The Ramblers - Derbyshire Dales Group

Letter to the editor of Footprints

Thank you for the latest edition of 'Footprints' and the accompanying Walks and Social Programme with its helpful Grading of Walks on the back page. Might I suggest an additional grading which should apply to all levels on walks: ND or DF? ND would stand for ”No Dogs”€� and 'DF' for ”Dog Friendly”�. At least half of all walks should be DF. ND is self-explanatory. Members with dogs will not be welcome on these walks AT ALL, even with their dogs on leads. This is not unreasonable. Many RA groups adopt this policy for all their walks. Whatever their personal opinion, everyone knows where they stand. On DF walks, members with dogs will know they may release their dogs from leads where it is safe and sensible so to do, perhaps through woodland, along river banks, through empty fields and certainly over stiles. Dog owners will obviously be expected to put their dogs on leads wherever appropriate, and always near sheep. Cattle are rather more problematic, as cows with calves can become very aggressive towards people with dogs on leads.

Members who may be concerned at dogs' behaviour may talk to the walk leader who may then request the owner to put the dog on a lead. But the expectation will be that dog owners wish to behave in a mature and responsible way when walking with their dogs through the countryside, and will welcome the assistance of other members warning them of sheep or other situations ahead when their dogs will need to be restrained. One of my closest friends is Chairman of an RA group in Lancashire, which accommodates dogs and their owners along these lines without any difficulties at all.

I understand that the present Group policy of dogs on leads except with the walk leader's permission was adopted over 15 years ago after a number of incidents with dogs on walks. I respectfully suggest that, although agreed with the best of intentions, the policy is unreasonable and unworkable. After 15 years, is it not time to reconsider our policy? We wish to increase our membership. How better than to welcome new members with dogs! The issue is undoubtedly emotive. I have tried to suggest a way whereby members who simply do not like dogs can be accommodated, as can others who wish to bring their dogs with them without having them tugging at a lead for mile after mile.

Should you wish to take the matter further, by, for example, setting up a working party, I shall be most happy to help.

David Phypers

Dogs or No Dogs

Dear Editor

After reading the September edition of “Footprints”, we would if we may, like to give our view on the Dogs or No Dogs letter which we found on page No 6 [above]. Mr. Phypers’s suggestion of grading the walks with the additional ND or DF. For the dog walkers benefit would be very useful. We ourselves are dog owners and before we go out with the Ramblers always prefer to phone the walk leader to find out the suitability of the walk for taking them. The policy of dogs on leads except with the walk leader’s permission, we ourselves think this policy is still reasonable. Dogs off lead can become excitable and a safety hazard where there are many walkers

Richard and Carol Gibbe..

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