Unfortunately these walks are a bit off "my beat"

Do look at the site there's really useful information about calling the emergency services using 112 both by mobile phone and text. Might just safe someones life. I certainly learnt something

Davie  8)

Thanks Ian, as I said to you late last year I'm definitely going to try and get to an SOC walk or two this year. Like you work has an annoying habit of getting in the way of my plans.  Of course I'll contact you if I'm thinking of a walk.

Those walks sound lovely, but being as I am in east central scotland, there are a wee bit far away for me!

Thanks for the post and updating us. Unfortunately, all SOC walks are still a bit too long. Hope they manage to split some in the future so us less "fit" can participate. 🙂

Thanks for the post and updating us. Unfortunately, all SOC walks are still a bit too long. Hope they manage to split some in the future so us less "fit" can participate. 🙂

Its been said elsewhere before, but the "they" are happy with the length of walks as they are. Those would want to do shorter walks, need get involved in planning them. Most of walk leaders could probably advise on possible short cut options on their walks, for those who don't want to do the full walk. I would add that the pace is usually fairly sedate, and not all the walks are hilly.

John

Thanks for the post and updating us. Unfortunately, all SOC walks are still a bit too long. Hope they manage to split some in the future so us less "fit" can participate. 🙂

Its been said elsewhere before, but the "they" are happy with the length of walks as they are. Those would want to do shorter walks, need get involved in planning them. Most of walk leaders could probably advise on possible short cut options on their walks, for those who don't want to do the full walk. I would add that the pace is usually fairly sedate, and not all the walks are hilly.

John

If folks are after shorter walks the best way to make that happen is to get involved on a walk or two and talk to others who would like shorter options as well as to the organisers. The only thing that prevents shorter walks being offered is the lack of people to lead them.

The walk on the Hoo Peninsular is about as flat as any walk will ever be and has several shortcut options; that might be a perfect opportunity to arrange something shorter to add to future programmes.

Have fun,

Ian

Thanks for the post and updating us. Unfortunately, all SOC walks are still a bit too long. Hope they manage to split some in the future so us less "fit" can participate. 🙂

Its been said elsewhere before, but the "they" are happy with the length of walks as they are. Those would want to do shorter walks, need get involved in planning them. Most of walk leaders could probably advise on possible short cut options on their walks, for those who don't want to do the full walk. I would add that the pace is usually fairly sedate, and not all the walks are hilly.

John

As a business model, they are selling to a finite market - i.e. most likely people who are retired (or who can easily forfeit an entire day) and those who are physically fit enough to be able to cover 10+ miles. There have been numerous comments made on forums about this from people who have been on SOC walks and can no longer manage it for this very reason. Not sure what the membership of SOC is, but if they want to increase it, then they need to look at their business model.

I have organised quite a few walks of just a few miles (3-5) and limited it to just 2-3 hours with emphasis on ease for those people less mobile/fit that others so yes, I have planned - I was merely stating that SOC seems to have missed an opportunity here. I would love to join SOC but cannot take an entire day out for a walk - pressures of work and life just get in the way.

Unfortunately these walks are a bit off "my beat"

Do look at the site there's really useful information about calling the emergency services using 112 both by mobile phone and text. Might just safe someones life. I certainly learnt something

Davie  8)

Agree entirely. That YouTube video about using 112 was well worth watching.

Thanks for the post and updating us. Unfortunately, all SOC walks are still a bit too long. Hope they manage to split some in the future so us less "fit" can participate. 🙂

Its been said elsewhere before, but the "they" are happy with the length of walks as they are. Those would want to do shorter walks, need get involved in planning them. Most of walk leaders could probably advise on possible short cut options on their walks, for those who don't want to do the full walk. I would add that the pace is usually fairly sedate, and not all the walks are hilly.

John

As a business model, they are selling to a finite market - i.e. most likely people who are retired (or who can easily forfeit an entire day) and those who are physically fit enough to be able to cover 10+ miles. There have been numerous comments made on forums about this from people who have been on SOC walks and can no longer manage it for this very reason. Not sure what the membership of SOC is, but if they want to increase it, then they need to look at their business model.

I have organised quite a few walks of just a few miles (3-5) and limited it to just 2-3 hours with emphasis on ease for those people less mobile/fit that others so yes, I have planned - I was merely stating that SOC seems to have missed an opportunity here. I would love to join SOC but cannot take an entire day out for a walk - pressures of work and life just get in the way.

I can see your point, but the thing is that these walks are not something that have been put together by SOC's "management committee" or whatever. I don't know the history of how they started, but the walking group are basically naturist walkers, some of whom have devised and lead various walks for others in the group. Those walks fit the current format.

Now you could say that the SOC committee should, to increase its membership, try and get volunteers to both organise walks in other parts of the country, and some shorter walks as well. That would probably be a good idea for them to think about. However whilst they could take the idea up, it will in the end it will be about volunteers coming forward to lead those walks.

I would add that were you an SOC member, then your idea is something that you could push from within.

John

DrZac,

Here's a suggestion; given that you are already leading some short walks for groups, why not contact the SOC and see if you could find a way to add your walks to their programme? That way you could help to get shorter SOC walks on the programme and would also benefit from their insurance cover.

My own view on the shorter walks is that there may be less demand than you expect. Speaking only for myself, I have a rule of thumb that says if it takes longer to travel to and from the event than I will spend at the event, it is probably not worthwhile. If others think the same way then the catchment area for shorter walks will be rather smaller than for the longer ones.  Of course, that may be offset by a larger number of folk able to walk the shorter distances. I guess the acid test is to try it, which brings us back to the need for volunteer leaders.

Have fun,

Ian.