FAQs
General
General questions about Big Walkies as a whole.
What is Big Walkies?
Big Walkies is a not for profit organisation that helps to organise free community dog walks in Cambridgeshire.
Who organises Big Walkies?
Big Walkies is organised by its management team and a number of dedicated volunteers from the local community.
Who pays for Big Walkies?
Big Walkies currently receives no funding.
When did Big Walkies start?
In August 2010, Director, Becca Bryant tried organising a BBQ for her dog, Buddy's, 1st birthday. It would be a chance for her to get together with friends and also for Buddy to meet their dogs.
The day of the BBQ came and it had to be cancelled, so Jackie (co-director) suggested that we meet at Hinchingbrooke Park to walk our dogs the next month. So on a sunny afternoon in September 2010 Jackie, Becca, Lalli and Ian met up to walk the dogs. It was then decided that we should keep this as a monthly occurrence and via Facebook the amount of people meeting for each walk grew and grew and grew!
In January 2011 we had around 20 people walking with us and their dogs, we then thought that we should meet up at a different dog walk the next month. Becca looked on the internet to find walks in Cambridgeshire and couldn't find anything! Well she could, but it wasn't all in one place. Finding this frustrating Becca set to work making a website with recommended walks in Cambridgeshire.... this then evolved into Big Walkies as we know it now.
What distances are your walks?
Our walks vary from under one mile to no more than ten miles.
What sort of courses are they?
All courses are fully accessible and checked by the walk organiser prior to publishing the walk.
When does it start?
Start times vary.
Where is my nearest event?
We currently hold events in St Ives, St Neots, Ramsey and Huntingdon.
How do I get to the event?
We try to ensure that all our events are easily accessible - find out more on the Events Page.
Do you walk every week?
Yes we do, currently in St Ives, Ramsey and St Neots.
Do you walk in all weather?
We walk in most weather, but we will cancel an event if we feel it would be unsafe (for example, because of ice or very strong winds). We try to give advance notice of cancellation via the event's website and by email, but sometimes this might not be possible.
Do you walk at Christmas and New Year?
Some events will not walk during the Christmas New year period, while others may actually put on extra events on Christmas Day and New Year's Day; please see the Events Page site for more information.
Can I collect for charity?
If you would like to raise money for charity at our events we advise that you speak to one of the Management Team prior to the event for permission.
Can I hand out flyers for my events/services?
We would rather you didn't, and at many events there are strict bye-laws about leafleting. In any case, you must talk to the Management Team well in advance and get their permission.
Why do you only hold events in Cambridgeshire?
We are using Cambridgeshire as our “guinea pigs” but once we have learnt the ropes and manage to put a package together (and get funding!) we would love to see Big Walkies role out as a franchise all over the UK and even the world!
Taking Part
Questions about who can take part in our events, and who Big Walkies is aimed at.
How do I take part?
We have tried to make Big Walkies as easy to take part in as possible. We ask all walkers to register in advance of their first, then that's it. You will then be able to turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.
Who can take part?
Anybody and everybody; people of all ages and abilities take part in our walks; we love to see professional dog walkers, but we are most proud of those walkers whose first steps in walking were at one of our events.
I don’t’ have a dog, can I still join?
Yes of course! We welcome everybody to our events, but please bear in mind there is likely to be a lot of dogs, so if you fear them then this group may not be for you. If you would like to get over your fear of dogs, please speak to the Management Team who will be able to advise which event has the least dogs and you could join that event and see how you go. Face your fears!
Can I walk with a pushchair or buggy?
Yes. Please take care of other walkers, and in particular avoid clipping their heels.
Can I take part in a wheelchair?
Yes you can. Please be aware however, that some of our courses are more suitable for regular wheelchairs than others. Some of our courses are over rough terrain and would be suitable only for more robust 'cross country' chairs. In all cases we would advise the athlete to satisfy themselves in advance that the route is suitable.
Can children take part?
Yes - we love to see happy children taking part. We ask that children under 16 are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can my child accompany me on their bicycle or scooter?
No, we believe that bicycles or scooters and walkers do not mix; the risk of injury to walker and child are too high.
Can you give me health advice? Am I fit enough to walk?
