Walk leader guidance

If you are considering leading a walk for the first time and would like some support, speak to any walk leader when out walking. We are always happy to link you with a Walk Buddy and offer help and advice.

We hold an extensive library of walk leaflets that are available to members. We also have a library of OS maps that can be borrowed at any time. Go to the Links page for a selection of walks websites.

BOTHY BAGS are available for walk leaders. Contact the Chair who will direct you to the appropriate person if you wish to borrow them.

Walk Grades

Walks are graded according to the walk leader's perceived degree of difficulty.

Grade A: Easy walking, mainly on the flat, at a leisurely pace on good paths.
Grade B: Moderate with some ascents and descents at a steady pace; some rough paths.
Grade C: Energetic with some steep ascents and descents at a good pace.
Grade D: Strenuous long, steep ascents and descents that require a good level of stamina.

Before the Walk

Selecting a walk

Consider the season - hours of available daylight and possible weather conditions.
Consider the timing - allow 30 minutes per mile walking time + 30 minutes for coffee and lunch breaks. e.g. 10 mile walk = 5.5 hours + travel time to walk start.
Choose your route - if using a walk leaflet or walk guide it is advisable to also plot the route on the OS map. This will be of help should you get lost whilst out walking.

Recceing the route

This should be done well before the walk date in case a second or third recce is needed.
Allow yourself, at least 40 minutes per mile.
Walk the full route, preferably with someone else, noting critical navigation points, hazards and problems, adjusting the route as necessary.
If recceing on your own it is advisable to tell someone your walk route and expected return time beforehand.
Check parking spaces, timings, toilet points, coffee and lunch stops.
Note the directions and mileage from the meeting point to the walk start for car sharing.
Any changes to the original walk proposal should be re-submitted to the Walks Secretary or, if he/she is not available, to the Chair.

Submitting your walk proposal

The walks secretary will request walk proposals on a regular basis. Please post or e-mail your proposals by the requested date. This will ensure that the programme can be issued to members in plenty of time.

The day before your walk

Check weather forecasts and be prepared to change or cancel the walk should they be adverse. If you decide to change or cancel the walk, please inform the members who have booked on it and the Walks Secretary so that the website can be updated..

On the day

At the start

Check that your mobile phone is switched on.

Arrive early and welcome new walkers.

Share the details of the walk - distance, grade, terrain, estimated return time - and check that walkers are appropriately equipped, are carrying waterproofs and spare warm clothing, have a hot drink/water and sufficient refreshments and are fit enough to complete the walk safely.

Be prepared to advise ill-equipped or unfit walkers to return home and join on another day.

Introduce walkers to each other.

On the walk

Count walkers and appoint a back marker.

Lead from the front and check frequently that you can see your back marker and have communication with them.

Remember to stop and regroup at a junction of paths or a turning point.

Consider your pace and check that all walkers are comfortable with it.

Regroup regularly, throughout the walk, to admire the views or discuss points of interest.

NOTE: Anyone leaving the walk to find an alternative route is no longer the walk leader's responsibility.

Be alert to potential problems with the weather and individuals; make a point of chatting to walkers, especially newcomers to check that they are enjoying themselves.

FIRST AID KIT - ALL members are asked to carry their own First Aid Kit of: antiseptic wipes; absorbent pads; plasters; dressings; tape; crêpe bandage; insect sting spray; antihistamine; paracetamol; aspirin (300 mg tablets, in case of heart attack); scissors; tweezers; safety pins and a large plastic bin liner bag.

EMERGENCY AID - Dial 999 or 101 if it is not an emergency, but you still need help.

What should you do if a walker has an accident or becomes ill?

ALL members are asked to carry a note in their rucksack of personal information, their prescribed medication, a basic first aid kit and a large plastic bin liner.

Do NOT give the casualty food or drink.

If a spinal injury is suspected DO NOT MOVE the patient.

Ask a walker who has medical or first aid training to take over.

If injuries allow, insulate from the ground and keep warm & dry (using available bin liner bags, spare clothing and walkers' body heat by cwtching up together around the patient).

If injuries allow, support the casualty in taking their prescribed medication or administering first aid treatment to themselves.

Make a note of the incident and report it to the Health & Safety officer, Margaret Wallis, on your return.

Note, all incidents that occur on a Group* walk where outside assistance is required or where someone is injured and needs first aid/medical treatment (beyond just an antiseptic wipe and a plaster) must be reported to the walk leader. The walk leader must report the incident to the H & S Officer and complete an incident report form, within 10 days of the incident occurring.

* For insurance purposes, a Group Walk is a walk that has been published in the programme, posted on the website or emailed to members. If leaders have made the decision to change a walk after the programme has been published, members should be made aware of the changes by email, text, and/or through the website before the walk takes place. If this has not been possible the walk should be cancelled.

After the Walk

Any accidents or incidents of concern must be reported to the club's health and safety officer (Margaret Wallis) or to another club officer. This is necessary to comply with the conditions of our insurance.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment form should be completed before each walk. To comply with the association's insurance conditions, walk leaders should keep the forms for at least three years. In the case of an "incident" during the walk, a copy should be sent to the health and safety officer as soon as possible, together with a report of the incident..
The form can be found HERE.