{"id":"6ad724d3cf7123de287d4999","title":"The Walk Leader Handbook","path":"walks/ramblers-resources-quick-links/the-walk-leader-handbook","contentMarkdown":"## The Walk\n## Leader\n## Handbook\n## The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n2 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Introduction\n## At the Ramblers we know that no two walks are the\n## same. Whether you’re leading a wild-weather wander\n## or an urban leg-stretch, discovering new routes or\n## exploring close to home, we want you and your\n## walkers to be safe and have fun.\nThis handbook sets out the Ramblers’ eight guiding principles to leading safe, enjoyable and welcoming walks.\nWhile all activities in the outdoors come with risks, these are far outweighed by the rewards. And by working together to identify, communicate and manage risks on the day, we can make walks safer for everyone.\nWherever you are on your walk leading journey, this handbook offers helpful insights and reminders – and for new walk leaders, it’s the perfect place to start.\nSo, get out there, stay safe and most importantly, have fun. Thank you for helping to open up the outdoors for everyone!\nFor more information, visit\n## ramblers.org.uk\n3 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## How we work together\n## to lead great group walks\nWe set standards for great group walks and provide general training,\n## The Ramblers\ntools and resources to help groups and walk leaders get started.\nWe support walk leaders to build\n## Local walking groups local experience and create great walks\n## for our specific location or community.\nWe plan in advance, prepare for the\n## Walk leaders unexpected, put the group first and\nmake dynamic changes on the day.\nWe look after ourselves and others\n## Walkers in the group, acting responsibly\nso that everyone has a great walk.\n4 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Our guiding principles\n## At the Ramblers, we have eight guiding principles\n## to help us plan walks. Whatever type of walk we’re\n## leading, these principles help us to consider the route,\n## our walkers and the skills we need.\n## We lead walks\n# Our guidingprinciples as a teamWe work1 capabilitieswithin our2\n\n![](https://www.chelmerandblackwater-ramblers.org.uk/administrator/cache/preview/cf03c2fca563a4a89ca4e20025929b07.jpg)\n\n# We managegroup size5 We help walkerscome prepared4 We plan inadvance3\n# We prepare foremergencies6 the right kitWe pack7 and adaptableWe’re flexible8\n5 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 1\n## We work as a team\n## While this handbook is designed with walk leaders\n## in mind, we all play a part to make sure that walks\n## are enjoyable, welcoming and as safe as possible.\n## The Ramblers\nAs Britain’s walking charity, the Ramblers is here to support walk leaders across England, Scotland and Wales. We’ll help you by providing guidance and training.\n**You’ll find plenty of tips, stories and videos on our website – and we’re on hand** to answer any questions you have about leading group walks too!\n## Walking groups\nGroups work together with their walk leaders to share local knowledge and bring good practice to life. There will be a wealth of knowledge in your walking group and other members may be able to help you with:\n**• Local knowledge and experience:** Buddying up with experienced walk leaders is great if you’re new to leading walks. They can share local knowledge and tips to help make your walks safer and enjoyable for everyone taking part.\n**• Local training:** Sharing local resources or recommended courses to develop your skills.\n**• Planning:** The group may have a bank of routes that they have already graded and assessed for risks, so you can make the most of the work that’s already been done to plan walks in advance.\n**• Sharing information with walkers:** Advertising your walk and providing key information to those who are interested in coming along. This will help people choose the right walk for them and prepare for it.\n6 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Walk Leaders\nWhile you will be leading the walk, there is lots of support to help you. In return, you’ll follow the Ramblers guiding principles to play your part in keeping walkers safe.\n**As a walk leader there are certain things you must do:**\n## Plan and assess the Adapt plans to local\n## risks in advance circumstances\nWe have example risk assessments Adopt or adapt our resources in a way **according to walk difficulty to help** that works for you to manage any you get started. **specific considerations for your walk.** **Share your plan Make changes if** **with walkers 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.