Sorry, we are not qualified to answer this sort of question. If you are concerned about walking please contact your GP.
Facilities
Questions about the facilities available at Big Walkies events
What facilities are at my local walk?
We make every attempt to have a closely located toilet and café near by.
Is there parking?
Most events have some parking (either free or pay & display), if you do drive, please park legally and with consideration for other event location users.
Is there somewhere to lock my bike?
Most events do have somewhere to lock your bike, but as always, this is at your own risk.
Do Big Walkies have priority access to the parks?
No we don't - please respect other users of the park, and when necessary give way; a good Big Walkies member is gracious and polite to even the most offensive and inconsiderate fellow event location user; our event organisers all have lives outside of Big Walkies, and would prefer not to spend more time than they already give, placating irate members of the public.
Are there course direction signs?
Unfortunately not - we advise all walkers listen to announcements before the start about the course, watch where the regulars walk, and follow the guidance of any volunteers on the route.
Do you provide water and/or refreshments?
No, you should bring refreshments with you.
How it works
Questions about how Big Walkies works, and about what happens, before, during and after the events
How does it work?
Once you have registered you just need to turn up ready to walk at whichever event you want whenever you want - we take care of the rest.
How do I register?
Go to the JOIN Big Walkies free page, and fill in the simple form.
What happens at the start?
The walk coordinator will usually make important safety announcements before the start; please listen carefully to these as they may change from week to week. The coordinator will announce the start of the walk and off you go! Enjoy your walk!
What happens at the finish?
At the finish the coordinator will have a quick chat with the group either at a close café on location. This is usually to get feedback about the walk and ask for future walk location ideas.
Will I have to queue after the walk?
The only place you are likely to queue is at the café! This is a great opportunity to chat with your fellow Big Walkies members.
What if I arrive late?
You can start the event late if you are happy to catch up.
Registration
Questions about the registration process and updating your registration details.
Who should register?
Anybody who has not previously registered with us, and who wants to walk at a Big Walkies event.
Who should not register?
Anybody who has ever registered with us before. You only need to register with us once before your first walk; you can then just turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.
Am I already registered?
If you think you may have registered with us before but are not certain, or if you think somebody may have registered you on your behalf, please do not register until you have checked with us first - we would much rather check our records. Please email us your details (name and date of birth) to bigwalkies@live.co.uk and we'll be delighted to check.
I'm not sure if I'm going to walk this week, should I still register?
Yes, there's no harm in registering (as long as you haven't done so before), even if you don't walk; you will stay on our system for when you do walk.
I came to a Big Walkies event ages ago; am I still on your system?
Yes you are; if you have ever walked at any of our events you will be on our system. If your details have changed, please email us so that we can update our records.
Do I have to register every time I want to walk?
No - once registered, you stay registered; even if you registered months ago, and have not walked since, you will be on our system.
Do I have to register separately at different events?
No - when you register we ask you for your home walk, but you can walk at whichever of our events you want whenever you want.
What will happen after I have completed the registration form?
Within a week of pressing the submit button on the form you will be emailed a confirmation that we have received it. Please read this email carefully, it contains further instructions about Big Walkies.
What if I don't get the registration confirmation email?
Normally you will get the confirmation email from us within one week.
If you have not received an acknowledgement please, in the first instance, check your spam folders. Some mail services (such as yahoo, hotmail and gmail) may classify our e-mail as spam, despite our best efforts. Add the bigwalkies@live.co.uk address to your contacts, and mark e-mails as not spam to help their systems become more accurate.
If you have still not received the mail within two weeks and have checked your spam filter, please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk. We will usually get back to you fairly quickly, but we do go to bed sometimes, so it may take a little longer!
I am already registered and just want to let you know that my registration details have changed what should I do?
Please amend your details please email us at mailto:bigwalkies@live.co.uk
I would like to register somebody who can't register themselves, is this OK?
Yes it is. Many thanks for doing this for them.
I think you may have an out of date or incorrect email for me, what should I do?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
I know someone without access to a computer how do they register?
There are a couple of options. The simplest may be for you to help them to register on your computer. If they would prefer to register themselves, most libraries have computers that can be accessed for free.
Failing that please advise them to call us on 07969118350 and we will post a form out to them.
