Guidance for Walk Leaders

3.2.2 General Guidance For Walk Leaders

• A Walk Leader who cannot lead a walk should make all reasonable efforts to find an alternative Walk Leader.
• To notify walk changes use the Walk Change form under the Walk menu. This will inform the Webmaster, Administrator and your Walks Collector. Or phone the Administrator if using the form is not possible. Changes will be published at best effort and will not be immediate.
• Ensure you carry your own Emergency Procedures Pack
• Walk Leaders and Back Markers have a duty of care to members and visitors.
• They must take reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of accident or injury within the group.

• The Walk Leader may cancel a walk if they consider conditions travelling to or during the walk are unsafe.  They must communicate the cancellation to all those who have contacted them with their intention to go on the walk. (See para 1.7.)
• The Walk Leader has the right not to accept anyone on the walk if not properly clothed and equipped, or for any other reason.
• Four is the minimum for a Club walk.  Any walk with less than four walkers is not a Club walk.
• Walk Leaders and Back Markers are insured by the Club against any claim that may arise from an incident occurring during the walk.  When doing a walk-out the Club’s insurance covers the Walk Leader and companion, provided both are Club members.
• The open access provided by CROW (Countryside & Rights of Way Act) has more restrictions than you might think.  Before planning walks off public rights of way, please study the following websites: https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land and http://www.openaccess.naturalengland.org.uk
• The first gives lots of general information.  The second also allows you to enter a place name or grid reference, leading to new maps showing restricted areas and giving dates when any restrictions apply.
• The Walk Leader should first check that any new member or visitor feels competent and suitably equipped for the proposed walk. 
• Generally, you should be at the front of the group.  However, if you choose to walk among the group at any stage, please ask those in front to keep you in sight.  Tell them where to wait for further instructions.
• Appoint a Back Marker if there are 10 or more in your group.  Tell the group who it is and ensure he/she is aware of their duties and, if possible, has a map of the route and a whistle to attract the leader’s attention.
• At each gate, make sure the Back Marker knows whether it should be left open or closed.
• If your group is 20+ consider splitting it or appointing a mid-marker, whose job it is to keep in touch with the Leader and Back Marker.  In these circumstances it can be helpful if the mid-marker wears distinctive/hi-vis clothing.
• Maintain close grouping, especially in hazardous weather such as fog, blizzards or gales, when the Walk Leader and Back Marker should consider wearing hi-vis clothing so the group can see them easily.
• Desirable Extra Kit for Leaders: GPS, watch, mobile phone, first-aid kit including triangular bandage and scissors.
• If a serious accident or health problem occurs during a walk, the Walk Leader should take the names, email addresses and phone numbers of two witnesses and report the incidents to the General Secretary as soon as possible.  You can download an Incident Report form from the Website or obtain it from the General Secretary.

Planning the walk

• Do a walk-out,
  preferably with someone who will go on the walk, checking timings, rest and
  toilet points, escape or alternative routes and any access restrictions.
• Note critical
  navigation points, hazards and problems, adjusting the route if necessary.
• Consider points
  of interest.  If appropriate, research
  details to pass on to the group.
• Check with any
  pubs or cafes that you plan to visit.
• Note the times of
  public transport if appropriate.

The day before the walk

• Check weather
  forecasts and adjust the route if necessary.
• Re-check public
  transport if appropriate.
• Charge phone and
  GPS and check personal gear and first-aid kit. 
  Ensure you are registered with Emergency SMS.  See Emergency Procedures Card 1 Side 1.

At the start of the walk

• Welcome and
  introduce newcomers.
• Give an overview
  of the walk, likely duration, points of interest and any known hazards.
• Appoint and brief
  your Back Marker(s), agree a headcount and exchange mobile phone numbers.

On the walk

• Set the pace to
  suit the group’s capabilities and the advertised walk grade.
• Stay in sight of
  your Back Marker as far as possible.
• Allow for
  re-grouping and headcounts as required.
• Regularly check
  your route using a map, compass or GPS. 
• Help the group at
  stiles and gates, and in poor weather, as required.
• Before any road
  walking give clear safety instructions to the group.
• Keep an eye on
  the weather and change your plans if necessary.
• Be alert to any
  problems with individuals and chat to newcomers.
• Inform the group
  about points of interest along the way.
• At the end of the
  walk, the Leader should be at the front and check the final headcount with the
  Back Marker.