50 years and still rambling

Pauline Underwood clearly wasn't making a fashion statement when she decided to join the Ramblers' Association. "I saw a leaflet over the shoulder of Pat Tee (long-time chairman of the North West London group)," she explains. "All those women wearing stockings, boots and skirts - I thought they looked ghastly."

Her group is the second oldest in the country after Croydon. The Ramblers' Association has been rejoicing the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act - which gives legal basis to the often controversial "right to roam" - but this year Mrs Underwood, along with the group's hundreds of members past and present, are also celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Access to the countryside around London has never aroused the same controversy which occurs elsewhere, and for the past half-century, the group's members have been able to take advantage of the capital's proximity to countryside.

But whether it is visiting the wooded slopes of the Chilterns, venturing into Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, or passing through charming villages such as Little Missenden, members' enjoyment of the countryside has remained the same. "To have a day out among friendly company, to see different scenery and to get out in the fresh air," says Mrs Underwood.

It was with these pleasures in mind that a meeting was held in Wembley on 7 February 1951. Mr Tee joined the club in 1955. He remembers the period well. "Walking and cycling were the main hobbies at the time - they were cheap and healthy," he says.

In the early years the group's activities were not confined to walking. Mr Tee said: "There was a strong social side, a tennis section, ice-skating, country dancing, social meetings. We even held record evenings."

In those days Mr Tee recalls that most of the men wore army surplus gear, khaki shorts and heavy leather boots. Others walked in suits and ties, and tea was always taken at 4.30pm. Most of the year the girls wore skirts and jumpers, but in summer dressed in shorts and cotton blouses.

Others, such as Terry Smith and his wife, Jackie, who joined the group in 1994, are relative newcomers. In his 50th year, Terry Smith belongs to the lower echelons of the group's age range. "As I have got older I have become more aware of the need for fitness." Mr Smith would like to see more people join the group, though it should be noted that members come from as far afield as Iran, Asia, South Africa, Liverpool and Cumbria, and that he lives in Cookham, Berkshire.

Once hooked, members tend to stay. Ken Pignon took his first steps with the group in 1965. "Mr Wilson was in power, I wore an anorak, and boots with Vibram soles, not hobnails or anything like that," he says. He reckons he has done 700 walks with the group, and worn out 15 pairs of boots.

Hope Deeney, in her thirties, represents the club's younger generation. She joined last September but has already got the bug. "I go out with the group to get out of London, for exercise, mental relaxation and the peace of the countryside," she says.

For more information: Ramblers' Association