\n## Walkers\nRegardless of whether they’re a new walker or already have lots of experience, walkers should try to make sure they:\n**• Choose the right walk:** The walk should be within their abilities and if they’re unsure whether it is, they should get in touch with the walking group or walk **leader to find out more.** **• Wear appropriate clothes:** By checking the weather forecast, they can make sure they wear appropriate clothing and footwear.\n**• Follow your guidance:** It’s important walkers follow any instructions shared by you, the walk leader.\n**• Respect the countryside:** All walkers should follow the Countryside Code or Scottish Outdoor Access Code.\n7 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 2\n## We lead within our capabilities\n## There’s a difference between feeling confident and\n## being competent, and we should never intentionally\n## over-reach ourselves.\n## Lead walks that are right for your level of experience\nIf you’re just starting out, or want to start leading more challenging walks, build your skills and knowledge through training and help from more experienced walk leaders.\nCheck the Ramblers **skills framework** to understand the skills needed and what you might want to develop over time.\n## Share and learn from others\nWhen you’re leading a walk, you don’t have to do everything by yourself.\nYou may choose to delegate some responsibilities to trusted people in the group. What’s important is that between you, you have everything you need to walk safely and have fun.\nPlan in advance, to make sure you have everything covered before setting off.\n## Make the most of opportunities\n## to develop your skills\nTraining courses, peer support and\n**maybe even getting a qualification** are great ways to develop your skills.\n8 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 3\n## We plan walks in advance\n## As a walk leader, it’s a vital part of your role to plan\n## and consider the risks on your walk – helping everyone\n## to keep safe and have a great experience.\n## Good planning will help you to determine\n- How long the walk • **Any specific hazards and** • Any additional is likely to take. the adjustments you can information that make to manage the risk. would be helpful to\n- When and where you share with walkers can take rest stops. • Points of interest you can beforehand.\nhighlight to people along\n- Alternative routes if you the way.\nneed to cut a walk short, or have time to extend it.\n## Plan your route in advance\nWhen planning a walk, doing a recce is strongly recommended. It will help you work **out how much time you’ll need, find places of interest and good rest stops, as well** as spot potential risks and accessibility issues.\nIf a recce isn’t possible, you can plan using maps, guidebooks, existing routes, and blogs. You can also speak to people who know the area and build on their knowledge to plan and foresee any opportunities or challenges. It’s important to have a good understanding of the terrain to make sure your planning is proportionate.\n9 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Check the conditions\nThe weather plays an important role on a walk. Check the forecast before heading out and prepare for how different weather conditions might affect your plans.\n## Assess risks on the route\nAs a walk leader, you must always plan and assess the risks in advance. Decide the grade of the walk you’re leading and refer to the corresponding Ramblers’ **risk assessment. These outline common hazards and steps you can take to** manage the potential risks, proportionate to the type of walk you’re leading.\nSomeone in your group may have already assessed the route for a previous walk.\n**You can use these as a starting point to think about your specific walk. We recommend making a note of any additional hazards on your recce – for example if there’s an** obstruction on the route, or if the weather has made one spot particularly tricky.\n## Always review your plans again on the day of the walk – and don’t be afraid to\nmake changes if you need to.\nRemember to share your plan and any important information with walkers before setting off too.\n10 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 4\n## We help walkers come prepared\n## By sharing information, you can help walkers know\n## what to expect and what is expected of them to help\n## keep everyone safe.\n## Work together as a group\nWe recommend sharing our **information**\n**for walkers** with everyone. This gives helpful tips and reminders for them to follow, before they join a walk – you can adapt it for your group.\n## Help walkers choose\n## the right walk for them\nWhen advertising your walk, include as much information you can about the route, terrain, pace, and whether any particular kit is needed. For example, you might remind walkers to bring gaiters for a particularly muddy walk, or additional supplies if you’re tackling a long, challenging route.