After several days of relative inactivity I was glad of the walk today with my Ramblers. It was the traditional New Year's Day walk from Melbourne around Staunton Harold Reservoir, calling at Calke Abbey for lunch. There was a good turnout of 26, although I didn't manage to chat to everyone as I'd volunteered to be the back marker!

There were a couple of new members and I very quickly had one of them walking at the back with me. She couldn't believe how fast we were walking on a "Leisurely" walk, so I explained that Ramblers walks were labelled leisurely because the terrain was relatively flat and non-challenging, not because of the speed! It's an understandable mistake to make, but she struggled on the short uphill sections and also found the mud very slippery, she's used to walking slowly on tracks and roads. 

Our leader suggested she cut a section out of the middle of the walk and wait at the café for us, which was better as the walkers at the front were getting cold waiting for her. After lunch she completed the walk without too much bother. I hope it hasn't put her off as she obviously wants and needs to improve her fitness, and I think she's realised that her well worn boots aren't up to the job of winter mud, she needs better tread.

The forecast had been for more rain but we had hardly any, the wind turned biting after lunch though. 

8.51 miles
746 ft elevation gain 

Edit: I've now contacted our committee suggesting that a link to the relevant FAQ be added to the walk description, but not really sure if it would help or not.