Ramblers' Association, Colchester

The Ramblers' Association has a successful group in Colchester, with a full calendar of events. Have a look at their website for details of what they offer. www.colchester-ramblers.ccom.co.uk/

They have an active walks programme throughout the year with walks on both Wednesdays and Sundays. During the summer Colchester Ramblers also have Friday evening walks to gently ease you into the weekend. Walks are of various lengths and duration, being a good mix of circular and figure of eights. If you've not walked before contact one of the Colchester Ramblers' committee to get advice on which walks are best to start out on. They also have an active social group which plans trips to cinemas, ten pin bowling and visits to London. To see what countryside walks are currently planned, check their website.

Stockwell Strollers

Looking for a walking group? Here's one for you - The Stockwell Strollers. An informal club, named after their first meeting place, The Stockwell Arms pub (currently closed), in West Stockwell Street. The organiser is Alan Hardy (above) a backpacker who regularly walks coast to coast across the Scottish Highlands, but is equally at home on the rights of way of Colchester and Tendring.

They usually have a walk on the last Saturday of the month, right through the year. During winter it's usually a morning walk of around ten miles, but most of the year it's a day walk, usually stopping for lunch at a country pub.

What are they like? They are a welcoming and friendly group, with about fifty on their e-mailing list, and typically around 10-30 turning up. I occasionaly join them and enjoy their company. Alan and Brian kindly supply tea and coffee for the mid-morning break. And what's the demographic? Men and women, mainly aged 40 plus, and they walk at a reasonable pace, but will not leave anyone behind.

For more information about The Stockwell Strollers contact Alan at alanhardywalks@lineone.net

If you have a walking group and would like to be featured on this website, please contact me at colchesterwalktowork@yahoo.co.uk