get to meet some great people, see some of Britain's best countryside and views whilst enjoying the fresh air and exercise, not to mention great social events and weekend breaks
Walk Gradings
Grade 1
Up to 7 miles. Generally easy terrain (good paths, tracks etc). No exposed land. Mainly flat although gentle slopes maybe included.
Grade 2
Up to 12 miles. May involve uphill stretches. Possibly including some short stretches over open hillside. Boots and full waterproofs recommended. Reasonable fitness needed.
Grade 3
Longer routes which could involve sustained or steep climbs.Theses include exposed routes over hills and moorlands. Boots, full waterproofs and warm clothing essential. Previous walking experience recommended. A good level of fitness required.
Grade 4
UK mountain routes. Anything involving scrambling or other very difficult terrain. Full mountain equipment required. Previous hard walking experience required. eg Tryfan
The Rules
Although the majority of our day walks involve walking over gently rolling countryside, the level of gear or kit that you take out with you should be based on the weather turning foul. Keep an eye out for the forecast. Also - there are a few important points to note:
BEFORE YOU GO:
Clothing and equipment: Depending on difficulty and seasonality - ITEMS 1-5 ARE MOST IMPORTANT
1) Plenty of Water, Packed Lunch
2) Comfortable walking boots
3) Walking trousers - NOT JEANS
4) A suitable rucksack or backpack
5) Waterproof jacket & over trousers
6) Warm clothing-plenty of layers depending on weather
7) Gloves, Hat & Scarf in cold weather and on Grade 3/4 walks
8) Whistle & Torch Grade 4 Walks and on some evening walks
9) Emergency Survival Bag Grade 4 walks
Bring a packed lunch: - although there may be pub stops, it is unlikely that there will be time to eat at pubs, as the pubs may be very busy, or there may be a large group walking.
ON WALKS:
DO Follow the Countryside Code
PLEASE DO inform the Walks Leader IMMEDIATELY and in person of ANY problems on the walk. Please help us to help you - if we are not made aware of a situation, there is nothing we can do :o(
DO listen carefully to the Walk Leader's introduction and any instructions.
If you have any questions or queries, please DO speak up.
DO NOT walk ahead of the Walk Leader.
Many walks are 'day walks' intended to have a duration of over 4-5 hours. If you have a pressing engagement after the walk, check before starting the walk that the walk finishes in good time. DO NOT walk off to return to the car or train station without informing the Walk Leader in person, as this might trigger an unnecessary search.
DOGS: Dogs are welcome on some walks as long as they travel in the owner's car, and kept under control and on a leash as and when appropriate. If you intend to bring dog on a walk you must seek permission from the walk leader in advance of the walk. This is because some walks include passing through livestock and dogs can intimidate animals, for example, cows that can become dangerous in the presence of a dog.
The walk leader has the right to refuse your participation in an event if he/she sees fit should they have concerns over your safety and preparation.
