Welcome …

We’re a local group of the Ramblers, the national charity that promotes and campaigns for walking and the maintenance of our rights of way.

Our programme contains regular guided walks throughout the year from four miles upwards and from easy to strenuous. There are walks accessible by public transport and by car. We contribute to the local annual Chesterfield Area Walking Festival and the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival.

We’re fortunate in having a wealth of walking opportunities nearby. These range from walks in the Peak District, Britain’s first national park, to routes throughout Derbyshire and neighbouring counties. Walks cover countryside, farms, parks, and moorland with several country parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty located close to us.

No two walks are the same. Walking is good for your health, for the environment, and you’ll meet a wide range of friendly people.

(Our group area covers the council districts of Chesterfield, Bolsover, and NE Derbyshire, but as a Rambler you are also welcome on a group walk anywhere in the country)

You can view all of our upcoming walks online by clicking here.

You may also be interested to read about some of our past walks by clicking here.

If you would like to join us, simply try us out, or find out more please get in touch.
Email:  cnedramblers@gmail.com
Call: 07772 132183

We’re always happy for anyone to join us for two or three walks free of charge and without commitment.

Gordon, Mike, Diane, and John H at Wetton Any Ramblers photos taken in 2016 welcome for an AGM slideshow Approaching Peter’s Stone The Miner on Silverhill Langwith Wood Kate and Naseem pose with the group at Edale station Returning from High Neb (photo by Mel) The happy gang at Monsal Dale Packhorse Bridge On our way to Churn Milk Hole The Snail Lumsdale circular (Feb 2017) The northern end of Hope Brink with the Kinder Plateau in the background Is that a spot of rain ? Stockley Trail Margaret, John H, Diane, Marita at the weir on the Wye, Monsal Dale Cheerful faces for people walking 34 miles. An ambitious ‘selfie’ perhaps ? (Click to enlarge) Bole Hill Christmas in the Westwood Ascending Mam Tor Revolution House Brown Knoll Ascending from North Lees Hall

A few frequently asked questions

How difficult are your walks ?
Our walks are of different lengths from about three to four miles upwards, at different paces, and over a range of terrains. For that reason they are graded from easy to very strenuous.   Anyone of a reasonable level of fitness should be able to manage one of our shorter walks at a moderate grade, especially if you are used to walking short distances on a regular basis.

We recommend starting off with a shorter walk and working up the grades, and distances. It’s much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.    Our ‘step’ walks of 3 to 4 miles at a relaxed leisurely pace could be a good introduction.

If you have any serious doubts as to your ability you might like to consider a Well-being walk group, who offer shorter slower paced walks of three miles or less.
We do over 300 walks – all year round. There should be a type of walk to suit everyone.

Can I just turn up for a walk ?
Yes.  If you have not walked with us before it would be sensible to check walk details with the Walks Organiser concerned in case there have been any late changes and to confirm the start time and place.  Please choose a walk within your capability and arrive suitably equipped.

Where do you walk ?
Anywhere accessible to our members by car or public transport. This includes the Peak District and surrounding areas.

Do I have to be a member of The Ramblers ?
No. As a Group of an organisation which is a registered charity all our walks are open to the public on a trial basis.
However, we are a members group, and you are expected to join as a member, after three ‘taster’ walks.
Members of other Ramblers Groups are, of course, welcome at any time. Indeed this is one of the advantages of joining a national organisation, as you have a wide selection of walks/areas available throughout the country.

Do I need to have special footwear ?
We recommend walking boots with tough moulded soles as they protect the feet, keeping them warm and dry, provide grip, and support the ankles – which is essential on steep slopes and uneven surfaces.

What other equipment do I need ?
The golden rules are to be comfortable, dress for the sort of weather and terrain you are likely to meet, and never underestimate the changeability of British weather.
As a minimum you need a windproof, waterproof jacket (with hood), sufficient warm clothes for the time of year and altitude, together with a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Do you have walks accessible by public transport ?
Yes. Many of our walks are accessible by public transport.

Do you arrange car sharing ?
We support car sharing as a means of reducing the environmental impact of driving to walks. We leave it to individuals to make the necessary arrangements.
However, on some walks, people meet at a convenient point
to proceed to the actual walk start point itself in shared cars.

What age range are your members ?
All our walks are open to any adult. If you are looking to walk with people of working age please choose a weekend walk, and try out different sections of our Group.
Please remember that on joining you are a member of a national organisation and can walk with any group, including those catering more for the younger ages.
In other words you can pick out the best walks for you from a wide range available. You choose or are allocated to a ‘home’ group for programmes, newsletters etc.

Are there any rules ?
Please read and abide by any guidelines issued by the Group, and the instructions of the walk leader. These include allowing the leader to lead, set the pace, and to determine the route and stopping points on the day as dictated by conditions.
The walk leader can decline to take along people who are insufficiently equipped or appear unfit for the walk in question.

Can I bring my dog along ?
Yes, on most walks you may bring one dog. Please note responsibility for the dog lies with the individual dog owner who must ensure that their dog remains under close control. They must ensure their dog does not alarm other people, and must clean up after their dog. Our civil liability insurance does not extend to incidences caused by dogs.
In most cases ‘close control’ means being kept on a lead, but they can also be under control when off a lead. Dogs should be kept on a lead on roads, near livestock or sensitive wildlife, and wherever the law or other official regulations require it.
In some places, such as Access land, there are specific restrictions which must be adhered to.

How do I join your Group ?
If you live in our catchment area (Chesterfield Borough, North East Derbyshire, or Bolsover council areas)
merely by joining The Ramblers
If you live outside of our catchment area you need to specify our Group on the application.
A proportion of our 400 members reside outside our ‘base’ area – which must be a recommendation.

Will I be expected to lead a walk ?
No. However, if you regularly attend please consider doing so. This can be achieved by ‘pairing up’ with an experienced walker. Training and guidance are available.
Please bear in mind that without those prepared to lead walks there would not be a walks programme.