This advice intended to help new walk leaders in planning and leading their walks to ensure that everyone gets the most enjoyment from the day and we all get back safely.  

Planning

·         Give the walk a meaningful name on the programme. This will give members a flavour of walk to expect and judge their capability to do it. Try to get mileage as accurate as possible

·         Add a note if the walk might be particularly difficult in relation to its length and general area

NB the Programme encourages members to ring the leader beforehand if they are worried whether the walk might be too difficult for them

Getting to the start of the walk

·         Try to provide written details of how to get to the start of the walk. If you have a mobile phone, it is helpful to have this with you and to include the number in the details. Written details are more important the longer the journey and the less familiar everyone is likely to be with the area.

·         If you think it would be helpful, put map reference for parking point on the programme. (Note: we have asked anyone wanting to travel directly to the start to let the leader know)

·         If you are going to the second pick-up point rather than Broadeye, ask someone else to lead the group to you.

·         We normally travel in convoy. For longer journeys, it might be more appropriate to travel in pairs (preferably with a mobile phone in each pair) Make sure that everyone knows what is happening.

On the walk

·         Count the number of walkers at the start. Check the numbers regularly through the day.

·         Appoint a back marker – preferably one who has pre-walked the route with you or who has a map with route details. If you can exchange mobile phone numbers with your back marker.

·         Staying behind the leader is a good general principle but it does have its limitations

o        There will be times when the leader needs to drop back but can say “carry on to such-and-such point”

o        People do need to climb hills at their own pace

·         Staying in sight of the leader is a good general principle but not to the point where you are bunching at every stile.

·         Do not be afraid to stop, re-group and check numbers. This is often most helpful where the route changes direction.

And finally …….

·         Don’t be daunted by the task. There will always be others willing to help you out if you should have problems!!!