Welcome to York HF Rambling Club

York HF Rambling Club (formerly York CHA & HF Rambling Club) is a friendly independent walking club, which is dedicated to the purpose of providing enjoyable walking in the Yorkshire and surrounding countryside. Founded in 1908 we believe the club to be the oldest walking group in the York area. Since its formation the club has continued to allow its members to take part in healthy exercise, appreciate and learn about the countryside while enjoying the companionship of others. The club actively welcomes new members, whose admittance to membership shall be free from any form of discrimination.

The rambles normally take place on a Sunday, every 3 or 4 weeks, occasionally 2 weeks, throughout the year. Each ramble involves a coach journey to the start of the ramble where three walks are offered to match most members' capabilities: 'C' Party covers a distance of about 6 miles, 'B' Party tend to do 9 or 10 miles and 'A' Party an average of 12 miles. (However the distances can vary slightly according to the time of year, the type of terrain likely to be encountered etc.) It is not necessary to make a choice of the ramble you wish to do until the day in question, when details of each ramble are circulated around the coach on the outward journey.

Each of the 3 parties has a leader, who will normally have checked the route in advance. Suitable clothing, strong footwear, waterproofs are essential, a small first aid kit is recommended and you will also require a packed lunch, morning and afternoon snacks and most importantly drinks. Time is also often allowed at the end of a walk for refreshment if a cafe or pub is available, before embarking back home on the coach.

In addition to the Sunday rambles, the club organises occasional extended stay visits to enable members to enjoy rambles beyond the local countryside. These extended stay visits occur 1 or 2 times per year, depending on demand; they are open to all members and are at a basic cost price.

The club also provides a social calendar for the benefit of all members, including those that are no longer able to join the rambles. Evenings of talks, quizzes, short local walks and reviews of past rambles have proved very popular and much appreciated by all those that attend.

The club is over 110 years old and has a long history, with links to the Co-operative Holidays Association & Holiday Fellowship founded by Thomas Arthur Leonard. Brief histories of our club and the HF founder can be downloaded from our Links & Downloads page, along with some ramble related poems.

Costs (2025/26)

Annual membership subscription - £10

Coach ramble cost - £15 (Members) £12 (Non-walking members - selected rambles only), £12 (Guests [Max of 2 rambles]), Socials - £TBA.