Frequently Asked Questions:
Covid-19 questions:
What changes have you made to make the Walking Picnics more covid safe?
We require that anyone who has tested positive in the previous 14 days, or has been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, does not come on our Walking Picnics, and will ask you to confirm that this is not the case, when you arrive. Also, if you are feeling unwell, we ask that you do not attend. We will be happy to provide a refund of the cost of the walk if you are unable to attend, and ask that you give us as much notice as possible if this is the case.
We ask you to pay by bank transfer in advance, so we don't have to collect cash on the day.
We ask that people wear a mask while we are assembling for the walk, and during the initial welcome briefing. When we are out on the walk, we will try to keep an appropriate social distance, and ask family groups to stay together and not mingle with other participants.
We will wipe down all chairs and tables between walks, and space them further apart, to maintain social distancing.
We will serve your food (instead of the self-service buffet style we used to operate), so there is no shared cutlery.
Your individual plates, mugs and cutlery will be given to you in a bag to unpack and use.
How hard is the walking?
Not difficult, as we take our time to look at the scenery, and the wildlife. But we do cover between 3 and 4 miles, and it can be uneven and muddy under foot. There is sometimes a hill on some of the walks, but no mountains!
Are the walks suitable for children?
Yes, the walks are OK for older children who are used to being out walking for a couple of hours. We don't go too quickly, so they will be able to keep up. We have had 6 year olds complete the walks, though younger children may need some help.
What do I need to wear?
No special equipment, but you will need walking shoes or boots, and you may need a waterproof jacket.
Can I just turn up on the day?
Sorry, as we get the food and make the picnics for the numbers we expect, we need to know how many are coming by 9am on the day before the walk.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give us as much notice as possible, if you can't make it.
Do you ever cancel published walks?
We don't like cancelling, but will look at the weather forecast, and give you 48 hours notice if the walk needs to be changed or cancelled.
Can you cope with my dietary requirements?
Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special requirements, and we will make a picnic to meet your needs.
Do you have any walks I can complete in my wheelchair?
We hope to include wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly walks in future, and would be happy to discuss your requirements to build a walk for you.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs will need to be OK with strangers, and kept on a lead (we don't want them chasing deer or nesting birds)
Will there be public toilets on the walk?
There are very few public toilets in New Forest car parks, although we do have some walks from car parks with toilets, such as Bolderwood and Anderwood. We will always have hand sanitiser available for you to wash your hands before the picnic.
We require that anyone who has tested positive in the previous 14 days, or has been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, does not come on our Walking Picnics, and will ask you to confirm that this is not the case, when you arrive. Also, if you are feeling unwell, we ask that you do not attend. We will be happy to provide a refund of the cost of the walk if you are unable to attend, and ask that you give us as much notice as possible if this is the case.
We ask you to pay by bank transfer in advance, so we don't have to collect cash on the day.
We ask that people wear a mask while we are assembling for the walk, and during the initial welcome briefing. When we are out on the walk, we will try to keep an appropriate social distance, and ask family groups to stay together and not mingle with other participants.
We will wipe down all chairs and tables between walks, and space them further apart, to maintain social distancing.
We will serve your food (instead of the self-service buffet style we used to operate), so there is no shared cutlery.
Your individual plates, mugs and cutlery will be given to you in a bag to unpack and use.
How hard is the walking?
Not difficult, as we take our time to look at the scenery, and the wildlife. But we do cover between 3 and 4 miles, and it can be uneven and muddy under foot. There is sometimes a hill on some of the walks, but no mountains!
Are the walks suitable for children?
Yes, the walks are OK for older children who are used to being out walking for a couple of hours. We don't go too quickly, so they will be able to keep up. We have had 6 year olds complete the walks, though younger children may need some help.
What do I need to wear?
No special equipment, but you will need walking shoes or boots, and you may need a waterproof jacket.
Can I just turn up on the day?
Sorry, as we get the food and make the picnics for the numbers we expect, we need to know how many are coming by 9am on the day before the walk.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give us as much notice as possible, if you can't make it.
Do you ever cancel published walks?
We don't like cancelling, but will look at the weather forecast, and give you 48 hours notice if the walk needs to be changed or cancelled.
Can you cope with my dietary requirements?
Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special requirements, and we will make a picnic to meet your needs.
Do you have any walks I can complete in my wheelchair?
We hope to include wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly walks in future, and would be happy to discuss your requirements to build a walk for you.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs will need to be OK with strangers, and kept on a lead (we don't want them chasing deer or nesting birds)
Will there be public toilets on the walk?
There are very few public toilets in New Forest car parks, although we do have some walks from car parks with toilets, such as Bolderwood and Anderwood. We will always have hand sanitiser available for you to wash your hands before the picnic.