Last updated 3 April 2023

The LDWA was formed in 1972 to further the interests of those who enjoy long distance walking.

With 10,000 members the LDWA is large enough to be the recognised governing body of the sport, yet small enough to feel like a friendly family-run club. It caters for those who enjoy walking longer distances, especially in rural, mountainous and moorland areas.

Benefits of Membership

• Over 1,000 led group walks ever year in Great Britain.
  • There are over 40 local groups throughout GB so wherever you’re based you can find people who share your hobby. You don’t have to join a local group but it is a chance to make lasting friendships and enjoy a lively programme of long sociable walks and even walking breaks in the UK or abroad.  You can choose which local group you wish to join (although unless you choose a different group our system will assign your main local group on the basis of your postcode) and you can also associate yourself to other groups of your choice.
• We run 70+ challenge events every year throughout Great Britain
  • As a member you will benefit from a reduced entry fee when you take part in our challenge events; and our flagship 100-mile event is open to LDWA members only
• Access to the most comprehensive database of long-distance paths including the ability to download GPX files
• Strider magazine is published 3 times a year in hard copy (and online).
  • Written and produced by members for members. Packed with walking-related articles, reports and photos together with details of all our social walks and challenge events.
• Discounts available from many outdoor shops.

Our membership year is January 1 to December 31. Members joining on or after October 1 will be granted membership for the whole of the following calendar year.

Types of Membership

• Individual members pay a subscription of £18.00 p.a. (or £15.00 if paid by Direct Debit) and have one vote at the AGM.
• Family members pay a subscription of £25.50 p.a. (or £22.50 if paid by Direct Debit), which covers two adults and all children under eighteen years of age. They have two individual votes at the AGM.
  Please Note: Family Membership is for a maximum of 2 adults (and any number of Children) that all must reside at the same address
• International membership is available to anybody living outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. International members pay a subscription of £26.00 p.a. to receive a posted copy of Strider, or £15.00 p.a. if they do not require a posted Strider. International members have one vote at the AGM.

We do hope you join us and we look forward to seeing you out walking soon.

Our membership system is managed on our behalf by SiEntries. You can join and pay by debit/credit card or direct debit using the following link: 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

If you have any questions about membership of the LDWA then please contact our Membership Secretary on membership@ldwa.org.uk. If you have a problem during the membership process then please contact admin@sientries.co.uk.