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

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.