Website
Questions about the website
Will I be photographed or filmed at your events? Will photos or film of me be uploaded to your website?
Some of our events have photographers videoing or photographing Big Walkies, and are usually put up for sale on their website (we will inform you on the walk). These photographs or videos may be uploaded to our websites for non-commercial purposes.
Can I upload photographs to your website?
Please email any photos to bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Can I download and use photographs from the website?
All the photographs on our website may be downloaded for personal use. The copyright for the photographs remains with the photographers and you should get in touch with them if you want to use the photographs for any other purpose.
To download a photo click on it until it opens in a new window then right click 'Save As'.
Can you remove a photograph?
We're always happy to remove photographs on request. Please e-mail bigwalkies.live.co.uk with an accurate descpription of the said photograph and it will be removed within 48 hours.
I can't remember the Member Zone password, what do I do?
If you have forgotten the password then please get in touch with bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Can I advertise on your website?
If you have a pet related business and are happy to include a reciprocal link to us click here to request a useful link. This is free.
If you want your pet related company on our site and do not want to include a reciprocal link click here to request to be on our Doggy Business page. This is £25 for the year. All funds to be put back into Big Walkies Community Group.
Can I publicise my event on your website?
On the whole, no. However local events that are pet related can be blogged by our Director, Becca. Please email full details of the event to: bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Contacting us
How to get in touch with Big Walkies
How do I contact Big Walkies?
For General enquiries about Big Walkies, please email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
For updates to your registration details please mail updates to bigwalkies@live.co.uk.
For queries about your local event, most questions should be answered on their event's web pages but for any questions not answered on their web pages, please get in touch via email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
For queries about the day to day running of Big Walkies or to report problems with the website, please get in touch bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I find out if I'm already registered?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I notify you if my registration details change?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I get in touch with the organisers of my local event?
Email bigwalkies@live.co.uk or call 07969118350
How do I get in touch about starting up a new Big Walkies event?
We are always looking for potential new events in Cambridgeshire. Please email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I get the newsletter?
You will be sent the quarterly Big Walkies newsletter on the next release after you’ve registered as a member.
General questions about Big Walkies as a whole.
What is Big Walkies?
Big Walkies is a not for profit organisation that helps to organise free community dog walks in Cambridgeshire.
Who organises Big Walkies?
Big Walkies is organised by its management team and a number of dedicated volunteers from the local community.
Who pays for Big Walkies?
Big Walkies currently receives no funding.
When did Big Walkies start?
In August 2010, Director, Becca Bryant tried organising a BBQ for her dog, Buddy's, 1st birthday. It would be a chance for her to get together with friends and also for Buddy to meet their dogs.
The day of the BBQ came and it had to be cancelled, so Jackie (co-director) suggested that we meet at Hinchingbrooke Park to walk our dogs the next month. So on a sunny afternoon in September 2010 Jackie, Becca, Lalli and Ian met up to walk the dogs. It was then decided that we should keep this as a monthly occurrence and via Facebook the amount of people meeting for each walk grew and grew and grew!
In January 2011 we had around 20 people walking with us and their dogs, we then thought that we should meet up at a different dog walk the next month. Becca looked on the internet to find walks in Cambridgeshire and couldn't find anything! Well she could, but it wasn't all in one place. Finding this frustrating Becca set to work making a website with recommended walks in Cambridgeshire.... this then evolved into Big Walkies as we know it now.
What distances are your walks?
Our walks vary from under one mile to no more than ten miles.
What sort of courses are they?
All courses are fully accessible and checked by the walk organiser prior to publishing the walk.
When does it start?
Start times vary.
Where is my nearest event?
We currently hold events in St Ives, St Neots, Ramsey and Huntingdon.
How do I get to the event?
We try to ensure that all our events are easily accessible - find out more on the Events Page.
Do you walk every week?
Yes we do, currently in St Ives, Ramsey and St Neots.
Do you walk in all weather?
We walk in most weather, but we will cancel an event if we feel it would be unsafe (for example, because of ice or very strong winds). We try to give advance notice of cancellation via the event's website and by email, but sometimes this might not be possible.
Do you walk at Christmas and New Year?
Some events will not walk during the Christmas New year period, while others may actually put on extra events on Christmas Day and New Year's Day; please see the Events Page site for more information.
