Walk
Leader
Checklist
Your quick guide to leading great group walks
2 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
Our guiding principles
At the Ramblers we have eight guiding principles that
help us lead safer, enjoyable and welcoming walks.
We lead walks
Our guidingprinciples as a teamWe work1 capabilitieswithin our2
We managegroup size5 We help walkerscome prepared4 We plan inadvance3
We prepare foremergencies6 the right kitWe pack7 and adaptableWe’re flexible8
3 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
Being a great walk leader
We love walking and there’s something special about
sharing it with others. That’s why group walks are
so important. As a walk leader there are certain
things you must do.
Plan and assess Adapt plans to local
the risks in advance circumstances
Adopt or adapt our resources
We have example risk assessments
in a way that works for you
according to walk difficulty to
to manage any specific
help you get started.
considerations for your walk.
Share your plan Make changes
with walkers if you need to
You can do this in your welcome Stay alert to your surroundings briefing at the start of the walk and walkers and take a dynamic before setting off. approach on the day. Keep your plans proportionate for the nature of your walk, the conditions and the group you’re leading. And remember, once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s all about making it your own – you’re one of the reasons people love to join your walks!
4 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
Before the walk
Choose a route Assess the risks
- Consider the location, length, • Refer to the relevant Ramblers timing and whether it will be risk assessment – or local risk a linear or circular route. assessment if your group already has one.
- Consider the season, terrain and points of interest. • Think about specific hazards on your walk, and what you
- Ask yourself, do I have the can do to manage the risk.
knowledge, skills and ability to lead this walk safely?
Recce the route Decide on your group size
- Do your recce close to the • Refer to the Ramblers recommended day of the walk, if possible. leader:walker ratios.
- Check timings, rest and toilet • For larger groups, work together points, escape or alternative with a backmarker or co-leader.
routes, access restrictions and mobile phone coverage. • To manage numbers you may choose to use a booking system
- If not possible – use maps, to let people know how to join.
guidebooks, local knowledge and online tools to plan.
5 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
Share information with walkers Before setting off:
- Let walkers know what to expect, • Check the weather forecast –
including any specific kit to bring. have you packed the right kit?
- Bear in mind conditions at low
Get ready levels can be very different to
those on a high peak.
- Pack everything you need for the
walk – first aid kit, fully charged • If the walk you’re doing is remote, mobile phone, food, drink and make sure you fill in a route card appropriate navigation tools and leave it with someone at home.
are all recommended. If you don’t return at the expected time, they can raise the alarm.
- Know how to contact the emergency services and get help if you need it.
- Text Register to 999 to get recorded with the emergency SMS service.
- Download the free OS Locate app.
6 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
On the walk
Give a walk briefing Stay flexible
- Give everyone a warm welcome. • Keep an eye on the weather, the conditions, the time and
- Share information about the your group.
walk, and any hazards on the route so that walkers can keep • Adapt your plans and make themselves and others safe. changes when needed.
- Ask walkers for their • Ask for help if you need to – emergency contact details. there’s usually a wealth of experience in your group.
- Remind walkers to follow the Countryside Code or the
Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Set the right pace Have fun
- Keep in sight or communication • Most of all, have a great time with with your backmarker at all times. your group while out on the walk!
- Check in with the group to make sure everyone’s OK and have regular breaks.
- Take regular headcounts.
7 The Ramblers – Walk Leader Checklist
After the walk
Say thank you Report any incidents
- Let new walkers know when • If you lead for Ramblers or the next walk is, and how to Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and join the group or stay in touch. an incident occurs, complete and return an Incident Report
- If you’re going to a post-walk Form to incidents@ramblers.org.uk social, make sure everyone feels welcome to join.
Thank you
Thanks to people like you, walkers
across Great Britain get to enjoy
more than 100,000 group walks
with Ramblers every year.
Thank you for helping to open
up the outdoors for everyone.
Ramblers Ramblers Cymru Ramblers Scotland
020 3961 3300 020 3961 3310 0131 357 5850
ramblers.org.uk
@ramblers @ramblersGB @ramblersGB