Shropshire Young Ramblers turn old image on its head
The traditional image of a rambler - aged 50 or older, often seen in the Shropshire countryside wearing a bobble hat and carrying a flask - is being turned on its head by a group of keen walkers in their 20s and 30s.
In the past year Shropshire Young Ramblers, or SYR, have taken on walks in the stunning Shropshire countryside, up mountains in North Africa, and through the picturesque countryside of the Lake District.
But it is not just about the walks - the group also holds barbecues, trips out to the cinema or for meals, and weekends away.
Verity Gray, chairman of the group, said: "We do this because we love it. I really want to move away from the stereotype of ramblers having a bobble-hat and a pac-a-mac. That is a stigma which, before my first walk with the group, I too believed.
"Our group is different. We meet up, have a walk, eat cake and then go to the pub for a drink. We have fun. We usually come home covered in mud.
"Our members claim joining SYR was the best decision they have ever made. One of our recent new members, Stefan, told us the walks are always the highlight of his week. He said it's a really friendly group and it's been great to meet some like-minded people and make some new friends.
"If you enjoy being outside, like walking, want to have fun, like meeting new people and making great friends, and love cake then why not make your best decision ever and join SYR on one of our brilliant walks."
Last summer some of the group took on the 4,167m high Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa.
"It just goes to show that SYR has no limits, and can lead to fantastic adventures," said Will Tandy, walks co-ordinator for SYR.
"Joining the group is certainly one of the best decisions I've ever made. I have loads of fantastic friends, and have enjoyed a variety of super walks, socials and weekends away."
Other walks are closer to home but no less challenging, from tackling the Long Mynd in the dark to scrambling up Y Garn.
In August SYR will be taking in a gentle stroll through scenic Rindleford - ideal for new members - before they undertake the strenuous 3 Peaks Challenge of Church Stretton and check out the stunning Vyrnwy Valley. At the end of the month, there is an exploration in to Shropshire's past on the Offa's Dyke which separated England and Wales in the 8th century.
Group members are in their 20s, 30s and some in their early 40s. People aged over 40 are welcome to join the walks, but the group is aimed at people in their 20s and 30s. Members have to be at least 18.
Verity said: "We find that holding specific new member walks tends allows several potential new members come along so those that are new don't feel new on their own. Not that there's any need to feel new as we are a friendly bunch of people who welcome new members.
"You don't have to come along for the first time at a new member walk, however we wouldn't recommend attending anything other than a walk graded as 'easy' unless you are already an experienced walker."
For more information about Shropshire Young Ramblers visit www.syr.org.uk or email syr.update@gmail.co.uk
