Benedict Southworth, left, takes a coffee break with David Smith during the walk around Ashwell

The recently appointed boss of Britain’s biggest walkers’ charity joined a group of members in a walk for the first time yesterday.

Benedict Southworth, chief executive of the Ramblers, pulled on his boots on Thursday for an 8km (5-mile) walk in the Hertfordshire countryside in the company of more than 30 walkers from across the county.

Mr Southworth, who three weeks ago took over the post vacated by Tom Franklin, took part in the walk around Hinxworth and Caldecote before returning to Ashwell for a pub meal.

During the two-hour ramble he talked with volunteers and discussed his vision for the future of the Ramblers.

Area chairman for the Ramblers in Hertfordshire and North Middlesex David Smith said he was delighted that the new boss had come to Hertfordshire for his first walk.

“I think it’s great that the new chief executive will be returning to the office with mud on his boots,” he added.