What do walk leaders do?

During a walk, walk leaders lead from the front of a group making sure everyone is safe and happy. They set the pace of the walk and continually assess the pace to ensure everyone is keeping together.

Do I get training?

Yes. You’ll receive two walk leader training manuals, one from the Ramblers and the other from “Walking for Heath”. You will then be expected to shadow an existing walk leader on two occasions. When you lead your first walk there will be an experience walk leader in attendance so you will be well supported.

What skills do I need?

The main skill we need from our volunteer walk leaders is an enthusiasm for walking and its benefits!  You don't need any particular experience, but we encourage our leaders to be friendly and welcoming.

How much time do I need to give?

Including travelling, preparation and paperwork, leading a walk typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, plus recces. There may be occasional meetings and you can opt to lead a walk on a date convenient for you. Every 3 months you will be asked for your availability shortly followed by a completed walk Rota.

Guidance for leading a walk

Before the walk

• Be familiar with the route.
• Recce your route close to the day of the walk, if possible.
• Look at a copy of the route planner and know the kinds of hazards you may encounter.
• Check timings, rest points, escape or alternative routes, access restrictions and possible toilet facilities.
• Collect the walk leader’s rucksack from Churchmere Medical Practice.
• Check you have all the equipment you may need, eg first aid kit, high visibility waistcoat, foil blanket, whistle, secateurs and appropriate paperwork.
• If you have a mobile phone, take it with you as it may prove useful.

Start of the walk

• Introduce yourself and your back marker and welcome everyone to the walk.
• If you have not been designated a back marker ask for a volunteer from within the group.
• Introduce and welcome new walkers to the group.
• Ask new walkers to fill in a health walk questionnaire.
• Keep the register of walkers attending.
• Introduce the route (length/time/terrain).
• Explain any hazards you may encounter.
• Emphasize that walkers should walk at their own pace and should not leave the group without telling one of the Walk Leaders.

During the walk

• Manage the pace to suit all walkers; continually assess the pace to ensure the group is keeping together.
• Stay in sight or communication with your back marker at all times.
• Take regular headcounts..
• Be observant and continue to point out hazards.
• Make sure all walkers are comfortable and look for signs of distress. Check that walkers are able to talk freely– if they are short of breath, you may need to slow the pace.

At the end of the walk

• Check that all walkers have returned.
• Congratulate all walkers.
• If possible, have some social time, refreshments etc.
• Inform walkers of the time and place for the next walk and any opportunities for volunteering.
• Record accidents, incidents or near misses on the appropriate sheets in the folder.
• Return the walk leader’s rucksack to the Churchmere Medical Practice at your earliest convenience.