\n## Answer any questions\nLet walkers know how to contact you if they have any questions before the walk.\n11 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 5\n## We manage group size\n## There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution when deciding\n## on the number of walkers you’re comfortable to lead.\n## Refer to the recommended ratios\nWhile every walk is different, our leader:walker ratios are a good indicator of the number of leaders typically needed to manage a group safely.\n## Walking grade Ratio of leaders to walkers\n**Ramblers Wellbeing Walks 1:10**\n**Easy and Easy Access 1:10**\n**Leisurely and Moderate 1:8**\n**Strenuous 1:6**\n**Technical 1:4**\n**Think about the number of walkers you feel confident to lead and whether you would** be able to manage in an emergency. This will depend on several factors, including the route, the conditions, your experience and the experience of walkers in your group.\n12 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Get help from a co-leader, backmarker or friend\nFor larger groups you will most likely need support from a co-leader or a backmarker.\nThese roles could simply be taken on by an experienced member of the group who is happy to lend a hand on the day. As well as thinking about others, you should also consider your own comfort levels and safety. Don’t ever feel under pressure to walk alone with strangers. If it’s helpful, ask a friend to walk with you if numbers are low.\n## Limit the group size if appropriate\n**Sometimes you will need to limit the group size – for example, if the route is unfamiliar or you are building your confidence. In these circumstances, you may choose to apply** a booking system. Your walking group will be able to help.\n13 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 6\n## We prepare for emergencies\n## The benefits of walking far outweigh the risks – but\n## sometimes accidents happen, and it pays to be prepared.\n## Ask for walkers’ names and emergency contact details\nKnowing who is on the walk is important in case of an emergency. You can do this in a variety of ways, and should choose a method that works for you. For example, you can:\n- Ask walkers to provide their details when booking onto the walk.\n- Take a register at the start of the walk, using our handy **sign-in sheet**.\n- Ask walkers to carry In Case of Emergency information – this might be on a card, key fob or on their smartphone.\nIt is helpful to know about any relevant medical conditions too. Some walkers may not want to share this information, but we recommend inviting walkers to chat to you privately before the walk if they would like to.\n## Be prepared to deal with accidents\nAccidents can happen on any walk, and as a walk leader you will need to react and manage the situation. This may involve looking after a casualty, making sure the rest of the group are comfortable and calling for help. Our **Preventing and Managing** **Incidents training includes first aid awareness and the most common scenarios.** Check the **skills framework too, to ensure you have the right level of first aid skills** for your walk within the group.\n## Share plans for remote walks with someone at home\nIf you are planning a remote walk, let someone at home know your plans so they can raise the alarm if you don’t return at the expected time. Our **route card** is a helpful tool for this.\n14 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 7\n## We pack the right kit\n## One of the best things about walking is its accessibility –\n## not much kit is needed to start. However, as a walk leader,\n## make sure you’re prepared for the group and conditions\n## on the day so there are no nasty surprises.\nIt’s helpful to think ahead and ask yourself if the group may need extra layers, food or water at any stage in the day – this is especially important if things don’t go to plan. You can always ask the group to help carry some items if there’s a lot to carry.\n## Go to the Ramblers website to\n## learn more about the categories\n## of kit to consider for different\n**kinds of walk, including:**\n## • Clothing\n## • Food and drink\n## • First aid kit\n## • Navigation tools\n## • Communication tools\n**• Safety equipment** 15 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks\n## Principle 8\n## We’re flexible and adaptable\n## On the day of your walk it’s important to stay alert\n## and make changes if you need to. This approach is\n## called dynamic risk assessment.\n## Stay alert to the group and the conditions\nKeep an eye on the group, weather, terrain and time. Continuously assessing risk in this way means you can adapt your plans if the conditions change. Because you’ll **already have assessed and identified the key risks and hazards in advance, it’s usually** quite straightforward to spot when something has changed and to draw on your contingency plans.