The Ramblers' Association is Britain's biggest charity working to promote walking and to improve conditions for all walkers.
Through our network of dedicated volunteers and staff, we support all who walk, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts, family groups to solitary strollers and the very young to the young at heart.
We are dedicated to:
- safeguarding Britain's unique network of public paths - all too often, they are illegally blocked, obstructed and overgrown. We work with local authorities to make them a pleasure to walk on.
- providing information to help you plan your walk and enjoy it in safety and comfort.
- increasing access for walkers - our work is helping to establish statutory rights of access to the outdoors.
- protecting the countryside and green spaces from unsightly and polluting developments so that walkers can enjoy their tranquillity and beauty.
- educating the public about their rights and responsibilities and the health and environmental benefits of walking so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful heritage.
West Essex is a very active, friendly group with over six hundred members, who live mainly in Essex, Waltham Forest and neighbouring boroughs, though we are often joined by walkers from other areas. Some of us come along on our own, some with friends or partners. Don’t worry, we don’t all go out at the same time!
Where and when?
We enjoy walking in a variety of locations. Epping Forest is on our doorstep, but our programme includes walks in the Essex countryside, the Lea Valley, London, along the Thames and further afield, including national trails.
Not everyone wants to walk on the same day and so each week we offer the possibility of walks on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday plus often on a Friday evening in the summer.
What type of walks?
Different people like a different pace and length of walk. We want everyone to have the chance to walk with us so every week we have a variety of half day and full day walks with the speed/difficulty indicated.
Sometimes our walks have a special focus such as bird watching or historical interest.
We always try to include the option of a pub or café lunch, particularly on whole day walks, both for the enjoyment of our walkers and to support local pubs and communities. Those who prefer to bring their own sandwiches often join us afterwards in the pub for a drink.
And the environment?
We don’t just walk in the countryside, but actively work to protect access for all and public rights of way. We have a network of volunteers checking out footpaths and an extremely productive working party that is out every Tuesday clearing paths as well as building and repairing stiles, bridges and waymark signs.
Anymore?
Then there are the social activities, the group holidays and breaks, both in the UK and Europe!
Why not join us?
We are very keen to welcome new walkers and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Under eighteen year olds need to be accompanied by an adult and, at the moment, all our walks are dog-less.
Browsing the pages of this website will give you a better flavour of our group and what we do. We’d love to see you on one of our walks so do have a look at our walks programme and volunteering opportunities to see if there’s something there for you.
We hope you’ll decide to join West Essex!