Leading a walk

We are currently looking for walk leaders for the following dates:

  • 18/19 September
  • 25/26 September
  • 16/17 October
  • 23/24 October
  • 30/31 October
  • and other dates further ahead

(We don't have to stick to those dates. If you would really like to lead a walk, but can't do any of them, that's fine. Just check the walks diary to make sure there's nothing already planned, and suggest your preferred date using the form below. Please try to give at least a month's notice, if possible)

If you would like to lead a walk, please fill in the I want to lead a walk form.

Information for walk leaders

Who can lead a walk?

Anyone who is a paid-up member of the Ramblers and who has been on a few walks with us can lead a walk. You don't need any special qualifications, just find a good walk that you would like to share with other people, and read the pointers below!

Planning the walk

Some people like to use walks they have found in books or on the internet, others prefer to make up their own. Either is fine!

When you've decided where you want to walk, if it isn't a walk you know well, we strongly recommend you do a recce to check the route out – make sure it is passable, check that you won't get lost, look for good spots for lunch, and maybe sample a pub near the end as well! It may be a good idea to take another member of the club on the recce, especially if he/she will be coming on the real walk, so that you have a second pair of eyes to help you out.

Decide on the grade of the walk – easy, medium, hard, or challenging ('challenging' should be used for more technical routes, eg those that require scrambling, and not just walking) – and measure the route carefully. If you're not sure how to do that, please get in touch with one of the committee members and they will help you out.

Check transport options. Is there plenty of parking available? If you have to pay, how much is it? If there is a pub at the start/finish that we will be going to afterwards, we may be able to use their car park but you must check this with the landlord first. If possible, it's good to arrange your walk so that people can get there by public transport if they prefer – for advice on this, ask a member of the committee.

When you are thinking about the route, timings, where we might have lunch and what time we might get back, remember that a large group will take a lot longer to get round than just one or two of you, so do allow a lot more time than it takes you on the recce.

Send as many details as you can, as soon as you can, to the Walks Secretaries using the form below. If you have any photos from your recce or previous walks in the area, you can send them to the Webmaster to have them included in the walk details on the website and on Facebook.

In the days leading up to the walk, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and be prepared to alter or shorten your walk if the weather turns really nasty. We try never to cancel walks, but sometimes when the rain is lashing down and the ground is an ankle-deep bog, it's better to cut it a bit short or take a different route that is less muddy.

If you use Facebook, it's a good idea to make a note of everyone who has said they are definitely attending (they won't all turn up, but it will give you an idea of numbers) and take it with you.

On the day

Arrive early, so that you can welcome people as they arrive – particularly newer members.

Introduce yourself and give a description of the walk and any important points people need to know (eg lunch or snack stops, toilet facilities, weather forecast). If there are new members, it's good to get everyone to introduce themselves.

Make sure everyone – particularly newer members – is happy with the plan for the day. If anyone is on their first walk with the group, try talk to them at some point about the group and the membership policy, and make them feel welcome.

Do a headcount, and start the walk!

When walking, try not to let the group get too spread out. If it's a large group, it's a good idea to appoint a back-marker, so that you know that person will always be bringing up the rear. When you stop for a breather, remember that people walking at the back may need more rest stops and longer rest stops, so don't move off again too quickly.

Be alert to when people want rest stops, or are struggling with the pace – or want to stop to take photos!

Although it isn't easy with a large group, try to talk to everyone and involve them in the walk.

Above all, enjoy it!