# you’re one of the reasons people love to join your walks! you’ve got the basics covered, it’s all about making it your own – conditions and the group you’re leading. And remember, once

![](https://www.chelmerandblackwater-ramblers.org.uk/administrator/cache/preview/41b73d4a67f68c065dbe8d4274cb9ee9.jpg)

## Keep your plans proportionate for the nature of your walk, the
# on the day.surroundings andwalkers and take adynamic approach welcome briefing at thestart of the walk beforesetting off. 8 We’re flexibleand adaptable 7 We packthe right kit 6 emergenciesWe prepare for
## Stay alert to your You can do this in your
# Make changesif you need to Share your planwith walkers 3 advanceWe plan in 4 come preparedWe help walkers 5 group sizeWe manage
## for your walk.
## any specific considerations get started.
# Adopt or adapt ourresources in a way thatworks for you to manage We have example riskassessments according towalk difficulty to help you 2 within ourcapabilities 1We workas a team principlesOur guiding
We lead walks
## local circumstances the risks in advance
## Adapt plans to Plan and assess
## things you must do.
## so important. As a walk leader there are certain
**sharing it with others. That’s why group walks are help us lead safer, enjoyable and welcoming walks.**
**We love walking and there’s something special about At the Ramblers we have eight guiding principles that**
## Being a great walk leader Our guiding principles
## Thank you
## Thanks to people like you, walkers
## across Great Britain get to enjoy
## more than 100,000 group walks Walk
## with Ramblers every year.
## Thank you for helping to open
## up the outdoors for everyone. Leader
## ramblers.org.uk Checklist
## @ramblers
## Your quick guide to
Fold along the dotted lines
## Before the walk
## Choose a route Assess the risks Share information Before setting off
## with walkers
- Consider the location, • Refer to the relevant • Check the weather length, timing and Ramblers risk assessment • **Let walkers know what** forecast. Have you whether it will be a – or local risk assessment if to expect, including any packed the right kit?
linear or circular route. your group already has one. **specific kit to bring.**
- **Bear in mind conditions**
- Consider the season, terrain • **Think about specific hazards** at low levels can be very
## Get ready
and points of interest. on your walk, and what you different to those on a can do to manage the risk. high peak.
- Ask yourself, do I have the • **Pack everything you need**
## knowledge, skills and ability Decide on your for the walk – first aid kit, • If the walk you’re doing is
to lead this walk safely? fully charged mobile phone, **remote, make sure you fill**
## group size
food, drink and appropriate in a route card and leave
## Recce the route navigation tools are all it with someone at home.
- Refer to the Ramblers recommended. If you don’t return at the
**recommended leader:** expected time, they can
- Do your recce close to the walker ratios. • Know how to contact the raise the alarm.
day of the walk, if possible.
emergency services and
- For larger groups, work get help if you need it.
- Check timings, rest and together with a backmarker toilet points, escape or or co-leader. • Text Register to 999 to alternative routes, access get recorded with the restrictions and mobile • To manage numbers emergency SMS service.
phone coverage. you may choose to use a booking system to let • Download the free
- If not possible – use people know how to join. **OS Locate app.** maps, guidebooks, local knowledge and online tools to plan.
Fold along the dotted lines.
## On the walk After the walk
## Give a walk briefing • Check in with the group Say thank you Report any incidents
to make sure everyone’s
OK and have regular breaks.
- Give everyone a warm • **Let new walkers know** • If you lead for Ramblers or welcome. • Take regular headcounts. when the next walk is, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and how to join the and an incident occurs,
## • Share information about Stay flexible group or stay in touch. complete and return an
**the walk, and any hazards** Incident Report Form to on the route so that walkers • If you’re going to a **incidents@ramblers.org.uk** can keep themselves and • Keep an eye on the weather, post-walk social, make others safe. the conditions, the time sure everyone feels and your group. welcome to join.
- Ask walkers for their emergency contact details. • Adapt your plans and make changes when needed.
- Remind walkers to follow the Countryside Code • Ask for help if you need to – or the Scottish Outdoor there’s usually a wealth of
Access Code. experience in your group.
## Set the right pace Have fun
- Keep in sight or • Most of all, have a great communication time with your group with your backmarker while out on the walk!
at all times.
## ramblers.org.uk