Come and Go - as you please

Leaving the Towpath

Tow paths are not always well maintained and sometimes difficult even for fit and able walkers. Sometimes tow paths are dangerous or impassable. In places other walkers have torn down fencing to make a path to escape from a collapsed towpath. In other places, total towpath collapses are hidden by high plants.

Before planned walks, scout walks will occur to test the route, with high risk points identified, and alternative routes identified.

Before planned walks, risk points will be checked decisions made on alternative routes

Partial Walks

Proposed walks may be lengthy but are planned so that participants can join the walk at many points, and leave at many points.

Less able participants may choose to leave partway through, or just join near the end, or even catch a train  or bus part-way through and re-join later on (multiple times).

Before planned walks, points on the route where others may join and leave will be identified.

Walk Schedule

A walk schedule will be set so as to complete the walk at a reasonable time (usually before dusk).

Alternative finish points may be identified for the case where the lead walkers cannot meet the schedule.

The Pirate Code

While the group intends to remain together, not everyone can walk at the same pace, and a minimum rate is needed in order to complete the walk in the scheduled time.

Those who fall behind are left behind. They may choose to continue at their own pace and leave the walk at a suitable place. May train lines follow close by canal routes and so many train stations are expected to exist on most routes.