STOURBRIDGE HF RAMBLING CLUB
Friendly Group Walking in the West Midlands
Walk Leader Resources
Everything You Need to Plan and Lead a SHFRC Walk
Thank you for volunteering to lead a walk for Stourbridge HF Rambling Club.
Whether you are an experienced walk leader or leading a walk for the first time, this page brings together the information and resources you need to plan your walk, manage the group safely and deal with unexpected situations.
Please make sure you are familiar with the Club's requirements before leading an official SHFRC walk.
Plan It. Check It. Lead It Safely.
Before leading your walk, make sure you have checked out our leaflet with lots of tips and advice on planning and leading a walk.
Keep Everyone Together
The leader is responsible for managing the walk, but every member of the group should play a part in keeping the walk safe.
A backmarker should be appointed to act as a sweeper so that the leader can maintain awareness of the whole group.
At suitable points, particularly at junctions or changes of direction, make sure the group is together before continuing.
Don't be afraid to stop, regroup or change the route if circumstances require it.
Walkers should be warned about hazards as they arise.
ACTION PLAN FOR WALK LEADERS ARISING FROM RISK ASSESSMENT
• All walks are to be “pioneered’ in advance to establish the likely risks involved. Any sections found to have a high level of risk should be re-routed to avoid such risk.
• In the event of exceptionally inclement weather, the leader must consider whether it is safe to proceed with the walk as planned.
• The leader must appoint a back marker to act as “sweeper” so that the whole group can always be accounted for.
• Walkers should be warned of hazards and risks as the walk progresses; e.g. particularly slippery section, need to go around farm animals, potentially hazardous road crossing, dilapidated stile etc.
• An official club walk must never have less than four walkers so that in the event of injury; injured plus one stay put and two go for help.
• The walking group should carry a first aid kit and a mobile phone to call for help if necessary. The leader must be able to pin point the location of the group so that help can be directed should the need arise. Mobile phones need to be charged and registered for 999 text calls. The phone should not be relied on to automatically transmit location information to the Emergency Services.
• All walkers must follow “The Country Code”.
• For walks in mountainous areas the above apply plus the following:
- Leader must have contingency plans to cut the walk short in the event of an accident or inclement weather.
- Leader to ensure that the group all have appropriate clothing including waterproofs.
- Leader to carry a survival bag for emergency use.
- Leader or one of the group to carry a GPS receiver so as to be able to pin point location in the event of an accident or inclement weather.
- Leaders must be aware that the availability of a mobile phone signal cannot be relied on in remote or mountainous areas.
20/4/2017
Need Help Before Leading Your Walk?
If you are unsure about any aspect of planning or leading a Club walk, please ask your Walk Secretary before setting out.
It is always better to discuss a concern in advance than to discover a problem once the walk has started.
Thank You for Leading a Walk
Our walk leaders are what make the Club's programme possible.
Thank you for giving your time, sharing your favourite routes and helping other members enjoy walking in the countryside.