More Info

We are a friendly and unpretentious walking club based on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. We have walks planned for almost every weekend. Transfer to the destinations is mainly by coach, with collection points in St.Annes on Sea, Blackpool, Cleveleys, Thornton Cleveleys and Poulton le Fylde. Popular destinations can be the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Derbyshire’s Peak District, North Wales (Snowdonia) and Lancashire. Have a look here to see our future destinations. All walks have experienced leaders and are graded to suit different levels of fitness. Are you interested in friendship through walking? Do you want to get fit? Then take a look at what we do, and how you can join us.

Health Matters

Walking is the most natural form of movement, and an

excellent all-round mode of exercise. Yet as a nation we are

walking less and less. Walking can help you to:

    * Improve your general health     * Get fit and stay fit     * Control your weight     * Live longer! Walking helps protect the body from many illnesses and conditions: heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, obesity, depression, some types of diabetes and colon cancer. Health experts agree that 30 minutes brisk walking on most days of the week is sufficient to improve fitness. However like a lot of things in life that we are supposed to do, daily exercise can become a chore. A much more enjoyable way is to join us every weekend and walk in the beautiful countryside, with good company. All you need is some sensible clothing/footwear and the price of the coach fare. This gradual start to walking can help people who feel they are not active enough to change their day to day habits through the simple activity of walking more. If your main aim is to lose weight, you need to use more calories through physical activity than you take in as food. This means doing as much as possible: short walks, longer walks, climbing stairs – every bit of physical activity counts toward the total number of calories burned off. If you recovering from an illness/operation and your main aim is to increase your fitness, it is important to gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. This can be achieved by coming on a short walk or part of the C walk. Then as you improve your level of fitness you can take on a B walk and eventually an A walk. For most people, walking is a safe and effective form of exercise. However, if you have any concerns or are at all worried about your health, discuss this with your doctor. Changing lifelong habits requires determination and courage. We can make it much easier for the next generation by introducing them to walking early in life. Families and children are most welcome. Hope to see you on the walks.

What to Wear

What do I need for a walk? A pair of walking boots (essential ), a rucksack, a waterproof jacket (to protect you from the wind and rain), a fleece jacket, outdoor trousers, a hat and gloves, a change of clothing, something to drink, something to eat etc. Water is important to carry with you to keep you hydrated. A walking pole is useful, and a whistle and plastic survival bag should be carried for emergencies. Also a pair of gaiters, overtrousers, spare clothing, are optional but often desirable when walking in higher altitudes. A small personal first aid kit is also recommended, plasters, gauze, antiseptic ointment and the like. Blisters can sometimes occur when walking in boots that you have worn without problems for years. Do not wear denim trousers (jeans). They give no warmth when wet, they weigh a ton and cling to your legs, sapping your energy and making it very tiring to walk. Best to use trousers made from a technical material. These repel the wind and light rain. When wet they dry out very quickly and are tailored in such a way to allow easy movement whilst out on the hills. My favourite is mentioned in this mini-review I found here. Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Active Trousers “If we offered a ‘Best Value’ award these popular trousers would win – for £45 (often found for much less) there is a choice of three leg lengths and a pair of trousers with impressive features. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch, while drying quickly and resisting moisture and abrasion well, oh, and it has UPF 40 protection against UV rays. The ‘Pro Active’ model has a slightly closer cut than the normal Kiwi trousers, so there’s no flappy material at the calf, plus you get an articulated knee and zipped pockets – one thigh, two handwarmer and one rear – all with reversed zips. The waistband is part- elasticated and has belt loops, and fastens with a normal button and zipped fly. I like the removable glasses cloth inside the left handwarmer pocket – it’s unobtrusive and a nice touch, similarly the webbing heel reinforcement. They’re smart too, but only available in black. Fabric: Solar Shield Stretch (96% polyamide, 4% elastane)” Do not wear cotton clothing next to your skin, (T-shirts etc.) for the same reason, wear a man-made nylon/polyester type vest or top. These act as a thermal layer, separating your skin from the cold wetness of rain or sweat which will draw away your body heat rapidly, making you feel chilled and unhappy. What about safety considerations? Your leader will be an ordinary club member who is unpaid, however all leaders will be competent navigators and in many cases, will have been leading parties for a number of years. While the leader has undertaken to lead his/her party for the day, you should be aware that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and should follow their advice. Please do not go ahead of the leader or depart from the party without speaking to the leader first. There are few rules, but these have developed over time for the general safety and comfort of club members. Smoking is not permitted on the coach. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be consumed on the walks or on the coach. You will usually have time at the end of the walk for a sociable drink in a pub or tearoom/cafe before going home. We also regret that dogs cannot be allowed on club walks since this may cause problems with landowners and livestock farmers The club has an excellent safety record because of its level of organisation and the broad range of experience that has been built up over many years of operation. There is no other club in the West of Lancashire that offers such a wide and varied programme of such frequency throughout the year. Notes: All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being of the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify and take all reasonable precautions to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

