The Somerset Strolling Bares would probably be your nearest regular group.

Although the Somerset Strolling Bears(SSB) would love to welcome another new walker, I think Shropshire would be quite a long journey to any of our walks.
Don

Hi Karlos, I also love walking and its an extra great sensation walking naked. I would be interested in joining any walking group within say 100 miles of Lancashire. Tom

I have been for naked walks in a local wooded area and have always felt totally invigorated upon my return.  I am keen to join a group of naked walkers and venture further afield.  Does  anyone know of any groups in Bedfordshire?

Roy, I assume that you know about SOC who do several walks in the Chiltens each year, as well as some further south.

https://www.google.com/search?q=SOC+walks

John

Yes I do thank you John. You told me about the group some time ago. Unfortunately every time they have a walk planned for the Chilterns I am working. One day my shift roots may just coincide with the Chiltern walks 😀

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I have walked in bedfordshire Roy but not an organised walk. I have also been asked not to do it by the authorities lol. So I had considered doing something by way of organising groups and coordinating with police but just havent had time

I have walked in bedfordshire Roy but not an organised walk. I have also been asked not to do it by the authorities lol.

Did I miss that story? Or would you care to share it now?

So I had considered doing something by way of organising groups and coordinating with police but just havent had time

The SOC do not advise anyone before arranging a walk. If you were gong to organise something, I would suggest getting in touch with them (Richard Hope, their walks co-ordinator, would probably be a good starting point). Our own Running Bear of the SBB's would also be a good source of advice.

Have fun,

Ian.

No Ian you didn't miss it. I just didn't share it. Basically it was me being lazy and not going far enough away from busy areas to walk.  Didn't upset anyone but it was suggested that I should choose more private places.  I have no problem with it - I had become a little complacent and was not thinking enough of other people.

And the reason I want to organise it with the police is simply because I think it's about time we tried working with them instead of against them.  The more we talk to them about naturism the more they can be educated in the correct use of the law.  It also means any complaints can be intercepted before they get out of hand since the police would already be aware of any walks going on.

Didn't upset anyone but it was suggested that I should choose more private places.  I have no problem with it - I had become a little complacent and was not thinking enough of other people.

Who made the suggestion and how was it couched? If it was presented as "you are committing an offence" that would have been the time to start educating that officer. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for showing consideration to non-naturists, but I really don't see why they should not also show consideration for naturists. If the argument is based simply on majority rule there is no place for any minority activity.

I had an occasion when a policeman recommended that I should not go out naked. He earned brownie points from me when he said "You're not doing anything wrong, but we would not recommend it" sadly he spoiled that with "If someone complained we would have to arrest you." When challenged as to why he would have to arrest me if I was doing nothing wrong, he floundered around a bit and generally looked uncomfortable. Oh well, hopefully it got him thinking.

And the reason I want to organise it with the police is simply because I think it's about time we tried working with them instead of against them.

I tend to agree with this; however on at least one occasion when it was tried before, it resulted in the police trying to prevent the walk happening. They attended the start and misquoted the law to imply that walkers would be arrested under section 66 of the sexual offences act 2003. Then they assigned a couple of officers to walk with the group, changing the officers at intervals when the route crossed roads. We had a number of visits from the police helicopter during the day and at all times there was an officer present with a video camera. I heard one of the video officers try to solicit complaints from at least three of the people we passed on route (all three declined to complain; their view being best summed up as ”It seems a bit silly but it is not doing any harm”. One walker was arrested, although the case was later thrown out of court. I reckon it is fair to say that, on that occasion, working with the police was less than successful.

The more we talk to them about naturism the more they can be educated in the correct use of the law.  It also means any complaints can be intercepted before they get out of hand since the police would already be aware of any walks going on.

I would strongly recommend that you talk to BN if you intend to go ahead with this approach. However, I wish you well, though I suspect that institutional uncertainty and playing it safe will mean this ideal is not easily achieved.

Have fun,

Ian.

It wasnt a big deal really Ian but it did make me start seeing things from a slightly different perspective. I would dearly love to be able to walk nude anywhere I please at any time but we are a long way from that.

You cant create a beautiful sculpture witha sledge hammer. You must carefull chip away and hone and polish and constantly step back and review what you are doing. Sometime you might make a mistake and chip too muchand spoil it. Then you must adapt the designand carry on.  We have a longlong way to goto gain acceptance and we all need to play a part in introducing the naturist concept to doubting masses.

So just because one event organisd withthe police involvement didnt go to plan it doesnt mean we should give up on the idea. If we dont plant seeds in the right place they wont grow. Right?

We have a long long way to go to gain acceptance and we all need to play a part in introducing the naturist concept to doubting masses.

Agreed, and I am a great believer in CO or mixed naturist and textile events as a first step along that road. I also believe that we need to be prepared to be seen outside the walls and hedges. I don't advocate militancy, but equally I do not agree with meekly giving in instead of standing my ground and asserting my rights.

So just because one event organised with the police involvement didnt go to plan it doesnt mean we should give up on the idea. If we dont plant seeds in the right place they wont grow. Right?

Accepted. However, the old adage of look before you leap is also sage advice and it is appropriate that you should know what has happened before so that you can plan for a similar occurrence if it should happen again.

Have fun,

Ian.

I wont argue with that and I remember the event you are refering to. Not quite what I have in mind but yes we always need to learn from previous ocurrances. 

I agree about CO. My other half hasnt embraced natrism but she accepts and supports my passion for it. So inorder to do things together CO is ideal. I am sure the same goes for many other couples.

I agree about CO. My other half hasnt embraced natrism but she accepts and supports my passion for it. So inorder to do things together CO is ideal.

Then don't forget the Butterfly World CO event tonight...

Might see you there.

Ian.

(Edited to fix typo)