\nBy walking within the group, chatting with people and keeping in touch with how they are doing, you will have a good sense of what the group needs and anything you can do to help them get the most from the walk. When we only lead from the front it can be hard to know what’s happening behind us, gauge team spirit or notice when people are struggling.\n## Plan regular breaks\nSet a pace that suits everyone and makes sure you never leave anyone behind by going too fast. Taking regular breaks that give enough time for everyone to recharge (without getting too cold) helps reduce the risk of fatigue and injury.\n## Change approach and plans if necessary\nYour leadership style may need to change in response to what’s happening on the **walk. You may need to give people specific instructions to keep them safer in difficult** situations, while a more relaxed approach will be appropriate when conditions are more favourable.\nWhen facing uncertain or changing conditions, it’s best to be cautious because safety is paramount. Never feel like you can’t turn back or change your plans. At times walkers may **feel disappointed or try to persuade us to keep going, but your role is to put safety first.**\n## Thank you\n## By leading walks, you’re helping to open\n## up the outdoors for everyone. Thank you!\n## Ramblers Ramblers Cymru Ramblers Scotland\n## 020 3961 3300 020 3961 3310 0131 357 5850\n## ramblers@ramblers.org.uk ramblerscymru@ramblers. scotland@ramblers.org.uk org.uk\n## ramblers.org.uk\n## @ramblers @ramblersGB @ramblersGB","contentHtml":"<h2>The Walk</h2>\n<h2>Leader</h2>\n<h2>Handbook</h2>\n<h2>The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</h2>\n<p>2 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Introduction</h2>\n<h2>At the Ramblers we know that no two walks are the</h2>\n<h2>same. Whether you’re leading a wild-weather wander</h2>\n<h2>or an urban leg-stretch, discovering new routes or</h2>\n<h2>exploring close to home, we want you and your</h2>\n<h2>walkers to be safe and have fun.</h2>\n<p>This handbook sets out the Ramblers’ eight guiding principles to leading safe, enjoyable and welcoming walks.\nWhile all activities in the outdoors come with risks, these are far outweighed by the rewards. And by working together to identify, communicate and manage risks on the day, we can make walks safer for everyone.\nWherever you are on your walk leading journey, this handbook offers helpful insights and reminders – and for new walk leaders, it’s the perfect place to start.\nSo, get out there, stay safe and most importantly, have fun. Thank you for helping to open up the outdoors for everyone!\nFor more information, visit</p>\n<h2>ramblers.org.uk</h2>\n<p>3 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>How we work together</h2>\n<h2>to lead great group walks</h2>\n<p>We set standards for great group walks and provide general training,</p>\n<h2>The Ramblers</h2>\n<p>tools and resources to help groups and walk leaders get started.\nWe support walk leaders to build</p>\n<h2>Local walking groups local experience and create great walks</h2>\n<h2>for our specific location or community.</h2>\n<p>We plan in advance, prepare for the</p>\n<h2>Walk leaders unexpected, put the group first and</h2>\n<p>make dynamic changes on the day.\nWe look after ourselves and others</p>\n<h2>Walkers in the group, acting responsibly</h2>\n<p>so that everyone has a great walk.\n4 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Our guiding principles</h2>\n<h2>At the Ramblers, we have eight guiding principles</h2>\n<h2>to help us plan walks. Whatever type of walk we’re</h2>\n<h2>leading, these principles help us to consider the route,</h2>\n<h2>our walkers and the skills we need.</h2>\n<h2>We lead walks</h2>\n<h1>Our guidingprinciples as a teamWe work1 capabilitieswithin our2</h1>\n<p><img src=\"https://www.chelmerandblackwater-ramblers.org.uk/administrator/cache/preview/cf03c2fca563a4a89ca4e20025929b07.jpg\" alt=\"\"></p>\n<h1>We managegroup size5 We help walkerscome prepared4 We plan inadvance3</h1>\n<h1>We prepare foremergencies6 the right kitWe pack7 and adaptableWe’re flexible8</h1>\n<p>5 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 1</h2>\n<h2>We work as a team</h2>\n<h2>While this handbook is designed with walk leaders</h2>\n<h2>in mind, we all play a part to make sure that walks</h2>\n<h2>are enjoyable, welcoming and as safe as possible.</h2>\n<h2>The Ramblers</h2>\n<p>As Britain’s walking charity, the Ramblers is here to support walk leaders across England, Scotland and Wales. We’ll help you by providing guidance and training.\n<strong>You’ll find plenty of tips, stories and videos on our website – and we’re on hand</strong> to answer any questions you have about leading group walks too!