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ADVICE FOR WALK LEADERS (REVISED AUGUST
2023) Reconnaissance
(Recces) It is fundamentally important that Walk
Leaders carry out recces of planned walks. In reality, Walk Leaders will
normally undertake at least two recces of a given walk (particularly
if it is a brand new route). The purpose of the
first recce is to assess the feasibility, safety and permissibility of the
walk and also to obtain sufficient information about distance, terrain,
parking, meeting points (including intermediate meeting points). All
necessary permissions from landowners should also be obtained at this stage,
if appropriate. It is vitally important that the initial recce be carried out
as early as possible so that all the walk details can be included on the
club’s Programme Template (for the benefit of members and the general
public). Otherwise, the programme has to be released to members and the
general public with gaps that have to be to be filled at a later date. This
is not ideal for members or from a PR perspective. It is also important that Walk Leaders
carry out a second recce of the planned route shortly before the walk
date - as specified on the programme. The main purpose of the second recce is
to ensure that the walk route remains possible, safe etc. Any necessary
changes that members and the public need to know about in advance should be
emailed to the Club Secretary in a timely manner so that these can be
communicated to members and included on the electronic version of the
programme on the club’s website and possibly on the club’s Facebook Page. Intermediate
Meeting Points (IMPs) and Public Transport IMPs are used to facilitate car sharing
between members attending a given walk (should they wish to do so). The
advantages of utilising IMPs are as follows: (1) makes walks possible where parking
is limited, (2) reduces fuel costs for members, (3) reduces harmful vehicle emissions
into the environment; and (4) assists members who prefer company,
are unsure where they are going or are not keen on driving long distances. Walk Leaders and members are strongly
encouraged to utilise IMPs. There are primarily just three IMPs that the club
uses i.e. (1) Sandyknowes (lay-by on start of A6 to
Templepatrick), (2) Carryduff shops Car Park (at McCall Tiles) and (3)
Junction 6 M1 Motorway Car Park (on left at end of off-slip to A49). A
bespoke IMP can be used if desired. Where appropriate, therefore, the IMP to
be to be used for a given walk should be clearly stated by Walk Leaders for
inclusion on the programme template. Walk Leaders should also consider
utilising public transport to get to and from a walk where it is feasible to
do so. Smartphone
Apps Walk Leaders are strongly encouraged to
utilise the numerous free and easy to use Smartphone Apps that are now
available to assist in designing and logging walks and improving member’s
safety. Two notable examples are MapMyWalk and Grid Ref UK and Ireland. These
are available from the usual App stores on your phone. Many of the Apps are
satellite based and are extremely accurate in terms of recording mileage and
ascents. It is fundamentally important that walk details included on the
programme template are accurate. Walk Leaders should consider carrying a
portable mobile phone charger at all times.
The
Club Bags and Walk Register It is the responsibility of the Walk Leader
to ensure that they are in possession of the club bag at the start of the
walk they are leading. The Sunday and Wednesday Walk bags contain the first
Aid Kit which must be taken on the walk by the Walk Leader. The Sunday Walk
bag also contains a tent and inflatable splints and it is recommended that
these are carried by the Walk Leader or another walker in attendance when
walks are in the hills. The Sunday bag also contains spare clothing, poles
etc in case anyone forgets same. Both Club bags also contain the Walk
Register. Each walker in attendance (including the leader(s) should enter
their name in the Register. The Walk Leader should enter the total number of
walkers attending including themselves and make a mental note of same. If the
number of walkers is prohibitive (say over 30) the Leader should consider
splitting the group into more manageable groups. Each group should have a
separate leader, who ideally is familiar with the walk. The Walk Leader
should ideally take the Register with them on the walk. The Register should
be used to record anyone leaving the walk early. After the walk, the Register
and any other items should be placed back in the bag for use by the next Walk
Leader. Insurance
The club has insurance cover for third
party damage and it is the responsibility of the Walk 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. Walk Leaders should also be aware of
the following additional guidance notes: (1) The leader should use discretion in
adverse weather conditions and a walk should be cancelled where police advise
against unnecessary travel. (2) The leader should not permit dogs
to be brought on a walk and should discourage stray dogs from joining the
group. (3) The leader should have adequate
navigational aids, particularly a map and compass and be competent in their
use. (4) On A to B walks the leader should,
as far as possible, ensure that there are sufficient cars left at the point B
to return the full group to point A. (5) Walk Leaders should use their
discretion as to whether or not to appoint (and identify to the group), a
‘Back Marker’. It is strongly recommended that Leaders appoint back markers
in the following circumstances: - walking in the hills; - road walking; - walking on farmland; and - walking in slippery conditions; A Back Markers main function is to
maintain contact with the Leader (exchange contact numbers), ensure that
gates are closed, fences are in the order they were found, no litter is
dropped and no-one is left behind. When necessary
the Leader and Back Marker should use the fluorescent tabards contained in
the Club Bag. (6) Walk Leaders should ensure that
they arrive at the meeting point with time in hand. This will allow any
potential problems to be assessed (for example parking limitations),
facilitate introductions where necessary, provide a brief description of the walk
(including estimated finishing times) and enter numbers etc in the Walk
Register. (7) Walk Leaders should periodically
stop for water breaks. (8) Walk Leaders should periodically
check that walkers are comfortable with the pace set and that there are no
gaps emerging within the group. (9) Walk Leaders should be prepared to
modify or abandon a walk in the event of deteriorating conditions. (10) In the event of illness or injury
to a walker rendering them unable to complete the planned walk, the Leader
must ensure that the individual receives adequate first aid and where
appropriate be accompanied by a competent person to safety. If required, the
Leader should contact the relevant Emergency Services. If a decision is made
to proceed with the walk, at least 2 persons should remain with the injured
party. (11) Walk Leaders should report damage
to paths, stiles etc to the relevant authorities following the walk. |