# How to join a walk with Stag Walkers
Check out our [Walks Programme](https://www.stagwalkers.org.uk/walks) or join our [Meetup Group](https://www.meetup.com/StagWalkers/) or [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/stagwalkers/) to get notified of our upcoming walks and events.
Try us out for **three FREE walks** before joining us as a paid member.
If you are a regular walker you will find a range of distances throughout our programme, just pick a walk that you like the look of. Please note that booking is required for most of our walks, via our [Meetup group](https://www.meetup.com/stagwalkers/).
If you're just getting into walking and aren't sure how far you can comfortably walk, look out for our 'Introductory Walks' that we run periodically throughout the year. These are shorter (usually 5 miles or less), take no longer than 2.5 hours, and are on easy terrain.
There is no need to inform us that you are coming along for your first walk, just book your place online, turn up at the start point in good time and introduce yourself to the walk leader - you'll find a welcoming group of people so please don't worry! Please arrive early as we leave promptly at the start time.
## Travel Advice
#### Please read our advice on travelling to and from our walks and events:
- Stag Walkers encourages using **public transport** or **car-sharing** for travelling
to and from group events. This reduces our environmental impact, the number
of cars parked at places we visit and fuel costs for drivers.
- If you wish to car-share please arrange this with other members of the group
in advance. To offer a space or ask for a lift, please post a polite request on the
**Meetup page** for the event you’d like to attend.
- If requesting a lift please offer some **money for fuel** - we suggest £3-£5 or
more depending on the distance - and/or offer to buy the driver a drink if
visiting a refreshment stop.
- When arranging car-shares we recommend pick-up/drop-off at a **public
place** such as a car park, railway station or similar.
- Bear in mind a lift may be more likely if you are **flexible** regarding the town
you are picked up and dropped off at.
- Be aware that you may be more likely to get a lift after you have been to a few group events and met other members.
- We recommend arranging car-shares via the Meetup event page rather than
by direct message and as a general safety concern **we advise against** giving
your address or phone number to other people until you get to know them.
- If accepting a lift, please **ensure you are ready** at the agreed time and place
for pick-up. You should also be willing to leave after the group event at the time
the driver wishes to go. If you need to cancel, please advise the driver ASAP, as
well as editing your Meetup RSVP.
- Remember to take a **change of shoes** when car-sharing to walks and a bag
for muddy boots.
- If you are not driving, please be sure before booking a place for an event that
you will be able to get there and back again.
- Please note that members are **not obliged** to offer lifts or to help other
members arrange travel and it may not be possible to get a lift to every event.
- Bear in mind your **personal safety** when travelling to and from group events
and note that the responsibility of group volunteers to guide those attending
finishes at the end of each event. It is **your own responsibility** to make
arrangements for getting to group events in good time and for getting home
afterwards, whether by public transport and/or taxi, pre-arranged car-share, on
foot or using your own vehicle.
- Please consider allowing **extra time** for travelling to events in case of delays.
If using public transport, plan your journey using www.traveline.info and/or www.nationalrail.co.uk.
- If you are running unavoidably late to a group event, please **post on the
Meetup event page** when it is safe to do so and the group may be able to wait
for a few minutes. Please note however that waiting is at the discretion of the
event host or walk leader and you should always aim to arrive around 10-15
minutes **before the advertised start time**.
**We look forward to seeing you at a group event soon!**