Rhymes for Ramblers, Amblers and Scramblers

Ramblers come in all shapes and sizes, super-fit like Joe, who is undeterred by foul weather; Ted, who'd sooner stay in the pub; Christine, who looks as if a puff of wind would blow her over; Joan, who is accident prone; and Ben, whose weak bladder often has him AWOL.

Emma struggles on rocks; Ellen has vertigo; short-sighted Len stumbles and falls; and Ted's snoring frightens the sheep.

Liz, Kate and Nell pass around refreshments; Stan copes with emergencies; and gentleman Jim helps the ladies over stiles.

Among others, there's Trish, who loves birds; and Laura, who's obsessed with flowers. Pat dotes on cats; Jane can't stand dogs; while Mary just enjoys a good natter. Pete finds a way to get rid of midges; and Paul knows the Lakes like the back of his hand.

These names, of course, are fictitious but they are all derived from the ramblers I have met during the past 40 years. Readers will no doubt find it amusing to match some of their own club members to the descriptions given.

The book ends with seven verses in praise of trekking in Nepal.