Rambling group that is making strides

Map in hand, floppy hat on head, customary walking attire from well-known branded companies, Stephen Down is the archetypal walker, a young man who lives for the weekend when he can escape to the country from his office based environment.

By working day he is involved with administration and data analysis for the City of York Council Education Department, but by weekend he is the leader of one of the county’s newest walking organisations as chairman of Get Your Boots On!

GYBO is a young people’s walking group for the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Yorkshire and walks take place nearly every weekend. It is affiliated to the Ramblers Association and came about around a decade ago to fill a gap in the market where it was felt that people in their 20s and 30s warranted an organisation of their own. Similar groups started around the same time such as Take a Hike in Leeds.

“There are a lot of people who may have done quite a bit of walking when they were at school, or in the Scouts, or on Duke of Edinburgh schemes, or just who simply went walking with their parents on holiday but who haven’t now the same framework of friends or relatives because of their jobs or where they have moved to. I come from the North Downs in Surrey where there is idyllic countryside all around and regularly went walking with my parents.

“We also find there are a number of people who have never taken up regular walking in the countryside but have always wanted to, but would prefer to do it with a group where there is a leader and it is an organised walk.

“While there are a lot of groups within the Ramblers Association it was felt that there was a gap for people in their 20s and 30s who might prefer to socialise with those of a similar age.

“At GYBO we don’t encourage walkers to bring children on the walks with them. It’s not that we have an aversion to kids, it’s just more that this type of group is designed for those who want to chat as 20 and 30-somethings without having to think about young ones. That doesn’t mean it is some kind of 18-30 holiday atmosphere either though.

“It’s all about it being a social group where people can relax and be with other adults of similar interests. If children come along then it changes the dynamic of the group. In GYBO a lot of us don’t have children of our own and don’t particularly want to be surrounded by them.”

The walks themselves range from what Stephen describes as a little bit shorter, not so challenging and accessible to everyone, right through to some of the more physically demanding that will stretch the most experienced walker.

“We try to have a walk on every weekend and the numbers vary. Sometimes you might expect a walk to be really popular but it isn’t and then the one you weren’t sure about is a great success. Often the easier walks and those closer to home will get the biggest attendance.”

Stephen’s definition of an easier walk is one of around eight miles with the tougher ones being around 15 miles and highly likely to be over rougher terrain.

“The shorter walks generally last around four to four-and-a-half hours as we don’t go at a great pace and usually attract the newer and less experienced walkers. When you have a large group it is surprising how long it takes just getting through gates and over stiles, making sure everyone is all right. Little things like people taking their coats on and off at different times due to the weather changing can really slow the whole group down too.”

The regular attendance is around 15 to 25 people at each walk but GYBO has had up to 40.

“For a lot of people these walks are their main form of exercise and also one of their best social days. It is a pastime where you can stay fit, healthy and meet up with people. It’s not intended as a dating agency although some have found it to work out that way. It’s more of a way to form strong friendships. That’s the stated aim.

“One of the things we are also conscious of is making new walkers feel welcome. When you have made strong bonds with people over a period of time it can sometimes be difficult for new people to get involved if regular walkers just talk to the people they have always talked to. I like to think that our group is one that anyone can join and immediately feel part of.

“We wouldn’t encourage the drinking of alcohol while on a walk, but pretty much every one we do ends up in either a pub or a tea shop.

“With a lot of people driving to where we walk from there is less of an emphasis in going for a beer, whereas tea and cake is always popular. It’s a chance for everyone to chat with those they have not walked with.”

Stephen’s own personal favourite walk is the Hole of Horcum and The Bridestones walk up in the North York Moors.

“When the heather is out and the sun is shining it is absolutely stunning. You just couldn’t imagine a better place.

“Then there’s Dalby Forest, Staintondale Lake and unbelievably picturesque villages like Levisham. That’s why we walk.”

Calendar of upcoming walks

Saturday, April 20: Hope. Hard walk up Mam Tor starting at Hope. Distance: 13 miles (hard). Meet: 10:30am at Hope railway station

Saturday April 27: Otley to Blubberhouses. Distance: 8 miles (moderate). Meet: Car park at Blubberhouses, directly off A59

Sunday May 5: Pateley Bridge to Ripon. Distance: 14 miles (moderate) Meet: Venue to be confirmed

Monday May 6: Kirkbymoorside. Distance: 11 miles (moderate). Meet 10.15am.

Saturday, May 11: Hebden Bridge. 14½ miles (moderate to hard). Meet: 10.15am