WHO, WHAT AND WHERE ARE WE?

Join the Ramblers says the Doctor! I was talking to a doctor recently who told me about a patient who had visited her to ask whether she could give him something to help him to lose weight… her reply was to eat sensibly and join the Ramblers!

It has been shown that walking is good for the heart and lungs, muscles and bowels! And just about everything else too. I think everyone who walks with us enjoys it tremendously, likes the (mad) company and will see many things in our part of the world that others will not.

In this age of convenience food and additives what good advice, but what about the Ramblers? Are the walks boring and short? And is it just for older people? You’d be surprised, read on….

Who and where are the Ramblers? Ramblers are just ordinary people who love to get out in the countryside or up in the mountains.

We enjoy the company – and the solitude too when we are miles from anywhere. If we don’t feel like talking then it is easy to drop to the back of the group and ignore everyone else!

Ramblers groups exist all over the country, they are a great way to get into walking whether it is just for pleasure or to get you fit or to help in losing weight. As long as you are out there using your legs rambling is probably one of the best forms of exercise. It is a lot cheaper than joining the gym and it gets the whole body moving! You will probably make new friends too!

Is it adventurous? You might go where no man has been before!

Well, I doubt it but you will sometimes go to places where not many have been and the glorious views and the company are well worth it.

From above Pontycymer and Ogmore Vale some time ago I watched the mist over the Severn estuary slowly lift throughout a crisp cool day to drop down to the water again before dusk. A magnificent view.

In a small chapel I have seen one of the first bibles that was translated from the Latin into Welsh.

As a group we have conquered Everest… Oh  sorry – I mean Snowdon! And the Devils Kitchen too, above Llyn Ogwen.

Walking is as adventurous as you want to make it.

Bridgend Group! The Ramblers in Bridgend is a very active group of about 230 members who organise a regular programme of walks for all ages and fitness levels.

On every Sunday throughout the year there are three walks of about 5-6, 8 or 9 and 14 to 16 miles. The shortest walk last year was 4 miles and the longest 25 miles.

On two Tuesdays each month walks starting from Pyle will take you about 9 or 10 miles and some 2-3 mile slow walks have been introduced on one Friday afternoon each month.

All this means that anyone can join us, no matter what your fitness level.

All our leaders are experienced which means that you won’t get lost and you can start at any level and work up or down until you find a distance you are happy with. We won’t rush you either, leaders are used to keeping an eye on the group and adjusting the pace accordingly.

Don’t worry too much about clothing and footwear, it doesn’t have to be designer gear, just be sensible and think about where the walk is going and the expected weather conditions. For example, in the winter you may need waterproof clothing, a warm hat and gloves, decent footwear and a rucksack to carry your food and a hot drink. Or for the summer months you might just need some shorts, drinks, food and sun cream.

Have a look at the walks programme, give the leader a ring to check the details and join us.

You don’t even have to join immediately, you can “try before you buy”, come on three walks, see how you get on and then join.

Can’t be fairer than that!

-oOo-

Remember – once you have joined the Ramblers your membership card will give you 10% or 15% off at various outdoor clothing stores. Sometimes even more!