Walking GroupS
Saturday Walking
Hello, I’m Kim Skirrow and I lead the Saturday walking group which has been in existence for most of the time that Bramhope WI has been in existence – that’s 10 years at the end of 2023.
The Saturday walking group has over 30 members and we do longer and harder walks than the mid-week group. Most walks tend to be in the 6.5-to-8.5-mile range and always start in the morning. Most are circular.
At the moment, I lead 2 walks a month and class one as easier and one as harder. The harder walk tends to have more climbing in it. I would say if you are reasonably fit and a regular walker, you will have no problem walking with this group. The walks usually require walking boots, or possibly walking shoes and poles can often be useful. If you have any questions about a particular walk, please feel free to contact me.
This is a walking group for those is like to have a short easy walk with a cafe stop for refreshments and chat. The walks are planned around local parks in Leeds or very similar e.g. Golden Acre or Roundhay
We walk in all weather unless I judge there to be too many risks on the drive to the start of the walk or the actual walk. In such cases I might switch a walk at very short notice
Please note that dogs are not allowed on any of these walks.
An email is sent out to all the group members just under 2 weeks before a walk. This describes the walk, includes an OS map showing the route and asks for members to sign up for the walk, if they’d like to go on it. All the practical arrangements such as timings and where the refreshments stop will be, are included. I take a maximum of 12 (including me). The easier walks can get full, but the harder ones don’t usually. It is best to respond as soon as you receive the email if you’d like a place.
I try to publish the dates a few months in advance, but it isn’t always possible. Also, some months I can’t do 2 walks. I’m always happy to have a volunteer to lead a walk when that happens.
We usually have a refreshment stop at the end of a walk but in the summer might take our own picnics.
About 5 days before a walk, I send out an email to those people who are going on it to tell them who else has a place. This enables members to arrange car sharing between them. We have a WhatsApp group which tends to be used for this.
We are a very welcoming group, and you would find that this is a great way to meet other WI members make new friends, as you have lots of time to chat whilst walking!
Examples of walks we have done in 2023:
- Dacre Banks to High Crag Ridge 6.75 miles – Harder
- Horsforth 7 miles – Easy
- South Stainley 6.3 miles – Easy
- Washburn Valley Circular 11.7 miles – Harder
- Kirkstall Forge along the canal into Leeds (catching the train back) c 7 miles – Easy
You should email Bramhopewi@gmail.com if you are a member of our WI and would like to be added to this group. Note that your email address and mobile phone number may be shared with other group members.
I try to publish the dates a few months in advance, but it isn’t always possible. Also, some months I can’t do 2 walks. I’m always happy to have a volunteer to lead a walk when that happens.
