Description
The Ramblers is a British walking charity whose roughly 485 local groups lead tens of thousands of walks a year across England, Scotland and Wales, and which campaigns to protect public footpaths and access to the countryside.
The charity has about 100,000 paying members, according to the figures found: Wikipedia gives 101,842, and a 2025 update from Gloucestershire Ramblers gives over 105,000. Its local groups are organised in 59 regional areas; a Lancashire page cites 38,000 led walks a year. Walks are led by volunteers, and many groups let newcomers try a few walks for free before joining, for example three in Brighton and Hove.
The official price page found listed individual membership at £41 a year and joint membership at £55, valid until the end of September 2024; concessionary membership was £28.75. Membership supports the charity’s work on rights of way, as well as giving access to the group walks.
Strengths
- Group walks are led by volunteers, and newcomers can usually try a few for free.
- Hundreds of local groups mean there is likely one nearby, in towns as well as the countryside.
- Membership also funds campaigning for public footpaths and access to the countryside.
Weaknesses
- Regular walking with a group needs membership, at about £41 a year according to the latest price found.
- Groups set their own programmes and pace, so finding a suitable one may take a few tries.
- The figures found are not all current, and the charity’s own website couldn’t be read when checked.
Who it is for
People in Britain who want to walk regularly with others, learn routes and meet people, for the price of a yearly membership rather than paid guided tours.
Sources
- Ramblers: home, membership prices, concessionary membership (ramblers.org.uk blocked automated access in November 2026)
- Wikipedia: The Ramblers
- Gloucestershire Ramblers: membership update June 2025
- Mid Lancashire Area Ramblers: about
- Brighton & Hove City Council: Brighton and Hove Ramblers