THERE are a number of activities young people are well known for getting up to in the countryside, but rambling isn't one of them.

Well, not until now.

Enter, on cue, Young Ramblers.

With a clomping of boots, tapping of thumb sticks and a nose for a good pub, the members of Worcestershire 20s and 30s group of the Ramblers Association are multiplying in numbers as I write.

Since being formed in October, they have grown from a mere handful to a good rucksackful in the space of less than 12 months.

The first meeting took place almost inevitably on licensed premises, the Rifleman's Arms in Droitwich, and ever after it's been onwards and upwards.

While this should not be confused with an off-shoot of Club 18-30 or some sort of rural equivalent of Club Med - Barbours instead of beach thongs and felt hats instead of flip-flops - the aim is actually much the same.

And that is young people having a good time.

For walking through the beautiful British countryside is just part of it. Young Ramblers have a pretty hefty social side too.

Indeed, you could probably enjoy yourself without ever going near a footpath or a field with half a dozen frisky heifers in it.

Although the exhilaration of legging it across an open meadow pursued by a group of speedy, horned young beasts does work up quite a thirst for when you do eventually arrive at the watering hole.

The idea of forming local groups to encourage young people in the rambling pastime came from a chap called Kevin Matthews and the Ramblers Association took it on board nationwide pronto.

The age range was pitched at 20s-30s and, last year, Liz Matthews, from Droitwich, made the tactical error of asking whether there were any in Worcestershire.

Already a member of the RA, Liz had seen the emergence of Young Ramblers through Hike, the in-house rambling magazine.

The answer she received will strike a chord with many who have found themselves in similar positions.

"No, there isn't at present. Perhaps you would like to form one?"

So she "volunteered" her services.

Together with her husband James, Liz garnered as much local publicity as she could last autumn and the launch meeting was set for October 21 in the Rifleman's.

As a special added attraction, Kevin Matthews, who by this time had gained something approaching celebrity status in the rambling world, dropped in.

About half a dozen people turned up and an initial programme of several short walks was organised, plus a monthly social.

Over the winter it was a bit quiet, but then as the days of spring began to lengthen and the flowers began to shoot up, so did the group's membership.

"As the group has grown, the variety of walks has too," said publicity officer Angela Roberts.

"They typically range from five miles through to 12 miles and cater for different people's tastes, with themes such as hills, flat and steady, river and canal towpaths, woodlands and places of interest like stately homes or picturesque villages."

She then added, underlining the fact: "The key objective for the group is to find at least one pub every time for drinks or food."

August saw the first minibus outing as the group ventured farther afield. Everyone piled into a coach and headed for Dovedale in the Lake District.

As a result, more are planned with eyes set towards Snowdonia, Rutland Water, Pembrokshire and some of the other national parks.

All the walks are led and organised by members and conducted at a safe pace so no one is tailed off and left to negotiate the farm dogs on their own.

From September 18, the Ramblers Association is holding a National Walking Week and the Worcestershire 20s-30s is playing its part.

On Sunday, September 19, there will be an eight-mile walk at Wootton Warwen, which will be mainly flat taking in woodland and canals, plus the essential pub stop at the end.

Then on Thursday, September 23, there is a special night for new members at the Three Pears pub in Wainwright Road, Warndon, when anyone interested is invited to pop along and find out more.

Ring Liz Baker on 01905 799036 or Angela Roberts on 01527 575202 for further details.

Remember, this is no Olympic fitness training club. No one is talking cardio-vascular or checking for steroids. The accent is on the social and the fun loving with the walking a means to an end.

And talking about ends - there's the pub.