Latest News

22nd September 2020 For the attention of all current Fylde Coast Ramblers Members: Resumption of Walks Programme Dear Member, Further to the recent statement about walks resumption, the Committee has continued to carefully monitored recent developments with COVID-19, taking account of the increased restrictions and number of local lockdowns, worsening situation with the number of infections, locally and nationally, together with current guidance about only using public transport for essential work and school related business.  It is with regret that a decision has now been taken to further defer the walks programme for both Saturday and Sunday walks so the previously mentioned walks scheduled for October will not now proceed.   Our interpretation is that our group walking activities could contravene current guidelines, spread the risk of infection and possibly affect our club credibility.  The choice of walks destinations is becoming increasingly constrained, with the number of local lockdowns, and areas not in such measures face being overwhelmed.   At this stage, we do not feel able to put any timescales in place for walks resumption but will keep the walks programme under review.  The views of the membership will continue to be important to inform the future direction of the walks programme and any other club matters, particularly during such a significant period of club inactivity. If you have any comments or queries please contact Steve Cook, General Secretary, at stephencook2020sc@gmail.com Please continue to check either the Facebook or website pages for further updates and pass on this information to any members who may not be able to access these. We hope you manage to keep well and are able to undertake some form of walking within permissible guidelines. Kind Regards Fylde Coast Ramblers Committee 14th September 2020 Resumption of Walks Programme  For the attention of all current Fylde Coast Ramblers Members: Resumption of Walks Programme Dear Member, We hope are keeping well and managing to get in some walking. Further to the recent statement about walks resumption, we can confirm that the Committee has carefully considered how to best to resume the Club’s walks programme, taking full account of Government and Ramblers Association guidance and the logistical challenges of implementing these. A decision was taken at the Committee Meeting on 7th September to recommence the walks programme for both Saturday and Sunday walks as from the beginning of October. However, this plan has since been reappraised in light of the Government ban on social gatherings of over 6 people as from 14th September and although we still consider we are presently in a position to proceed with the programme, as from the beginning of October, this could be subject to review given possible national developments over the next couple of weeks. Both our coach providers - Hegarty for Saturdays and Redline for Sundays - continue to run services within their own guidance. Our interpretation is that walking activities are still permissible within Ramblers Association / Government stipulations that allow for groups of up to 30 although with current distancing considerations this is likely to mean coach trips of less than this number. While guidance, to some extent, is still solidifying, walking activities appear to come under exemptions for the recreational and outdoors sports framework. In taking the programme forward, strict adherence by members on trips must be observed as follows: Regular sanitisation by members and by coach drivers before, during and after walks (sanitiser station will be at the entrance of the coach) and agreement to any additional measures that may need to be introduced, eg temperature checks; No toilet access on the coach; Face-masks to be worn at all times, save for permitted medical exemptions, during travel and to be provided by members; Members, prior to walks dates and on the day as checked by Bookings Secretaries, to indicate whether displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (if displaying symptoms members should self isolate in line with government guidelines and must not participate in club walks during this period); Appropriate social distancing to be kept on the walks, especially at stiles & gates; Not to share food, drink or equipment such as walking poles unless previously cleansed and no food or drink to be consumed on the coach unless in an emergency situation; No-one allowed on the coach without having booked and prior registration of their details; Restricted access to, and possible cancellations of, visits to pubs and cafes post walk; Leaders’ First Aid kits to be updated with cleansing supplies but walkers to carry their own gel. The walks programme will focus on destinations with accessibility for public toilets and prevention of local areas becoming overcrowded, avoiding particularly busy or narrow routes where physical distancing is not possible together with ensuring sufficient availability of leaders for all grades of walks - this may mean some rearrangement of the programme. Thus, the programme will recommence as follows with a full schedule to follow: Saturday 10th October - Chipping - 10.30 start / 5pm return Saturday 24th October - Hest Bank Sunday 4th October - Ambleside - Pick up times as previous / return 6pm Sunday 18th October - Grasmere - Pick up times as previous / return 6pm Please note the Bookings Secretaries will now have additional responsibilities around checking member welfare and bookings so you will need to assist them by ensuring that you have the correct money (£10) for collection on entry to the stationary coach. All future bookings must be by text to the FCR bookings phones and will open the Monday immediately before the walk, e.g. for 4th October this will be Monday 28 September. Secretaries will endeavour to make the booking system as fair as possible i.e. if people haven't been able to get on one trip then they will be given the first places on the next one. After those are filled then it will first come first served again. The deadline for bookings will be the evening of the day before the walk, i.e. Friday evening for Sundays and Thursday evenings for Saturday. The views of the membership will continue to be important in mapping our future direction and we are grateful for all those who responded to the recent survey, the majority of whom were in favour of restarting walks within a clear compliance framework as detailed in our previous posting. Our recent discussions have concluded to keep group membership of FCR closed for the moment, until a walks resumption programme can be reviewed, so we can obtain a clearer idea of demand in what is likely to mean restricted numbers for coach travel for an indeterminate period. A decision was also made to place a moratorium on annual subscriptions for this recent period of club walks inactivity and initially maintain coach fares at £10 for both Sunday and Saturday walks when we recommence. Similarly, the Annual General Meeting date, as scheduled for October 2020, will be reviewed in Spring 2021 with a date to be confirmed. If you have any comments or queries please contact Steve Cook, General Secretary, at stephencook2020sc@gmail.com Please also continue to check either the Facebook or website pages for further updates and pass on this information to any members who may not be able to access these. Kind Regards Fylde Coast Ramblers Committee. Privacy Policy/GDPR Fylde Coast Ramblers takes the privacy of our members’ data seriously and will  only use your personal information for club administration purposes and for communicating with you about your membership and club activities. Rest asured your data is kept in a secure environment monitored by our Membership Secretary. For more information please read our GDPR Statement here. Membership Cards As soon as you have renewed your membership fee you will receive an annual membership card. This will replace the need to issue a receipt and we hope also promote a better and stronger bond between members and the club. As soon as you receive yours please sign it on the reverse and keep it with you. As a card carrying member you will be able get offered discounts at various outdoor shops including Cotswold Outdoors and Millets & Blacks.  Details of the discounts offered will appear on the website and Facebook shortly. New Ways to pay your Membership Fee We have always had these methods:- 1. CASH on the coach 2. CHEQUES (made payable to Fylde Coast Ramblers) and sent to the Membership Secretary NOW WE CAN ALSO OFFER:- 3. BANK STANDING ORDER (forms available from Membership Secretary) 4. BANK TRANSFER (BACS) to Royal Bank of Scotland Sort Code: 16-30-25 Account Number: 11649443 (for payee reference, please show your postcode, initial and surname)  (eg. FY42NSAHunter)

