Torbay Rambling Club (TRC) is a well established local club for people who love walking.  We walk around Torbay and the surrounding area, often starting near a bus route or members may car share.  Walks are organised and led by members and usually range from 5 to 12 miles. There are walks on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as occasional social events, so come along and enjoy the views and the company.

TRC’s Safe Rambling Code

• Only walk if you are sufficiently fit and able to complete the walk as described on the programme.


• Wear stout boots/walking shoes and consider using poles or a stick over rough ground. The leader reserves the right to not include you if you are inappropriately equipped. (For more detail see What to Wear on  our website).


• Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm clothing and sunscreen as appropriate.


• Take sufficient food and drink.


• Walkers are advised to carry a mobile phone, whistle, personal first aid kit and their In Case of Emergency Card (details of any medical conditions and details of whom to contact in case of incident). Best practice – add the leader’s phone number in case of separation from the group.


• Walk behind the leader and in front of the back marker and tell the leader and back marker if you leave a walk early, or one of them if you go off track for a comfort stop.


• Keep sight of the person in front of you and walk at a reasonable pace.


• Abide by The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors including “Be nice, say hello, share the space.”


• Follow the leader’s instructions regarding single file walking, crossing roads, closing gates etc.


• Fluorescent vests should be worn when road walking if you have one.


• All members must treat each other with respect, kindness and courtesy. Members must respect the rights and dignity of fellow members regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual
  identity.


• All dogs taken on a Torbay Rambling Club walk must always be kept on a short static lead, except if being chased by cattle when the dog should be unleashed for the owner’s safety.

Members walk at their own risk:

Walks are over varied terrain and may include road walking, moorland and coastal paths, trip hazards such as boulders, cattle grids and tree roots, stiles, slippery ground, ascents and descents. Consider the difficulty of the advertised walk and remember that you walk at your own risk.

TRC’s insurance is for public liability cover only, not for personal accident cover.

No liability will be accepted by Torbay Rambling Club or any officer, member of the committee, walks leader or other, for any accidents or injuries however caused. All persons walking with or taking part in any event organised by Torbay Rambling Club, its members or members of the committee do so at their own risk.

Grading of Rambles

a) A grading system is helpful although they vary widely, for example the Ramblers Association defines an Easy Walk as being suitable for pushchairs. Ours is designed to suit the Club specifically.

b) The grade depends on an assessment based on various criteria including terrain, height gain, obstacles and equipment needed.

c) We are a Rambling Club therefore it should be assumed that none of our walks are either pushchair friendly or gentle strolls.

d) The grades are all based on the assumption the route can be completed in reasonable weather conditions and in a reasonable time.

e) The standard description of the Club’s grading is as follows, and includes the Note following it:

Easy Straightforward with possible gentle ascents or descents. Mostly good permanent paths or lanes. Obstacles such as stiles, few and simple.

Moderate Steeper ascents and descents. Mixed terrain including fields and rough ground. May include greater obstacles such as higher stiles or boggy areas.

Harder Hilly, with a high level of ascent. May be pathless in open country. Rough terrain. Obstacles such as streams and more difficult stiles. May be strenuous.

NOTE: The grading is separate from the distance. The distance of a ramble may, for you personally, raise it to another level. Members should consult the walk description and notes in the Walks Programme and be sure they are able to complete it without slowing the progress of the Group.