Testimonials

Read some of the stories from our members...

Gianina

"I love this group, everyone is very friendly and the variety of places to visit on offer are brilliant.
Every time I go on a hike with the group I come back smiling and happy. I have been on so many fantastic walks - perfect amount of time, not rushed and not too long; and can't wait for more. So easy to attend and love the pub stop at the end of each hike.

Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this group to anyone."

Gemma

“My first experience as a walk leader was brilliant, an experience I would recommend for all members who have not yet given it a go! While it may seem daunting at first, Gavin and Tanya were always available to assist with the process of planning which, in any case, was not difficult. You can simply pick a walk you already know well, and extend it if you need to then all you need to do is to fill in the very simple risk assessment and describe the walk.

They even arranged for a more experienced leader to be with me on the walk if I needed help.

During the walk I was concerned that people weren’t going to enjoy it or the start location was too far away but it soon became clear that walkers just wanted to be out and about and discover a new place. Nobody minded if I took a moment to orient myself using my phone or map and if we had got lost, I know that wouldn’t have been the end of the world either.

I really do think everyone should give it a go, as we all have beautiful places that we can share with one another!”

Amy

“After the end of a major relationship, I decided I wanted to make some more local friends. I’m originally from Kent and had worked in London, so a lot of my support bubble (in terms of people) was based in the south east - so I felt it important to establish some more friends in Beds/Herts.

I always liked walking and being outside so logged on to MeetUp and searched for local walking events. Stag Walkers popped up and I thought I would give their next event (a walk from Baldock) a go - and I'm so glad I did. Since my first walk in November 2021, I have explored so much more of the region’s interesting landscape and have made some great friends who share similar interests.

I’ve enjoyed all of the walks I have joined so far - and we’ve not yet been kicked out of a pub garden for being too raucous!”

Will

“I had always enjoyed longer walks but there was a period in my life where walking was almost impossible. I could barely walk 100 metres let alone anything else. In early 2018 I had a life-transforming operation that gave me my life back. Though breathing wasn’t the only thing that I needed to get back on track.

I had become incredibly insular and was barely coping with depression. So, late in 2018 I joined my local Ramblers group, Stag Walkers. It did a number of things for me as well as improving my physical fitness, but it gave me a social life back.

Almost three years later I have made a great group of friends and I now have the confidence to lead walks and take an active role in helping to run the group. Stag Walkers has almost given me as much of a life as the life-saving operation did.”

Vicky

“I knew nobody in the area so I was keen to explore and meet new people.

I love being able to explore the countryside on a led walk and not have to check my map constantly.

During lockdown the group has also been a real lifeline as I live on my own and even though group walks were suspended I was still able to meet up with members one-on-one for a walk.”

Gavin

“I was invited to a walk by a friend, and decided to join the group.

I enjoy hiking with the group as it's a good way of getting to know others, and getting out into the open countryside, which is very relaxing and gets me closer to nature.”