Can I collect for charity?
If you would like to raise money for charity at our events we advise that you speak to one of the Management Team prior to the event for permission.
Can I hand out flyers for my events/services?
We would rather you didn't, and at many events there are strict bye-laws about leafleting. In any case, you must talk to the Management Team well in advance and get their permission.
Why do you only hold events in Cambridgeshire?
We are using Cambridgeshire as our “guinea pigs” but once we have learnt the ropes and manage to put a package together (and get funding!) we would love to see Big Walkies role out as a franchise all over the UK and even the world!
Taking Part
Questions about who can take part in our events, and who Big Walkies is aimed at.
How do I take part?
We have tried to make Big Walkies as easy to take part in as possible. We ask all walkers to register in advance of their first, then that's it. You will then be able to turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.
Who can take part?
Anybody and everybody; people of all ages and abilities take part in our walks; we love to see professional dog walkers, but we are most proud of those walkers whose first steps in walking were at one of our events.
I don’t’ have a dog, can I still join?
Yes of course! We welcome everybody to our events, but please bear in mind there is likely to be a lot of dogs, so if you fear them then this group may not be for you. If you would like to get over your fear of dogs, please speak to the Management Team who will be able to advise which event has the least dogs and you could join that event and see how you go. Face your fears!
Can I walk with a pushchair or buggy?
Yes. Please take care of other walkers, and in particular avoid clipping their heels.
Can I take part in a wheelchair?
Yes you can. Please be aware however, that some of our courses are more suitable for regular wheelchairs than others. Some of our courses are over rough terrain and would be suitable only for more robust 'cross country' chairs. In all cases we would advise the athlete to satisfy themselves in advance that the route is suitable.
Can children take part?
Yes - we love to see happy children taking part. We ask that children under 16 are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can my child accompany me on their bicycle or scooter?
No, we believe that bicycles or scooters and walkers do not mix; the risk of injury to walker and child are too high.
Can you give me health advice? Am I fit enough to walk?
Sorry, we are not qualified to answer this sort of question. If you are concerned about walking please contact your GP.
Facilities
Questions about the facilities available at Big Walkies events
What facilities are at my local walk?
We make every attempt to have a closely located toilet and café near by.
Is there parking?
Most events have some parking (either free or pay & display), if you do drive, please park legally and with consideration for other event location users.
Is there somewhere to lock my bike?
Most events do have somewhere to lock your bike, but as always, this is at your own risk.
Do Big Walkies have priority access to the parks?
No we don't - please respect other users of the park, and when necessary give way; a good Big Walkies member is gracious and polite to even the most offensive and inconsiderate fellow event location user; our event organisers all have lives outside of Big Walkies, and would prefer not to spend more time than they already give, placating irate members of the public.
Are there course direction signs?
Unfortunately not - we advise all walkers listen to announcements before the start about the course, watch where the regulars walk, and follow the guidance of any volunteers on the route.
Do you provide water and/or refreshments?
No, you should bring refreshments with you.
How it works
Questions about how Big Walkies works, and about what happens, before, during and after the events
How does it work?
Once you have registered you just need to turn up ready to walk at whichever event you want whenever you want - we take care of the rest.
How do I register?
Go to the JOIN Big Walkies free page, and fill in the simple form.
What happens at the start?
The walk coordinator will usually make important safety announcements before the start; please listen carefully to these as they may change from week to week. The coordinator will announce the start of the walk and off you go! Enjoy your walk!
What happens at the finish?
At the finish the coordinator will have a quick chat with the group either at a close café on location. This is usually to get feedback about the walk and ask for future walk location ideas.
Will I have to queue after the walk?
The only place you are likely to queue is at the café! This is a great opportunity to chat with your fellow Big Walkies members.
What if I arrive late?
You can start the event late if you are happy to catch up.
Registration
Questions about the registration process and updating your registration details.
Who should register?
Anybody who has not previously registered with us, and who wants to walk at a Big Walkies event.
Who should not register?
Anybody who has ever registered with us before. You only need to register with us once before your first walk; you can then just turn up at whichever event you want, whenever you want.
Am I already registered?
