Hiking group membership

[YourGladSquid]

This is possibly more of an etiquette dilemma rather than an ethical dilemma.

I joined a walking group - it’s requested to pay some money to go towards helping the organisers, which is fine by me - before joining/paying I asked specifically if there were walkers in my area as I don’t drive and was told there’s tons.

There’s not “tons”. There’s one person who doesn’t go all that often. So I paid but never joined any walks because I can’t access them.

Then this week the person who started the group sent everyone forms to sign along with walking kits expected, etc. This is a big change from the “casual” walking group initially advertised. I’m starting to think he’s trying to create a business (which is fine) in a roundabout way.

I don’t want to join an organised group as I intended for something casual - is it bad form to ask for my money back as I haven’t actually joined any walks and exit the group?

No, it'a not bad form. Politely explain that you joined because you were told there are people who can give lifts and that is crucial because you don't drive. It turned out not to be true, so you are unable to attend and would like a refund.

They can only say yes or no. You can't be worse off than you are already, having paid but unable to join the walks. Why not start a Casual Car Free Walkers Group on Meet Up and take turns to plan walks that rely on public transport? It does require planning and thought, so a small fee is a reasonable request even if it is a casual group.

There are other more local groups I believe, I just joined this one because it was the most active on local FB groups and I like the spots they tend to go to so I thought it would be a good fit!

I think the contribution is reasonable, but the most recent documents are the thing that put me off the most because it’s a big change from what was initially advertised. I don’t wan to have to take a full kit with me for a 1 hour hike after work, honestly (if I ever got there, which I don’t because there’s no car share lol).

I think you were naive thinking you'd join a group based on a unspecified lift share arrangement, what's wrong with the leader wanting to make a business out of this. All you can do is ask for a refund and see what he says, but its your mistake that this group isn't right for you.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, it just wasn’t announced as such - one thing is a casual group and contributing costs, another thing is a (now) group with signed documents, mandatory walking kit, etc. It’s brilliant but not what was intended.

I did ask regarding car share before joining, but I agree I was naive in actually believing it.

I imagine someone or something gave the leader a wake up call that they need to cover themselves liability and insurance wise if there is an accident or someone hasn't got the suitable equipment. Shame it's not worked out for you.

How much did you pay?

If it's a small amount I'd just chalk it up to experience and not re-join.

i don’t think you can ask fir money back either. It’s not their fault you’ve not been on any walks. Maybe they do walks in your area, but not in the time frame you’ve been a member. Maybe the new info always get sent out in September, a new term email.

I used to help out at a casual walking club, and even for that we got contact details, medical problems details (if any), sign a no-liability form etc. ,

It’s only £50 so I’m not sweating it, I was just more annoyed that I asked specifically about location and car share and explained why, when it turns out they have one local member.

That’s not anywhere near “tons”, otherwise I’d have declined and looked for something even more local.

It’s just a group chat and the walks come out every couple weeks - I think I would actually prefer emails though as it’s easier to keep track than a chat.

The walks are all relatively local, it’s just that getting to the spots you definitely need a car. Thank you for your help, I think I’ll just leave and find a group more suitable.

I'm a very seasoned hiker and wondering what kind of kit you really need for a one hour short walk?

I wonder if you can put a call out on the Facebook group for someone who might be able to give you lifts, if you can find your way to and from their home? I'd be happy to respond to such a post, as long as the person could meet me at or near my home, somewhere along the way, or lived nearby.

There are longer walks as well, during the week is the shorter ones - I think the kit idea that’s been recently implement is probably just on the off chance something happens (unlikely, but never impossible I suppose).

I always put call outs about transport sharing as there’s a chat for that as well, I just haven’t had any luck because there’s only one person that’s local and they’re away on work abroad. Maybe once they’re back!

£50!!!!
It's £5 a year for the walking group I am in. Most of the money collected goes on our insurance. We try to do car share or time walks for buses.

Mandatory kit is probably required for insurance. As soon as something is “organised” then the organisers are very vulnerable to legal blame if an accident happens. It’s wise for them to have insurance and the insurance company will want to minimise risk (hence ensuring people are equipped).
The lift thing is a pain. I don’t blame you for asking for your fee back. But I think you’re unreasonable to complain about the safety measures. Just stick everything in a small pack and grab it whenever you go. I always carry a foil blanket, whistle, snack and tick remover, on runs in the hills they’re just in the bottom of my bag.

£5 a year??

I can see now why some people took issue with this fee a while ago when the organiser was promoting the group 😅

I don’t plan on complaining at all because I’d rather just not participate if it’s going to become so organised/formal, I was just wondering if it’s bad form to ask for the fee back and leave the group since I didn’t really get to go on any walks yet.

I feel like the organiser was a bit misleading (not saying it was on purpose, maybe they were just like “yeah there’s people from all over”), because you can’t access the chat before you pay, so I didn’t really have a way of checking the car share myself before joining.

In case you think I'm telling porkies 😀... https://www.swanagewalkinggroup.co.uk/about-us/#membership