ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR WALK LEADERS Issue
3 04-08-2011
(To be read in conjunction with Code of Behaviour for
Walkers)
The Club is grateful for the trouble taken by leaders
in preparing walks; without such help the Club could not function. Leaders will be familiar with the guidance
contained in the Club’s Code of Behaviour for Walkers. The leader’s prime
concerns are the safety and enjoyment of the group. The leader should use
discretion in adverse conditions and a walk should be cancelled where police advise against unnecessary travel The following additional points are for the
guidance of leaders.
1 The Club has insurance cover for third party damage and it is
the responsibility of the leader to take reasonable action to ensure that the
risk of any such damage is kept to a minimum and that the walk is conducted in
a safe manner so as to guard against any charge of negligence.
2 Where possible the leader should check the route thoroughly
shortly before the day of the walk to ensure awareness of new circumstances
requiring a change of route. The leader should
obtain any necessary permission and seek information on anything
interesting on the route. In planning the leader should prepare a timetable,
remembering that a group may take significantly longer than one or two walkers.
The leader should arrange for a substitute if unable to lead the walk.
3 The leader must ensure that all participants sign the Walk
Register and should use discretion in allowing the participation of anyone
appearing to be clearly unfit or not properly equipped for the walk.
4 The leader should not permit dogs to be brought on a walk and
should discourage stray dogs from joining the group.
5 The leader should have possession of the Club’s emergency
pack and mobile telephone.
6 The leader should have adequate navigational aids,
particularly map and compass and be competent in their use.
7 The leader should see that parking is carried out safely and
without obstruction and that all walkers are able to leave the assembly point
at the end of the walk.
8 The number in the group should be counted. If the group is too large for safety it
should be split. The numbers should be
checked as the walk proceeds.
9 On A to B walks the leader should, as far as possible, ensure
that there are sufficient cars left at the B point to return the full group to
the A point without the need for double journeys.
10 The leader should appoint, and identify to the group, a
‘sweeper’. The sweeper’s functions are to maintain contact with the leader, to
ensure that gates are closed, fences are in order, no litter is dropped and no
one is left behind. When necessary the leader and sweeper should use the
fluorescent tabards and gate signs provided in the club pack.
11 The walk should be started promptly and in any event not more
than 5 minutes after the appointed time.
This will discourage late-coming.
12 Control should be maintained at all times. No one should walk ahead without the leader’s
consent and a pace should be set, as far as possible, to avoid stragglers.
13 Leaders should be prepared to modify or abandon a walk in the
event of deteriorating conditions and should have an alternative plan for use
if needed.
14 In the event of illness or injury of an individual, so that he
or she is unable to complete the planned walk, the leader must ensure the
safety of the individual, either by modifying the walk, by arranging for the
individual to be escorted to a suitable point, or by contacting the rescue
services