Walk Leader Guide
A Guide to Walk Leading for Hampshire Young Walkers
Walk leading can be done by anyone; the aim of this guide is to give you confidence and advice.
The first step is to choose a walk. There are lots of books and an increasing number of websites with suggested routes and descriptions for you to hand pick, or for more flexibility and endless possibilities just make up a route yourself. There are some websites which help you to do this (see Resources section at the end) or there's the tried and tested old fashioned method of working out a route on an Ordnance Survey map.
Length
How long do you want your walk to be? Our group tends to average 2mph (3kph) including rest stops. Most walks vary between 5 and 15 miles (8 to 25km), though evening walks are usually only 3 or 4 miles (5 or 6km) so we can finish before sunset. Mid-winter walks tend to stay below 10 miles (15km) for the same reason. Remember that if your walk is very hilly you will need to allow for extra time.
Transport
You need to ensure there is adequate parking at the start of the walk, as most people will drive even if it is accessible by public transport. A blue 'P' sign on Ordnance Survey maps marks the location of car parks, though these vary in size and suitability. Generally you will need space for around 20 cars. It is often possible to arrange to use car parks of community halls and other organisations for a small donation per car.
If you are planning a linear walk involving public transport it is often best to catch the bus/train at the start of the walk, rather than just missing it when you get back! Check timetables before you plan too far. On the subject of timetables, if you are doing a coastal walk it's a good idea to look at the tide timetables for the day of your walk.
To put a walk on the programme you will need to log in using your registered email and complete the online submission form, available at the submit walk page. It should only take around 10 minutes. Let the Walks Co-ordinator know if you have any problems. If you would like to limit numbers there is the facility to set up a pre-booking system. Once your walk has been approved you should check the website to ensure everything is correct.
Important
For insurance reasons you must be a member of The Ramblers to lead a walk. It is your responsibility to update your personal data on the database to ensure your RA status is up to date.
There has been a recent trend for people to put walks on the programme very close to the event. However, if possible it is better to submit your walk several weeks in advance – it makes the group look more active and allows people to plan their weekends!
The reccy is important to ensure you can find your way around the route, and to check for potential hazards or problems such as busy roads, impassable paths, a weekend market in your chosen car park, etc.
Remember that path conditions can change quite markedly with the seasons. It is good practice to reccy your walk with a potential backmarker so they become familiar with the route, but this is not absolutely essential.
Some people do a reccy before they put a walk on the programme, just to be sure, but others do it closer to the walk date.
The reccy allows you to consider:
- How long the route takes (and how long it might take with a larger group, lots of stiles always slow a large group down!). Even with a straightforward route it's likely that the group's pace will be slower than your own.
- Places where the group should be careful such as road crossings.
- Whether people might need to be aware of issues like availability or cost of car parking, or muddy sections on route.
- The most suitable spot to stop for lunch. You ideally need somewhere along the route with enough space for a group of people to sit down without causing an obstruction.
- If the walk goes along the shoreline at any point then check the tide tables for that day.
- It's a good idea to check the suitability and opening hours of any pubs or tea rooms you are planning to visit, and it's also courteous to make sure that it will be ok to bring a largish group of people in on that particular day.
Before the walk
- Arrive early so that you are at the meeting point in good time before the start of the walk. This also gives you a chance to double check things like the car park and first few turns.
- Ask for a volunteer backmarker. This is a responsible role but one that most people manage very well so don't be put off asking someone you think will be suitable.
- Before you set off, introduce yourself, give a brief overview of the walk and make sure everyone knows where you are planning to stop for lunch.
- Ask if there are any first timers and welcome them. It's useful to ask more experienced members to look after them and make sure they don't get left behind.
During the walk
- Keep the group together by pausing at stiles, gates, or turnings.
- Keep an eye on the backmarker to make sure everyone is accounted for.
- Be prepared to adjust your pace depending on the group.
- Make sure you have regular drink stops, especially on hot days.
Safety Tips
- Check the weather forecast and adapt your plans accordingly.
- Carry a basic first aid kit and emergency contact information.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged and consider carrying a power bank.
- Make note of escape routes or shortcuts in case of emergencies.
Resources
- • Ordnance Survey Maps
- • Ramblers Route Library
- • GPS route planning tools
- • Weather and tide forecast websites
Leading walks is incredibly rewarding and a great way to share your love of the outdoors. We're here to support you every step of the way.