ADVICE NOTES AND CODE OF BEHAVIOUR FOR WALKERS Issue 2
04-08-2011
1 Walkers
should ensure that they arrive at the assembly point in good time to allow the
party to move off at the time shown in the programme.
2 Cars
should be parked safely, leaving room for passing traffic and taking account of
the additional width of some agricultural equipment. Particular care should be taken not to block
accesses.
3 On
A to B walks all participants should first assemble at the B point. The leader will then select the cars to be
used to transport all walkers to the A point.
Drivers intending to transport passengers should have passenger
liability insurance cover.
4 Walkers
should ensure that they are properly equipped and fit for the planned
walk. If in doubt they should
seek advice from the walk leader before the day. Particular attention should be paid to
footwear and clothing for bad weather.
It should be noted that denim is a poor insulator and is often
uncomfortable for hill-climbing. Walks will, in general, not be suitable for
children under 12.
5 Walkers
should make the task of the leader as easy as possible by not walking ahead,
even if they think they know the route.
In the unlikely event that a walker wishes to leave the group and follow
a different route, he or she should inform the leader. Leaving the group can make the leader's task
more onerous and can put those who do so
and others in danger
6 Should
a walker feel unable to continue the walk through illness or fatigue, he or she
should speak to the leader and discuss what action is then necessary.
7 Dogs
must not be brought on club walks.
8 At
all times care must be taken to ensure that walls, fences and hedges are not
damaged. Styles and gates should be used
where they exist and gates should be left as found. If it is necessary to climb over gates this
should be done at the hinge end (and certainly not at some point in the
adjoining fence).
9 All
litter should be taken home; even biodegradable items like banana skins or
paper take a long time to disappear.
10 Care should be taken to avoid the disturbance of plants, birds
and animals. The rights of landowners
should be fully respected.
11 Walkers should show respect for the local community and should
consider using local commercial outlets.
12 Although the leader will have taken all reasonable precautions in
planning the walk, individual walkers are responsible for seeing to their own
personal safety. This will include
avoiding hazards associated with walking in mountainous or open country or
along lanes and roadways. Particular attention should be paid to Highway Code
advice. Members who bring along guests as temporary members are responsible for
the conduct of their guests.
13 Walkers
should ensure that they have adequate personal accident insurance cover.