Can I join a walk if I am not a member?

Yes, you are most welcome to join us for up to 3 ‘taster’ walks before deciding if you would like to become a member.

I am visiting the Island; Can I join a walk?

Yes, Visitors to the island can join a walk; all we require is your basic contact details before the start of the walk

Do I need to tell anyone if I am coming for the first time?

It’s not necessary to inform us but it would be helpful if the walk leader knows to expect you, so if possible please email secretary@manxfootpaths.org and provide us with your basic contact details before the start of the walk.

How do I become a member and how much does it cost?
Simply fill in the form on our ‘Join us’ page and this will take you to the payment details. Current membership is £10 paid annually by standing order or bank transfer (due on 1st January). Joining at any time of the year will still incur the full subscription payment until December of that year.
How much does each walk cost?

All Manx Footpath Conservation Group walks are free of charge.

Are there any age restrictions and can anyone walk?

The group has no age restriction, but under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are a range of walks on offer through the week so we hope that everyone will be able to find a walk that suits their level of fitness.

Where do I find details of all the walks?

Our walk programmes are planned 6 months in advance and the details of all walks can be found on the diary/calendar page of the website.

Sunday Walks

Up to 6 miles, about 3 hours starting at 1.30 pm and finishing at approx. 4.30pm. Please bring a drink. Walks will include rugged, unsurfaced rural and coastal paths and possibly rough/hilly terrain.

Tuesday Walks

Up to 8 miles at a leisurely pace, about 5 hours starting at 10.30am and finishing at approx. 3.30pm. Please bring a drink, snacks, and packed lunch. Walks will include rugged, unsurfaced rural and coastal paths and possibly rough/hilly terrain.

Wednesday Walks (summer months only)

Up to 5 miles at a leisurely pace, about 2 hours starting at 7pm and finishing approx. 9.30pm. A drink is advised. Walks will include rugged, unsurfaced rural and coastal paths and possibly rough/hilly terrain.

Thursday Walks

Usually 2.5 – 3.5 miles, about 2 hours starting at 10.30am and finishing approx. 12.30pm. Followed by optional lunch.

F          grade walks (relatively flat)

M         grade walks for reasonably fit people with a little country walking experience. Will include unsurfaced, rural, and coastal footpaths. A drink is advised.

H          grade walks for reasonably fit people with a little country walking experience. Will include unsurfaced, rural, and coastal paths and possibly some steeper terrain. A drink is advised.

Saturday Walks

First of the month walks are between 8 -10 miles, starting at 10.30am and finishing at approx. 4pm. Walks will include rugged, unsurfaced rural and coastal paths and possibly rough/hilly terrain. Please bring a drink, snacks, and a packed lunch.

The remaining Saturdays are between 10-13 miles, starting at 10.30 and finishing at approx. 4.30pm. Walks will include rugged, unsurfaced rural and coastal paths and possibly rough/hilly terrain and there could be sustained ascents/descents in remote areas. Participants need to be able to climb hills and keep up with the pace of the group leader. Please bring a drink, snacks, and packed lunch.

Enquiries to secretary@manxfootpaths.org

What should I wear on a walk?

Walking boots or sturdy shoes are strongly advised and waterproofs are generally carried in case it rains. Walking trousers and layered clothing are ideal but please wear whatever you feel comfortable walking in. We advise against wearing denim.

Apart from walks, does the group hold any other events?

Absolutely, Christmas lunches, picnics, barbeques, afternoon teas and special interest walks through the summer. The group also hold interesting and topical talks on a number of evenings through the winter and occasional off-island walking holidays.

Do we run any courses for our members?

Yes, the club also run First Aid and Hill Skills courses for the members and are always looking for new initiative ways to enhance the walking enjoyment for all our members.

Can I bring my dog?

Sorry no. Our walks frequently crossing farmland with livestock and at certain times of the year areas of the Island restrict dogs to protect our wildlife.

How large are the group sizes that walk?

The groups vary in size depending on the difficulty of the walk but most walks average between 10 and 20 people on all days. All groups are friendly and welcoming however if you’re feeling a little unsure of what to expect please email secretary@manxfootpaths.org. They will happily answer any questions and can ensure the leader of the walk is expecting you.   

Does the group have a safety policy?

Yes, the club has recommendations and guidelines for its members and leaders to protect them against any potential risks or incidences, wherever possible. All routes are risk assessed before the start of each walk and the leader will advise members before commencement of the walk of any potential concerns.

Am I insured against personal injury?

No sorry, you walk entirely at your own risk.

Who leads the walks?

All our walk leaders are regular walkers and members of MFCG are encouraged to lead a walk if they wish.    

How do I get to a walk?

All members are required to provide their own way to the start point of a walk, if any special transport arrangements are required for a particular walk, details will be provided on the schedule.

What should I do if I find a footpath which is blocked, obstructed or impassable?
Should you encounter any problems with public footpaths, gates,or stiles, please contact the Footpaths Officer at footpaths@manxfootpaths.org
with a photo of the problem plus a what3words reference and grid reference along with any other details that will help identify the defect, footpath or area of concern.
Will there be a First Aider present on every walk?

Not necessarily. MFCG encourages as many walkers as possible to receive First Aid training, which is free to members, but does not guarantee to provide a  First Aider on every walk.

Can my child participate in walks?

Yes! We welcome children to join us on our walks, the only thing that we ask is that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Children can become a member free of charge.