</p>\n<h2>Walking groups</h2>\n<p>Groups work together with their walk leaders to share local knowledge and bring good practice to life. There will be a wealth of knowledge in your walking group and other members may be able to help you with:\n<strong>• Local knowledge and experience:</strong> Buddying up with experienced walk leaders is great if you’re new to leading walks. They can share local knowledge and tips to help make your walks safer and enjoyable for everyone taking part.\n<strong>• Local training:</strong> Sharing local resources or recommended courses to develop your skills.\n<strong>• Planning:</strong> The group may have a bank of routes that they have already graded and assessed for risks, so you can make the most of the work that’s already been done to plan walks in advance.\n<strong>• Sharing information with walkers:</strong> Advertising your walk and providing key information to those who are interested in coming along. This will help people choose the right walk for them and prepare for it.\n6 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Walk Leaders</h2>\n<p>While you will be leading the walk, there is lots of support to help you. In return, you’ll follow the Ramblers guiding principles to play your part in keeping walkers safe.\n<strong>As a walk leader there are certain things you must do:</strong></p>\n<h2>Plan and assess the Adapt plans to local</h2>\n<h2>risks in advance circumstances</h2>\n<p>We have example risk assessments Adopt or adapt our resources in a way <strong>according to walk difficulty to help</strong> that works for you to manage any you get started. <strong>specific considerations for your walk.</strong> <strong>Share your plan Make changes if</strong> <strong>with walkers you need to</strong> You can do this in your welcome Stay alert to your surroundings <strong>briefing at the start of the walk</strong> and walkers and take a dynamic before setting off. approach on the day.</p>\n<h2>Walkers</h2>\n<p>Regardless of whether they’re a new walker or already have lots of experience, walkers should try to make sure they:\n<strong>• Choose the right walk:</strong> The walk should be within their abilities and if they’re unsure whether it is, they should get in touch with the walking group or walk <strong>leader to find out more.</strong> <strong>• Wear appropriate clothes:</strong> By checking the weather forecast, they can make sure they wear appropriate clothing and footwear.\n<strong>• Follow your guidance:</strong> It’s important walkers follow any instructions shared by you, the walk leader.\n<strong>• Respect the countryside:</strong> All walkers should follow the Countryside Code or Scottish Outdoor Access Code.\n7 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 2</h2>\n<h2>We lead within our capabilities</h2>\n<h2>There’s a difference between feeling confident and</h2>\n<h2>being competent, and we should never intentionally</h2>\n<h2>over-reach ourselves.</h2>\n<h2>Lead walks that are right for your level of experience</h2>\n<p>If you’re just starting out, or want to start leading more challenging walks, build your skills and knowledge through training and help from more experienced walk leaders.\nCheck the Ramblers <strong>skills framework</strong> to understand the skills needed and what you might want to develop over time.</p>\n<h2>Share and learn from others</h2>\n<p>When you’re leading a walk, you don’t have to do everything by yourself.\nYou may choose to delegate some responsibilities to trusted people in the group. What’s important is that between you, you have everything you need to walk safely and have fun.\nPlan in advance, to make sure you have everything covered before setting off.</p>\n<h2>Make the most of opportunities</h2>\n<h2>to develop your skills</h2>\n<p>Training courses, peer support and\n<strong>maybe even getting a qualification</strong> are great ways to develop your skills.\n8 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 3</h2>\n<h2>We plan walks in advance</h2>\n<h2>As a walk leader, it’s a vital part of your role to plan</h2>\n<h2>and consider the risks on your walk – helping everyone</h2>\n<h2>to keep safe and have a great experience.</h2>\n<h2>Good planning will help you to determine</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>How long the walk • <strong>Any specific hazards and</strong> • Any additional is likely to take. the adjustments you can information that make to manage the risk. would be helpful to</li>\n<li>When and where you share with walkers can take rest stops. • Points of interest you can beforehand.\nhighlight to people along</li>\n<li>Alternative routes if you the way.\nneed to cut a walk short, or have time to extend it.</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Plan your route in advance</h2>\n<p>When planning a walk, doing a recce is strongly recommended. It will help you work <strong>out how much time you’ll need, find places of interest and good rest stops, as well</strong> as spot potential risks and accessibility issues.