If you think you may have registered with us before but are not certain, or if you think somebody may have registered you on your behalf, please do not register until you have checked with us first - we would much rather check our records. Please email us your details (name and date of birth) to bigwalkies@live.co.uk and we'll be delighted to check.
I'm not sure if I'm going to walk this week, should I still register?
Yes, there's no harm in registering (as long as you haven't done so before), even if you don't walk; you will stay on our system for when you do walk.
I came to a Big Walkies event ages ago; am I still on your system?
Yes you are; if you have ever walked at any of our events you will be on our system. If your details have changed, please email us so that we can update our records.
Do I have to register every time I want to walk?
No - once registered, you stay registered; even if you registered months ago, and have not walked since, you will be on our system.
Do I have to register separately at different events?
No - when you register we ask you for your home walk, but you can walk at whichever of our events you want whenever you want.
What will happen after I have completed the registration form?
Within a week of pressing the submit button on the form you will be emailed a confirmation that we have received it. Please read this email carefully, it contains further instructions about Big Walkies.
What if I don't get the registration confirmation email?
Normally you will get the confirmation email from us within one week.
If you have not received an acknowledgement please, in the first instance, check your spam folders. Some mail services (such as yahoo, hotmail and gmail) may classify our e-mail as spam, despite our best efforts. Add the bigwalkies@live.co.uk address to your contacts, and mark e-mails as not spam to help their systems become more accurate.
If you have still not received the mail within two weeks and have checked your spam filter, please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk. We will usually get back to you fairly quickly, but we do go to bed sometimes, so it may take a little longer!
I am already registered and just want to let you know that my registration details have changed what should I do?
Please amend your details please email us at mailto:bigwalkies@live.co.uk
I would like to register somebody who can't register themselves, is this OK?
Yes it is. Many thanks for doing this for them.
I think you may have an out of date or incorrect email for me, what should I do?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
I know someone without access to a computer how do they register?
There are a couple of options. The simplest may be for you to help them to register on your computer. If they would prefer to register themselves, most libraries have computers that can be accessed for free.
Failing that please advise them to call us on 07969118350 and we will post a form out to them.
Website
Questions about the website
Will I be photographed or filmed at your events? Will photos or film of me be uploaded to your website?
Some of our events have photographers videoing or photographing Big Walkies, and are usually put up for sale on their website (we will inform you on the walk). These photographs or videos may be uploaded to our websites for non-commercial purposes.
Can I upload photographs to your website?
Please email any photos to bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Can I download and use photographs from the website?
All the photographs on our website may be downloaded for personal use. The copyright for the photographs remains with the photographers and you should get in touch with them if you want to use the photographs for any other purpose.
To download a photo click on it until it opens in a new window then right click 'Save As'.
Can you remove a photograph?
We're always happy to remove photographs on request. Please e-mail bigwalkies.live.co.uk with an accurate descpription of the said photograph and it will be removed within 48 hours.
I can't remember the Member Zone password, what do I do?
If you have forgotten the password then please get in touch with bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Can I advertise on your website?
If you have a pet related business and are happy to include a reciprocal link to us click here to request a useful link. This is free.
If you want your pet related company on our site and do not want to include a reciprocal link click here to request to be on our Doggy Business page. This is £25 for the year. All funds to be put back into Big Walkies Community Group.
Can I publicise my event on your website?
On the whole, no. However local events that are pet related can be blogged by our Director, Becca. Please email full details of the event to: bigwalkies@live.co.uk
Contacting us
How to get in touch with Big Walkies
How do I contact Big Walkies?
For General enquiries about Big Walkies, please email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
For updates to your registration details please mail updates to bigwalkies@live.co.uk.
For queries about your local event, most questions should be answered on their event's web pages but for any questions not answered on their web pages, please get in touch via email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
For queries about the day to day running of Big Walkies or to report problems with the website, please get in touch bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I find out if I'm already registered?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I notify you if my registration details change?
Please email us at bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I get in touch with the organisers of my local event?
Email bigwalkies@live.co.uk or call 07969118350
How do I get in touch about starting up a new Big Walkies event?
We are always looking for potential new events in Cambridgeshire. Please email bigwalkies@live.co.uk
How do I get the newsletter?
You will be sent the quarterly Big Walkies newsletter on the next release after you’ve registered as a member.
