You can find Ramblers resources for walk leaders here.  Each group has a Walks Secretary who is available to support leaders with the administration process of our walks.  Our current Walks Secretary  is Janet Milne who can be contacted by phone 07761 428 231 or email .

All walk leaders are required

• To be members of Ramblers and over the age of 18.
• To undertake Ramblers walk leader training.
• To ensure that their contact details and contact preferences are up to date on the Ramblers  Walks Manager system
• To be well equipped with suitable footwear and warm, waterproof clothing etc.
• To carry with them
  •  A mobile phone for emergencies.
  •  A copy of the Incident Report Form (click here to download).
  • A first aid kit, hand sanitiser and a face covering for use in the event of an incident. 
• Recce their walk and asses risks . Consider using the  risk assessment templates  provided by Ramblers. 

Please note: No leader can be responsible for anyone who proceeds ahead without directions.

What to consider when choosing a route

• The location, length and timing, whether linear or circular
• Time of year, terrain, climbs, likely ability and fitness of the group
• Be sensitive to potential local perceptions and concerns at the presence of a group of walkers and also of car parking.
• The route you chose may be one you already know, taken from a map or guidebook. Consider points of interest on the route.
• Check transport options, such as public transport or car parks for central meeting point, refreshments and toilets.

How to complete a recce.

• Walk the full route, noting critical navigation points, hazards and problems, adjust the route if necessary. Check timings, rest and toilet points, escape or alternative routes, any access restrictions and mobile phone coverage.
• Complete the risk assessment.
• Report any path or access problems to relative Group Officers
• Please note: The Yorkshire Dales National Park maintains a helpful webpage listing footpaths within the Park that are currently closed and undergoing maintenance. The webpage can be found here and will be a useful resource when planning routes

How to put a walk on the programme

1) Go to the Group’s walks planning calendar (here), click on your proposed date and complete as much detail as you can in the box that opens up.

Or

2) Contact the Walk secretary direct with a proposed date and walk details. Aim for a manageable group size, taking into consideration the walk grading and environment.  Smaller numbers are fine, larger groups at the leader’s discretion.

Publicising the walk online: In order to be recognised as a Ramblers walk, the walk must be submitted to the Walk Secretary with the nominated leader identified. Once walk details are finalised, the walk secretary will publish your walk on the group website and the national Ramblers website.

Participants: We operate a booking system. Once the walk is advertised,  walkers wishing to join the walk will contact you. Make a note of their names and contact details, this for use in the event of the walk being cancelled or changes made. Also ask them to notify you if they decide not to walk. If the person is new to walking try to establish their walking experience.

The checklist below is based on advice from the Ramblers Navigation and Leadership, a manual for Leading Group Walks. Walks are led in different ways according to Group practice and the nature of the walk. 

THE DAY BEFORE THE WALK

• Check weather forecasts, www.mwis.org.uk covers many mountainous areas, and review route if necessary. Be prepared to cancel if weather is too bad. If you decide to cancel then  please notify all those who have signed up and also the Walks Secretary, who will amend the website.
• Recheck public transport and forewarn pub/café if you plan to stop there.
• Check personal gear and first aid kit.
• Charge mobile phone
• Be prepared to answer queries from potential attendees.

THE DAY OF THE WALK

• Be early and welcoming, particularly to newcomers.
• Take a walk register  and note the number of participants.
• Some groups ask walkers to carry an emergency contact number and medical details, other groups ask the leader to record these details
• Invite declarations from anyone who may have difficulty completing the walk. This allows anyone with a medical condition to bring it to your attention in private.
• Where appropriate check the equipment of the party and be prepared to turn people away if circumstances demand.
• Appoint a backmarker if you don’t already have one.
• Introduce yourself and the backmarker and give details of the walk: the route, any H&S issues i.e. trips slips and falls, estimated finish time, refreshment stops and points of interest.
• Highlight your expectations of walkers and any places where particular care is needed.
• Adults accompanying children under 15 years must be reminded that they are responsible for them and check that unaccompanied 15-17 year olds have permission to attend

ON THE WALK

• Frequently check that you can see your backmarker or have communication with them. Allow for re-grouping as required.
• Set a pace to suit the fitness and capabilities of the party and advertised grade of the walk.
• Check your route frequently if necessary using the map and/or compass.
• Make a point of chatting to any newcomers
• Highlight any points of interest.
• Manage the party over stiles, through gates and forests, in poor weather and across roads. Periodically count the number to ensure everyone is present.
• Be alert to any problems with individuals, weather, road walking or crossings.
• Importantly – enjoy the walk! At the end of the walk
• Check everyone has returned and can get home and thank them for coming.
• Encourage non-members to join.

AFTER THE WALK

• In the event of an incident (usually an injury), administer any relevant first aid. After the walk, complete an incident report form (click here to download). Also inform the Chair and Walk Secretary of the incident.
• Report any path problems to the relevant Group Officer.
• Report a cattle issue: Have you had an issue with cattle on a recent walk?  Report it to the HSE by clicking here     
• To help us all learn from experience, the walks secretary will contact leaders after their  walk to see how things went, and the Committee will hold a regular reviews.   

WHAT TO DO IF..….

• You have a query  no matter how small – please contact the walk secretary.