\nIf a recce isn’t possible, you can plan using maps, guidebooks, existing routes, and blogs. You can also speak to people who know the area and build on their knowledge to plan and foresee any opportunities or challenges. It’s important to have a good understanding of the terrain to make sure your planning is proportionate.\n9 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Check the conditions</h2>\n<p>The weather plays an important role on a walk. Check the forecast before heading out and prepare for how different weather conditions might affect your plans.</p>\n<h2>Assess risks on the route</h2>\n<p>As a walk leader, you must always plan and assess the risks in advance. Decide the grade of the walk you’re leading and refer to the corresponding Ramblers’ <strong>risk assessment. These outline common hazards and steps you can take to</strong> manage the potential risks, proportionate to the type of walk you’re leading.\nSomeone in your group may have already assessed the route for a previous walk.\n<strong>You can use these as a starting point to think about your specific walk. We recommend making a note of any additional hazards on your recce – for example if there’s an</strong> obstruction on the route, or if the weather has made one spot particularly tricky.</p>\n<h2>Always review your plans again on the day of the walk – and don’t be afraid to</h2>\n<p>make changes if you need to.\nRemember to share your plan and any important information with walkers before setting off too.\n10 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 4</h2>\n<h2>We help walkers come prepared</h2>\n<h2>By sharing information, you can help walkers know</h2>\n<h2>what to expect and what is expected of them to help</h2>\n<h2>keep everyone safe.</h2>\n<h2>Work together as a group</h2>\n<p>We recommend sharing our <strong>information</strong>\n<strong>for walkers</strong> with everyone. This gives helpful tips and reminders for them to follow, before they join a walk – you can adapt it for your group.</p>\n<h2>Help walkers choose</h2>\n<h2>the right walk for them</h2>\n<p>When advertising your walk, include as much information you can about the route, terrain, pace, and whether any particular kit is needed. For example, you might remind walkers to bring gaiters for a particularly muddy walk, or additional supplies if you’re tackling a long, challenging route.</p>\n<h2>Answer any questions</h2>\n<p>Let walkers know how to contact you if they have any questions before the walk.\n11 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 5</h2>\n<h2>We manage group size</h2>\n<h2>There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution when deciding</h2>\n<h2>on the number of walkers you’re comfortable to lead.</h2>\n<h2>Refer to the recommended ratios</h2>\n<p>While every walk is different, our leader:walker ratios are a good indicator of the number of leaders typically needed to manage a group safely.</p>\n<h2>Walking grade Ratio of leaders to walkers</h2>\n<p><strong>Ramblers Wellbeing Walks 1:10</strong>\n<strong>Easy and Easy Access 1:10</strong>\n<strong>Leisurely and Moderate 1:8</strong>\n<strong>Strenuous 1:6</strong>\n<strong>Technical 1:4</strong>\n<strong>Think about the number of walkers you feel confident to lead and whether you would</strong> be able to manage in an emergency. This will depend on several factors, including the route, the conditions, your experience and the experience of walkers in your group.\n12 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Get help from a co-leader, backmarker or friend</h2>\n<p>For larger groups you will most likely need support from a co-leader or a backmarker.\nThese roles could simply be taken on by an experienced member of the group who is happy to lend a hand on the day. As well as thinking about others, you should also consider your own comfort levels and safety. Don’t ever feel under pressure to walk alone with strangers. If it’s helpful, ask a friend to walk with you if numbers are low.</p>\n<h2>Limit the group size if appropriate</h2>\n<p><strong>Sometimes you will need to limit the group size – for example, if the route is unfamiliar or you are building your confidence. In these circumstances, you may choose to apply</strong> a booking system. Your walking group will be able to help.\n13 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 6</h2>\n<h2>We prepare for emergencies</h2>\n<h2>The benefits of walking far outweigh the risks – but</h2>\n<h2>sometimes accidents happen, and it pays to be prepared.</h2>\n<h2>Ask for walkers’ names and emergency contact details</h2>\n<p>Knowing who is on the walk is important in case of an emergency. You can do this in a variety of ways, and should choose a method that works for you. For example, you can:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask walkers to provide their details when booking onto the walk.