What to Wear

What do I need for a walk? A pair of walking boots (essential ), a rucksack, a waterproof jacket (to protect you from the wind and rain), a fleece jacket, outdoor trousers, a hat and gloves, a change of clothing, something to drink, something to eat etc. Water is important to carry with you to keep you hydrated. A walking pole is useful, and a whistle and plastic survival bag should be carried for emergencies. Also a pair of gaiters, overtrousers, spare clothing, are optional but often desirable when walking in higher altitudes. A small personal first aid kit is also recommended, plasters, gauze, antiseptic ointment and the like. Blisters can sometimes occur when walking in boots that you have worn without problems for years. Do not wear denim trousers (jeans). They give no warmth when wet, they weigh a ton and cling to your legs, sapping your energy and making it very tiring to walk. Best to use trousers made from a technical material. These repel the wind and light rain. When wet they dry out very quickly and are tailored in such a way to allow easy movement whilst out on the hills. My favourite is mentioned in this mini-review I found here. Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Active Trousers “If we offered a ‘Best Value’ award these popular trousers would win – for £45 (often found for much less) there is a choice of three leg lengths and a pair of trousers with impressive features. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch, while drying quickly and resisting moisture and abrasion well, oh, and it has UPF 40 protection against UV rays. The ‘Pro Active’ model has a slightly closer cut than the normal Kiwi trousers, so there’s no flappy material at the calf, plus you get an articulated knee and zipped pockets (one thigh, two handwarmer and one rear) all with reversed zips. The waistband is part- elasticated and has belt loops, and fastens with a normal button and zipped fly. I like the removable glasses cloth inside the left handwarmer pocket – it’s unobtrusive and a nice touch, similarly the webbing heel reinforcement. They’re smart too, but only available in black. Fabric: Solar Shield Stretch (96% polyamide, 4% elastane)” Do not wear cotton clothing next to your skin, (T-shirts etc.) for the same reason, wear a man- made nylon/polyester type vest or top. These act as a thermal layer, separating your skin from the cold wetness of rain or sweat which will draw away your body heat rapidly, making you feel chilled and unhappy. What about safety considerations? Your leader will be an ordinary club member who is unpaid, however all leaders will be competent navigators and in many cases, will have been leading parties for a number of years. While the leader has undertaken to lead his/her party for the day, you should be aware that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and should follow their advice. Please do not go ahead of the leader or depart from the party without speaking to the leader first. There are few rules, but these have developed over time for the general safety and comfort of club members. Smoking is not permitted on the coach. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be consumed on the walks or on the coach. You will usually have time at the end of the walk for a sociable drink in a pub or tearoom/cafe before going home. We also regret that dogs cannot be allowed on club walks since this may cause problems with landowners and livestock farmers. The club has an excellent safety record because of its level of organisation and the broad range of experience that has been built up over many years of operation. There is no other club in the West of Lancashire that offers such a wide and varied programme of such frequency throughout the year. Notes: All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being of the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify and take all reasonable precautions to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

