Liss Happy Wanderers
In the group we have a number of walkers who have been trained as Voluntary Walk Leaders
for Walking to Health. Normally, all walks will be accompanied by at least two of these, acting
merely as guides, but with the experience to deal with problems, in the unlikely event any should arise.
They carry mobile telephones, water and basic first-aid materials.
. . . is a totally informal group of ordinary friendly people, just like you, who enjoy walking.
Why do we walk?
In this age of increasingly sedentary lifestyles, most of us are keen to improve or maintain our health.
Many of us need, at some time in our lives, to recuperate from illness or injury. Taking regular exercise
is probably the most fundamental aspect of achieving these objectives. But we want to do it in an
enjoyable way, preferably in the company of others.
It is now generally acknowledged that regular walking for at least half-an-hour a day is one of the most
effective ways of taking beneficial exercise. If that walking can be done sociably, and in
green
space, then there are also likely to be significant benefits to mental well-being.
Many people find it difficult to join gyms, clubs or societies but they find our relaxed, amicable, free-and-easy,
come-when-you-like approach is just what they need to break the mould and make new friends.
Walking in a group also offers a degree of safety which is difficult to guarantee if you walk alone.
Furthermore, studies have shown that taking part in such walks regularly for as little as eight weeks will
normally produce a significant change in lifestyle for anyone who hasn't previously taken much exercise.
When and
How do we walk?
Our principal walks take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting at 10:15am
from the Whistle Stop public house in the centre of Liss (opposite Tesco Express).
The walks last up to one hour (approximately) during which we walk at a pace to suit ourselves, brisk enough
to raise the heart rate and to cause modest exertion in the form of faster breathing. At all times we should
be able to continue a normal conversation, if not - SLOW DOWN! A short warming-up period at
the beginning of the walk, and slowing down at the end is recommended, especially for those with heart
complaints, whether diagnosed or not. There is never any pressure to speed up in order to keep up
with others.
Weekday morning walks conclude with tea or coffee - and a lot more chat - at the Whistle Stop.
During the summer we offer weekday evening walks along the same lines as our weekday morning
walks, but with the objective of attracting those who work during the day and are therefore unable to
attend in the morning.
We also have a programme of Sunday events which comprise walks
We make no charge for any of our walks. However, walkers must pay for their own refreshments
and any expenses incurred on walks away from Liss or for special events.
The routes we use vary in length, terrain and difficulty. They cover many of the easily accessible country
lanes and footpaths surrounding the village of Liss. We are fortunate to live amid such beautiful
countryside, so why not take advantage of it?
On the third Tuesday morning of each month we normally offer a longer walk lasting 75 - 90 minutes for
those who want to stretch themselves, and their legs, a bit more.
Our Sunday Away-Day and Explorer-Day walks use routes which we have
researched, walked and assessed for suitability. Our aim with these walks is primarily to provide an
interesting trip away from Liss with the added bonus of taking exercise, hopefully without noticing!
These trips may be taken by train or by car-sharing and usually involve pub lunches or include free time
for sight-seeing and to have a picnic or find your own meal.
Start times and details of Sunday walks vary considerably but are all featured on this Website and in our
Newsletter. If you are uncertain of the start time or any other information, please telephone the number
on the Contact Us page before setting out to join us.
Do we offer any Shorter Walks?
In response to demand, we are now supplementing our Tuesday and Thursday morning walks with
our shorter Ambles when requested. These Ambles also start at
10:15am but cover a shorter distance, usually on fairly level ground, often paved. If you want to
bring along a pushchair, we will ensure the chosen route can accommodate it. The Ambles
and principal walks usually finish at approximately the same time, so everyone can meet up again for
the all-important chat and refreshments afterwards.
Do we organise Social Events?
As a consequence of growing friendships, those involved in Liss Happy Wanderers have
begun to organise social activities for the group as a whole. These include Skittles Evenings,
Quiz Nights and their own smaller groups walking at times other than those publicised. More recent plans
include a walking weekend away and a Christmas open-house get-together. No doubt,
more events will be added to the list as time goes on . . .
How do we Publicise our Activities?
In addition to providing regular updates on this Website, for the convenience and interest of everyone in
the group, we also produce BLISSTERS, our monthly printed Newsletter and Walk Diary
which contains full information on all our walks and other activities. It is available free of charge during
any of our walks or from the information rack in the Whistle Stop.
If you'd like to join us, all you have to do is turn up at any of our walks.
Are we The Ramblers?
No! We are not affiliated or associated with The Ramblers Association in any way. The Ramblers offer
an extremely valuable service to those whose main objective is to take strenuous exercise by walking
much longer distances than we do. On the other hand, we offer much more relaxed walks aimed at
combining social interaction with exercise. One of the big advantages we offer is that you can walk
two or three miles without even noticing you've done it - because you've been so busy chatting!
PLEASE NOTE
All our walks are subject to change according to circumstances on the day. Extreme weather conditions
may demand cancellation of a walk, and conditions underfoot may occasionally necessitate a change
in route.
If you suffer from a medical condition which might be affected by taking exercise, you would be well
advised to consult your doctor to seek his/her opinion before taking part in our walks.
The following statement explains that everyone who walks with us, or takes part in our activities, is
responsible for their own actions and does so at their own risk.
All reasonable attempts are made to ensure that the walks and events listed are safe and do not involve trespass,
but no covenant to this effect is made or implied. All persons taking part in any of the walks or events do so entirely
at their own risk and on the strict understanding that the guides accept no responsibility whatsoever for any injury
(including death) to any persons, or destruction to property, however caused (including negligence)
by or in connection with participation in the walks and events.
A Brief History of Liss Happy Wanderers
Liss Happy Wanderers evolved early in August 2005 as an impromptu spin-off from the highly
successful Liss Walking to Health Group. which is still based at Liss Triangle Centre, and is now
offering Gentle Walks of less than 2 miles.
The majority of the walkers involved in Liss Happy Wanderers first joined Liss Walking to
Health. Despite their enthusiasm for the Walking to Health Initiative, they and many of the
Walking to Health Voluntary Walk Leaders in Liss felt the need to free themselves from the
constraints imposed by being based at The Triangle Centre. Liss Happy Wanderers operates,
by kind arrangement with the landlord, from the Whistle Stop public house in the centre
of Liss and has built upon the success enjoyed in its previous incarnation, by extending its programme
of walks and other activities.
Although Liss Happy Wanderers is a totally independent and informal group, currently with no
allegiance or ties to any other walking group or organisation, the principles behind the Walking to
Health Initiative are respected by the walkers and we still adhere to many of the guidelines laid
down both nationally and locally by Walking to Health.
Consequently, Liss Happy Wanderers offers an enjoyable and worthwhile alternative for
anyone who lives in or near Liss, and who wants to take (more) exercise in convivial company, to meet
new friends, and to take part in other social activities organised by and for the group. Those in the
group pride themselves on the enthusiastic and friendly atmosphere surrounding all our activities.
Our principal walks are generally more active than those offered by Walking to Health, being
mostly between 2 and 3.5 miles in length, and somewhat faster, although we do offer occasional longer
walks, usually on Sundays or as part of special events. We are now also offering Ambles
for those who want to be involved in the social side of our group but who cannot currently accommodate
the length or speed of our principal walks.
