ADVICE FOR WALK LEADERS (REVISED AUGUST
2023)
Reconnaissance
(Recces)
It is fundamentally important that Walk
Leaders carry out recces of planned walks. In reality, Walk Leaders will
normally undertake at least two recces of a given walk (particularly if
it is a brand new route). The purpose of the first
recce is to assess the feasibility, safety and permissibility of the walk and
also to obtain sufficient information about distance, terrain, parking, meeting
points (including intermediate meeting points). All necessary permissions from
landowners should also be obtained at this stage, if appropriate. It is vitally
important that the initial recce be carried out as early as possible so that
all the walk details can be included on the club’s Programme Template (for the
benefit of members and the general public). Otherwise, the programme has to be
released to members and the general public with gaps that have to be to be
filled at a later date. This is not ideal for members or from a PR
perspective.
It is also important that Walk Leaders
carry out a second recce of the planned route shortly before the walk
date - as specified on the programme. The main purpose of the second recce is
to ensure that the walk route remains possible, safe etc. Any necessary changes
that members and the public need to know about in advance should be emailed to
the Club Secretary in a timely manner so that these can be communicated to
members and included on the electronic version of the programme on the club’s
website and possibly on the club’s Facebook Page.
Intermediate
Meeting Points (IMPs) and Public Transport
IMPs are used to facilitate car sharing
between members attending a given walk (should they wish to do so). The
advantages of utilising IMPs are as follows:
(1) makes walks possible where parking is
limited,
(2) reduces fuel costs for members,
(3) reduces harmful vehicle emissions
into the environment; and
(4) assists members who prefer company,
are unsure where they are going or are not keen on driving long distances.
Walk Leaders and members are strongly
encouraged to utilise IMPs. There are primarily just three IMPs that the club
uses i.e. (1) Sandyknowes (lay-by on start of A6 to
Templepatrick), (2) Carryduff shops Car Park (at McCall Tiles) and (3) Junction
6 M1 Motorway Car Park (on left at end of off-slip to A49). A bespoke IMP can
be used if desired. Where appropriate, therefore, the IMP to be to be used for
a given walk should be clearly stated by Walk Leaders for inclusion on the
programme template.
Walk Leaders should also consider
utilising public transport to get to and from a walk where it is feasible to do
so.
Smartphone
Apps
Walk Leaders are strongly encouraged to
utilise the numerous free and easy to use Smartphone Apps that are now
available to assist in designing and logging walks and improving member’s
safety. Two notable examples are MapMyWalk and Grid Ref UK and Ireland. These
are available from the usual App stores on your phone. Many of the Apps are
satellite based and are extremely accurate in terms of recording mileage and
ascents. It is fundamentally important that walk details included on the
programme template are accurate.
Walk Leaders should consider carrying a
portable mobile phone charger at all times.
The
Club Bags and Walk Register
It is the responsibility of the Walk Leader
to ensure that they are in possession of the club bag at the start of the walk
they are leading. The Sunday and Wednesday Walk bags contain the first Aid Kit
which must be taken on the walk by the Walk Leader. The Sunday Walk bag also
contains a tent and inflatable splints and it is recommended that these are
carried by the Walk Leader or another walker in attendance when walks are in
the hills. The Sunday bag also contains spare clothing, poles etc in case
anyone forgets same.
Both Club bags also contain the Walk
Register. Each walker in attendance (including the leader(s) should enter their
name in the Register. The Walk Leader should enter the total number of walkers
attending including themselves and make a mental note of same. If the number of
walkers is prohibitive (say over 30) the Leader should consider splitting the
group into more manageable groups. Each group should have a separate leader,
who ideally is familiar with the walk. The Walk Leader should ideally take the
Register with them on the walk. The Register should be used to record anyone
leaving the walk early. After the walk, the Register and any other items should
be placed back in the bag for use by the next Walk Leader.
Insurance
The club has insurance cover for third
party damage and it is the responsibility of the Walk Leader to take reasonable
action to ensure that the risk of any such damage is kept to a minimum and that
the walk is conducted in a safe manner so as to guard against any charge of
negligence.
Walk Leaders should also be aware of the
following additional guidance notes:
(1) The leader should use discretion in
adverse weather conditions and a walk should be cancelled where police advise
against unnecessary travel.
(2) The leader should not permit dogs to
be brought on a walk and should discourage stray dogs from joining the group.
(3) The leader should have adequate
navigational aids, particularly a map and compass and be competent in their
use.
(4) On A to B walks the leader should, as
far as possible, ensure that there are sufficient cars left at the point B to
return the full group to point A.
(5) Walk Leaders should use their
discretion as to whether or not to appoint (and identify to the group), a ‘Back
Marker’. It is strongly recommended that Leaders appoint back markers in the
following circumstances:
- walking in the hills;
- road walking;
- walking on farmland; and
- walking in slippery conditions;
A Back Markers main function is to
maintain contact with the Leader (exchange contact numbers), ensure that gates
are closed, fences are in the order they were found, no litter is dropped and
no-one is left behind. When necessary the Leader and
Back Marker should use the fluorescent tabards contained in the Club Bag.
(6) Walk Leaders should ensure that they
arrive at the meeting point with time in hand. This will allow any potential
problems to be assessed (for example parking limitations), facilitate
introductions where necessary, provide a brief description of the walk
(including estimated finishing times) and enter numbers etc in the Walk
Register.
(7) Walk Leaders should periodically stop
for water breaks.
(8) Walk Leaders should periodically
check that walkers are comfortable with the pace set and that there are no gaps
emerging within the group.
(9) Walk Leaders should be prepared to
modify or abandon a walk in the event of deteriorating conditions.
(10) In the event of illness or injury to
a walker rendering them unable to complete the planned walk, the Leader must
ensure that the individual receives adequate first aid and where appropriate be
accompanied by a competent person to safety. If required, the Leader should
contact the relevant Emergency Services. If a decision is made to proceed with
the walk, at least 2 persons should remain with the injured party.
(11) Walk Leaders should report damage to
paths, stiles etc to the relevant authorities following the walk.