Charter for Walk Leaders and Walkers
Please read this page, it forms the Charter for walkers and leaders.
While the principles apply to all walks, some are especially important to hill and mountain safety.
Please also note that we all walk at our own risk.
As a club we take safety seriously. Walk Leaders (leaders) reconnoitre (recce) the walks and assess potential risks, however, members should:
- consult the walk details (published prior to the walk) to check they are fit to complete it
- wear suitable clothing and footwear for the grade of walk
- carry sufficient food and water appropriate for the walk
(Note on club weekends or holidays abroad it may not be possible to recce the walks)
NEVER forget CARE FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE. Dispose of litter responsibly. The safety of everyone is our priority.
The Charter has been reviewed by the Committee and issued in February 2025.
Responsibilities of Leaders - Before the Walk
To research and recce the walk, preferably with at least one other person who is expected to be on the walk and who can perform the duties of a back-marker on the walk (if required to do so). The recce should be undertaken close to the walk date, as footpaths and terrain may change. When it is not feasible to recce a walk, e.g. on weekend/week walking holidays, the leader should be experienced at, and confident of, leading a group safely.
The details of the walk should be published, via the secretary, ideally a week ahead of the walk date.
The key features of the walk should include, as a minimum:
- the leaders mobile telephone number
- the meeting place and the start time of the walk
- the distance to be covered
- the amount and severity of the ascent
- difficult footing, e.g. streams, bog, shale, wet rocks, and difficult terrain, e.g. scrambling, exposure, proximity to ledges
A template for walk descriptions may be downloaded from the Forms section.
If consulted by someone who is not used to walking, or who is unsure about their ability/fitness level, to give honest advice as to the level of difficulty of the walk.
To consult the weather forecasts on the eve of the walk. In extreme cases, to cancel the walk and to communicate this decision to the members who have booked on the walk
To connect anyone requesting a lift, with someone who has offered a lift to allow them to arrange to meet.
The Walk Leader has authority to determine who can join the walk. The Leader can refuse a person if they consider that the safety of the person or the group would be impacted by their attendance. Typically this would be if the person was deemed insufficiently fit to do the walk; if they had underlying health issues or if they did not have the appropriate kit. Safety is paramount!
Responsibilities of Leaders - Day of the Walk
- The leader should make every effort to ensure the safety of the group.
- Be prepared to cancel the walk should the weather conditions prove dangerous on arrival at the starting point. If a less demanding alternative is available this could be used, but if not, then the walk should be abandoned.
- The leader has the right to refuse anyone as a member of their group who, in their opinion, may be at risk for reasons of inadequate clothing, lack of physical fitness, etc. The leader must consider the needs of the entire group to undertake the walk safely and at a reasonable pace. Such an occurrence should be extremely rare on all grades of walks, as the leader should have been consulted by any new walkers in advance of the walk.
- Apart from evening walks, leaders should take along an OS map and compass and know how to use them. They may also wish to use GPS or other mapping devices, but these cannot be solely relied on in case of signal, power, or device problems.
- The leader should follow the planned route setting a pace that is appropriate to the group, terrain, and weather.
- The leader should be prepared to vary the route to account for unforeseen circumstances.
- The leader has the responsibility for setting the frequency, location, and duration of breaks to suit the demands of the walk and the conditions of the day
- To endeavour to appoint a 'back-marker', preferably someone who has some knowledge of the chosen route.
- The leader should ensure that contact is maintained through the group from leader to back-marker.
- It is important that if you make a change of direction, everyone behind you is aware of it, this may mean asking someone to wait until they are sure all the group is through.
- In the rare event of a serious accident/incident, the leader should be aware of the Club Accident/Incident Policy and procedure for reporting. This has been circulated to all members and is available on this Website (See the Forms section in the Members area).
Responsiblity of Walkers - Before the Walk
- If in doubt about personal fitness or technical ability, check with the leader as to the suitability of the walk. There is a wide scope of walk difficulty, especially in the Higher Grade, and while some walks are within the capabilities of many individuals, the harder mountain walks may not be.
- Members intending to walk should contact the leader no later than 1900 hours on the evening before the walk (preferably earlier) to book on the walk and request or offer a lift(s).
- All walkers should inform the leader if they are going direct to the start of the walk, so the leader knows who to expect and who to contact if the walk is cancelled.
- To equip oneself suitably for a walk, noting that mountain weather, even in summer can be extreme. Both leaders and walkers should always carry a first aid kit, whistle, torch, and ICE card (or equivalent). For a day walk it is important to take food and water.
Responsiblity of Walkers - During the Walk
- To follow all instructions given by the leader.
- To endeavour to keep pace with the leader.
- If you need to stop or leave the group, e.g. for a comfort break, to let the leader or another group member know.
- Never to get in front of the leader, unless the leader has given permission to do so.
- To be aware of other group members and to advise any walkers behind you about any change of direction, e.g. when there is a choice of paths. Attract the leaders attention if the leader is not in sight.
- It is particularly important to be aware of other group members and immediately inform the leader in the event of:
a significant gap opening-up in the group, and/or
an injury/medical problem to any member of the group.
- In the event of an incident, shout for help and/or give 6 loud blasts on your whistle to attract attention (followed by a pause and then repeat).
- Those who bring dogs, must always keep them on a lead when near livestock, wildlife, and roads, or at the request of the leader or club official. Dog owners should also clear up after their dogs.