Frequently asked questions

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1) Do I have to join the group before coming on a walk? No. You are welcome to come on up to three walks before we ask you to join.

2) Can I just turn up on the day of the walk? Yes but if you want more advice before coming on a walk, please feel free to contact us.

3) How do I come on walk? You can either meet us at 9.30 am at Bude Street, Exeter or join us at the start of the walk.

4) Do I need to bring lunch/food on walks? We recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you unless the walk details explicitly state otherwise. In summer it is a good idea to bring plenty of water and in winter it is good to bring a hot drink.

5) How do you grade your walks? This is based on the Ramblers grading scheme
a) Leisurely Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
b) Moderate Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
c) Strenuous Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance.

6) I'm not very fit, will I be welcome? Walking is an excellent way to get fit and we try to offer a variety of walks on our programme to suit different levels of fitness.if you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the group in advance. You should also bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

7) I'm over 40 can I still come along? The group is aimed at people in their 20s and 30s but several members are older.

8) Can I bring my dog along? Yes, but we may not be able to offer you a lift (most people with cars worry about the safety and dirt aspects of transporting dogs) and you must keep it on a lead around livestock - even if it is a good dog.

9) How do I join the group? Devon Bootlegs is group of the Ramblers and you can join on-line here. If you do join please put “Devon Bootlegs” down as the group you wish to join and email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to tell us you have joined.

10) What does it cost to join? At present the costs are: Individual £29.50, Joint £39.50, Reduced £17.50, Joint Reduced £23.50 (Reduced rates for students, people on means tested benefits or solely reliant on the state pension)

11) What do I do if a footpath is blocked? Either use this form from the Ramblers or report directly to Devon county council (if it is in Devon!) using their online path inspection form or talk to the group secretary.