Northern Hiking Friends

Hello hiking friends!

We are a group for everyone that enjoys beautiful scenery, fresh air & good company!

What to expect & group etiquette:
• Check Walk Leader updates in the comments prior to the walk & PLAN your journey,
• Familiarise yourself with the guest list so you know who to look out for,
• Feel free to say hi & introduce yourself (many are new),
• Follow the walk leader initially (obviously people's pace will vary as the walk progresses), keep a relaxed pace, get to know people & enjoy the scenery,
• At the start of the walk, please DO NOT power walk ahead (even if you know the route) as this separates the group,
• For the first 30-60 mins, take your time, enjoy the views & get to know people,
• As the walk progresses, its acceptable for people find a faster pace or prefer to hang back,
• We usually finish walks by regrouping in a café/ pub,

• NOTE - both Julie and George have map/ compass/ route planning training. Most of our walks & hikes have already been experienced numerous times. Julie & George carry first aid kits/ foil blankets/ antihistamine/ torches/ mobile phones,

Fitness:

• It is the member's responsibility to assess their own fitness. If you are struggling during the first 30 minutes, then it's wise to turn back,
• Going forward, we will be sending people back to the start point if they cannot keep a reasonable pace/ are not controlling a pet through routes with live stock/ or are wearing the wrong footwear,

Please be aware we are NOT insured (in our disclaimer). Walk Leaders do this for FREE! We request a £1.00 donation for meetup fees (we are a not for profit group)
OR
Members can pay £5 per annum (choose Friends & Family option via Paypal northernhikingfriends@gmail.com using your name as reference) which is better value if you attend most of our walks and hikes. Message Julie if you have any problems). PayPal

Our walks are classed as:
• Very challenging - mountains/ cliff/ steep hill walking e.g. Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, 
• Challenging - Cliff/ hill walking often involving rocks, steps and uneven ground e.g. Yorkshire dales, Peak District, Coastal walks/ Yorkshire peaks,
• Moderate - uneven ground, some hills and steps e.g. Malham cove, Ilkley Moor,
• Easy - flat surface, paths, shorter walks often with facilities e.g. Temple Newsam, Golden Acre, Roundhay, Yorkshire Sculpture parks, Flamborough, National Trust/ British Heritage attractions,
What you will need:
• Good hiking boots/ spare walking socks/ Waterproof clothing,
• Walking poles/ hat and gloves/ sun hat, sun protecting cream,
• Provisions e.g. water, flask, energy bar, sandwich/ plasters, tissues, hand-sanitiser, lip balm,
• Dogs welcome (but may need to be on a lead as we often walk through fields of livestock),
• Children and plus one's welcome as long as they are briefed and prepared for the walk,

We also have a socialising group:
• SocialLifeUK - Socialising group for friendship and nights out - meetup.com/SocialLifeUK https://www.facebook.com/SocialLifeUK/
Follow us at:
• https://www.facebook.com/SocialLifeUK/
• https://www.facebook.com/NorthernHikingFriends/
• instagram.com/NorthernHikingFriends
• @sociallifeuk \

Thanks, Julie & George

The serious bit!:
Northern Hiking Friends want everyone to have an enjoyable walk and we aim to choose the best and varied locations. Attending our walks is at your own discretion and we advise that you read the walk description/ location/ time of the walk/ updated walk comments and familiarise yourself with the Walk Leader and the guest list. It's also advisable to do a weather search on the day of the walk so you can prepare and wear the appropriate attire. We are not responsible for the Walker's journey, the Walker finding the venue, any injuries or accidents during the walk. We carry a first aid kit, mobile phone, torch, compass and follow a route so you have the best experience. We do not tolerate racist, sexist, lewd, aggressive or bullying behaviour, however, we are not responsible for clashes of personality or differences of opinion. Your dog and child are your responsibility e.g. ensuring your child has the right attire and ensuring the dog is walked safely on it's lead.

Email - northernhikingfriends@gmail.com
Payments can be paid via PayPal to northernhikingfriends@gmail.com using the FAMILY & FRIENDS option and using your NAME as reference. PayPal

Thanks for your support
Julie and George