We  will announce the walk 3 days in advance, giving a description of the route, an approximate length of the walk and the height of any fells to be climbed as well as highlighting any potential difficulties. It is up to individual members to ascertain if they feel they can cope with the demands of the walk as described.
On the afternoon before the walk, the convenors will confirm the walk and joining details. On the morning of the walk, the convenors will check the real time weather and may define an alternative plan.

Roamers walks will be classed as Roamers Lite, Roamers and Roamers Plus. The differentiation will be based on skills and fitness needed to complete the walk. When we have two convenors, we will aim for two grades.

1. Roamers Lite: Up to 8km and 500m ascent. 5 mi and 1650 ft. No snow or ice. No scrambling.  Very, very slow pace.
2. Roamers: Up to 13 km and 750m ascent. (8 mi and 2500 ft). No scrambling but may need hands on rock. May need spikes if snow/ice is expected on the route. Moderate pace.
3. Roamers Plus: Spring, summer, autumn walks, no snow or ice. These may be pathless or exceed the mileage and ascent limits of normal Roamers walks. Faster pace or longer walk.

In most cases the walks will start at 09:30 and finish at 16:00. Meeting places vary but are always specified in the walk notification email. All walks are free to join, although, if cars are shared, each passenger will reimburse the driver for the lift. Although the Convenors carry out risk assessment before every walk, all group members walk at their own risk.

The Lake District Mountain Search and Rescue Association publish a safety leaflet which all walkers should read https://keswickmrt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LDMSR-Stay-Safe.pdf

The convenors are not qualified walk leaders. During the walk we keep the group on the route and do all navigation. This includes alternative routes and safe escape routes. We know how to get help.

The walk will not proceed if:

1. Less than 4 walkers (3 + convenor).
2. Bad weather forecast. If there is a local yellow or above weather warning, the walk will be cancelled.  If rain is forecast, sleet or snow, or winds > 32 mph (near gale), the convenor decides.
3. Wind chill is lower than  –10 deg C at the highest point on the route.
4. Lightning – thunderstorm forecast
5. Flooding or flood warning on the route

If you join a walk, you will need to provide the convenors with your mobile phone number and agree to share that number with walk participants. Whenever you walk with us, please keep the contact details of those who should be contacted in case of emergency somewhere obvious (e.g. in a wallet/purse in your rucksack).

New members are most welcome. Please contact the Convenors at roamers@skiddawu3a.co.uk if you would like more information.