This page aims to provide help for walk leaders, whether prospective or established. Without walks we don’t have a walking group.
We are always keen to have new walk leaders come forward and if you are not yet fully confident, we can provide a walk leader training event, or can find someone experienced to help you. Routes can be based upon your own knowledge, a study of the map or from a book.
How can I lead a walk? I’ve never done it before?
Everyone started this way; it’s not so hard once you do it. Speak to someone who’s done it before – better still, ask them to pre-walk with you.
Additional information is available on the Ramblers Website - Walk Leadership
What can I gain from leading a walk?
You can learn confidence in map reading and leading a group of people.
You can also give something back to those who made you welcome when first walking with Wessex Wanderer Railway Walks. Leading is by no means all responsibility and work. It can be great fun and at the end of the day gives the satisfaction of knowing that other walkers have had a good day out.
Where can I find a walk? Finding an idea for a route.
A walk can be based on your own knowledge or there are great walks to be found in guidebooks and on the internet. Of course it’s perfectly OK to repeat a walk you’ve been on before - but lead it yourself this time. It’s not cheating, believe me!
- Whilst the scope for walks can still be gathered from books, internet etc - these walks are started and finished from stations on the Bristol to Weymouth Line - rather than some car parking area in a locality. Ideas can be gained from maps of those areas and from older programmes or existing leaders. The walks are circular or linear and can start and end at the same station or end at a different one. There may also be a choice of length of walk.
Ask someone to help you.
Ramblers information about Planning a route
When you are certain of the route and have agreed a date with the Walk Coordinator, you will need to provide the Coordinator with information, so that the walk can be included in the walks programme and on the Ramblers Walksfinder.
On the day
Check the weather forecast - to prepare yourself and to be able to prepare the group. Walks are occasionally cancelled, or routes changed, if particularly challenging weather conditions are likely.
At the start:
- introduce yourself;
- give a brief introduction to the route (including planned refreshment stops) and to any particular risks (e.g. road walking or crossing busy roads, cliffs or other dangers);
- make a point of welcoming and introducing any newcomers.
You should have a mobile phone, in case there are any last minute calls from people who wish to join the walk, and to help to reunite the group in the event that anyone goes astray.
On the walk
You should actively manage the pace of the walk so that large gaps don’t open up and those towards the back don’t become detached. If there is an incident resulting in injury or possible injury, the needs of the injured party must take precedence. After the walk, an Incident Report should be completed: the form can be obtained from the Group Secretary. As walk leader, you are covered by the Ramblers personal accident insurance, provided that you are a Ramblers member, and that a risk assessment has been prepared. Everyone on a group walk is covered by liability insurance.
As a Walk Leader - some points to think about:
Ramblers Safety Advice - How to keep safe and tips for dealing with different situations that you may encounter when out and about walking.
- As a Walk Leader you must be a member of Ramblers and registered as such.
- Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them.
- A first aid kit is a recommended addition to your kit, along with a basic knowledge of first aid. We advise all walkers to carry a first aid kit. First aid guidance First Aid Kit Guidance
- Always carry a mobile phone, torch and a whistle and know the emergency “6 blast” rule so you are able to call for assistance in case of an emergency.
- Always adjust your pace to the slowest member of the group, especially in bad weather.
- Always carry a torch and spare batteries, especially during the winter months.
- Be prepared for changes in the weather by carrying spare clothing and emergency food.
- Appoint a back-marker to assist with looking after the group.