</li>\n<li>Take a register at the start of the walk, using our handy <strong>sign-in sheet</strong>.</li>\n<li>Ask walkers to carry In Case of Emergency information – this might be on a card, key fob or on their smartphone.\nIt is helpful to know about any relevant medical conditions too. Some walkers may not want to share this information, but we recommend inviting walkers to chat to you privately before the walk if they would like to.</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Be prepared to deal with accidents</h2>\n<p>Accidents can happen on any walk, and as a walk leader you will need to react and manage the situation. This may involve looking after a casualty, making sure the rest of the group are comfortable and calling for help. Our <strong>Preventing and Managing</strong> <strong>Incidents training includes first aid awareness and the most common scenarios.</strong> Check the <strong>skills framework too, to ensure you have the right level of first aid skills</strong> for your walk within the group.</p>\n<h2>Share plans for remote walks with someone at home</h2>\n<p>If you are planning a remote walk, let someone at home know your plans so they can raise the alarm if you don’t return at the expected time. Our <strong>route card</strong> is a helpful tool for this.\n14 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 7</h2>\n<h2>We pack the right kit</h2>\n<h2>One of the best things about walking is its accessibility –</h2>\n<h2>not much kit is needed to start. However, as a walk leader,</h2>\n<h2>make sure you’re prepared for the group and conditions</h2>\n<h2>on the day so there are no nasty surprises.</h2>\n<p>It’s helpful to think ahead and ask yourself if the group may need extra layers, food or water at any stage in the day – this is especially important if things don’t go to plan. You can always ask the group to help carry some items if there’s a lot to carry.</p>\n<h2>Go to the Ramblers website to</h2>\n<h2>learn more about the categories</h2>\n<h2>of kit to consider for different</h2>\n<p><strong>kinds of walk, including:</strong></p>\n<h2>• Clothing</h2>\n<h2>• Food and drink</h2>\n<h2>• First aid kit</h2>\n<h2>• Navigation tools</h2>\n<h2>• Communication tools</h2>\n<p><strong>• Safety equipment</strong> 15 The Walk Leader Handbook: The Ramblers’ approach to group walks</p>\n<h2>Principle 8</h2>\n<h2>We’re flexible and adaptable</h2>\n<h2>On the day of your walk it’s important to stay alert</h2>\n<h2>and make changes if you need to. This approach is</h2>\n<h2>called dynamic risk assessment.</h2>\n<h2>Stay alert to the group and the conditions</h2>\n<p>Keep an eye on the group, weather, terrain and time. Continuously assessing risk in this way means you can adapt your plans if the conditions change. Because you’ll <strong>already have assessed and identified the key risks and hazards in advance, it’s usually</strong> quite straightforward to spot when something has changed and to draw on your contingency plans.\nBy walking within the group, chatting with people and keeping in touch with how they are doing, you will have a good sense of what the group needs and anything you can do to help them get the most from the walk. When we only lead from the front it can be hard to know what’s happening behind us, gauge team spirit or notice when people are struggling.</p>\n<h2>Plan regular breaks</h2>\n<p>Set a pace that suits everyone and makes sure you never leave anyone behind by going too fast. Taking regular breaks that give enough time for everyone to recharge (without getting too cold) helps reduce the risk of fatigue and injury.</p>\n<h2>Change approach and plans if necessary</h2>\n<p>Your leadership style may need to change in response to what’s happening on the <strong>walk. You may need to give people specific instructions to keep them safer in difficult</strong> situations, while a more relaxed approach will be appropriate when conditions are more favourable.\nWhen facing uncertain or changing conditions, it’s best to be cautious because safety is paramount. Never feel like you can’t turn back or change your plans. At times walkers may <strong>feel disappointed or try to persuade us to keep going, but your role is to put safety first.</strong></p>\n<h2>Thank you</h2>\n<h2>By leading walks, you’re helping to open</h2>\n<h2>up the outdoors for everyone. Thank you!</h2>\n<h2>Ramblers Ramblers Cymru Ramblers Scotland</h2>\n<h2>020 3961 3300 020 3961 3310 0131 357 5850</h2>\n<h2><a href=\"mailto:ramblers@ramblers.org.uk\">ramblers@ramblers.org.uk</a> ramblerscymru@ramblers. <a href=\"mailto:scotland@ramblers.org.uk\">scotland@ramblers.org.uk</a> org.uk</h2>\n<h2>ramblers.org.uk</h2>\n<h2>@ramblers @ramblersGB @ramblersGB</h2>\n"}