Health Matters

Walking is the most natural form of movement,

and an excellent all-round mode of exercise. Yet

as a nation we are walking less and less. Walking

can help you to:

    * Improve your general health     * Get fit and stay fit     * Control your weight     * Live longer! Walking helps protect the body from many illnesses and conditions: heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, obesity, depression, some types of diabetes and colon cancer. Health experts agree that 30 minutes brisk walking on most days of the week is sufficient to improve fitness. However like a lot of things in life that we are supposed to do, daily exercise can become a chore. A much more enjoyable way is to join us every weekend and walk in the beautiful countryside, with good company. All you need is some sensible clothing/footwear and the price of the coach fare. This gradual start to walking can help people who feel they are not active enough to change their day to day habits through the simple activity of walking more. If your main aim is to lose weight, you need to use more calories through physical activity than you take in as food. This means doing as much as possible: short walks, longer walks, climbing stairs – every bit of physical activity counts toward the total number of calories burned off. If you recovering from an illness/operation and your main aim is to increase your fitness, it is important to gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. This can be achieved by coming on a short walk or part of the C walk. Then as you improve your level of fitness you can take on a B walk and eventually an A walk. For most people, walking is a safe and effective form of exercise. However, if you have any concerns or are at all worried about your health, discuss this with your doctor. Changing lifelong habits requires determination and courage. We can make it much easier for the next generation by introducing them to walking early in life. Families and children are most welcome. Hope to see you on the walks.

Latest News

22nd September 2020 For the attention of all current Fylde Coast Ramblers Members: Resumption of Walks Programme Dear Member, Further to the recent statement about walks resumption, the Committee has continued to carefully monitored recent developments with COVID-19, taking account of the increased restrictions and number of local lockdowns, worsening situation with the number of infections, locally and nationally, together with current guidance about only using public transport for essential work and school related business. It is with regret that a decision has now been taken to further defer the walks programme for both Saturday and Sunday walks so the previously mentioned walks scheduled for October will not now proceed.  Our interpretation is that our group walking activities could contravene current guidelines, spread the risk of infection and possibly affect our club credibility.  The choice of walks destinations is becoming increasingly constrained, with the number of local lockdowns, and areas not in such measures face being overwhelmed.   At this stage, we do not feel able to put any timescales in place for walks resumption but will keep the walks programme under review.  The views of the membership will continue to be important to inform the future direction of the walks programme and any other club matters, particularly during such a significant period of club inactivity. If you have any comments or queries please contact Steve Cook, General Secretary, at stephencook2020sc@gmail.com Please continue to check either the Facebook or website pages for further updates and pass on this information to any members who may not be able to access these. We hope you manage to keep well and are able to undertake some form of walking within permissible guidelines. Kind Regards Fylde Coast Ramblers Committee Privacy Policy/GDPR Fylde Coast Ramblers takes the privacy of our members’ data seriously and will only use your personal information for club administration purposes and for communicating with you about your membership and club activities. Rest asured your data is kept in a secure environment monitored by our Membership Secretary. For more information please read our GDPR Statement here. Membership Cards As soon as you have renewed your membership fee you will receive an annual membership card. This will replace the need to issue a receipt and we hope also promote a better and stronger bond between members and the club. As soon as you receive yours please sign it on the reverse and keep it with you. As a card carrying member you will be able get offered discounts at various outdoor shops, including Cotswold Outdoors and Millets & Blacks. Details of the discounts offered will appear on the website and Facebook shortly. New Ways to pay your Membership Fee We have always had these methods:- 1. CASH on the coach 2. CHEQUES (made payable to Fylde Coast Ramblers) and sent to the Membership Secretary NOW WE CAN ALSO OFFER:- 3. BANK STANDING ORDER (forms available from Membership Secretary) 4. BANK TRANSFER (BACS) to Royal Bank of Scotland Sort Code: 16-30-25 Account Number: 11649443 (for payee reference, please show your postcode, initial and surname) (eg. FY42NSAHunter)