Walking Etiquette and Best Practice
Our thanks to group member Dennis Corton for the following sound advice:
I should start by recognising that many of you have lead a walk before and I do not wish to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, but I have simply made a note of a few important points that may be worthy of consideration.
These are my notes as a result of leading walks over many years and in varying areas in the UK . They are in no particular order of priority for leading a walk, these are not rules or regulations but good etiquette and best practice and make no reference to U3A guidelines
Since I wrote these notes, some time ago, we have the added complication of Covid which may have a bearing on some of the points but hopefully we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel
Firstly the Map
You should be able to read a map, prefrably the OS Explorer and to understand the various signs and symbols used, know the significance of grid refences and contour lines and the numbers on them. Also to orientate the map to magnetic north and set it to your direction of travel. You should also be able to use a compass, you may think all of this this is slightly overkill if you know the area of old but they are useful skills to have.
Using a map and compass correctly is a subject in its own right and Judy has suggested in her e mail to you all that those people interested in leading a walk go on the recce with more experienced people and learn from that. There is a need to encourage others to lead - rather than always the same people!
The Group
You should recognise the capabilities of the group, have they got the physical ability to get up the hills, are they stable on sticky ground, are they happy contouring across a hillside.Can they negoiate stiles without too much effort. You should set the pace and try to keep everyone together wherever practical. Do not be afraid of asking all walkers to keep together, it may mean some may have to slow down a little, and perhaps some to try and go a little faster.
The Walk
Bear in mind the parameters of the group , 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 miles
At the onset of the walk give a brief resume of it and any highlights you will encounter. Also give details of the terrain to be encountered and the number of stiles, not precisely, but- not many, a mere handful, or quite a lot!
Do not allow the group to spread out too much, if they do, stop everyone and allow them to regroup. The distance or spread can vary depending upon terrain and location - are you in a wood or on open countryside, can you see everyone, can they see you?
Set the pace that is suitable for everyone, it is not a race nor are you out to prove a point. If people are getting behind because of the terrain or their ability stop and regroup, carry a whistle to get peoples attention, once stopped however do not move on again until everyone has caught up and more importantly caught their breath and rested. Allow adequate catch up time.
Consider a back marker, for groups of 8 or fewer I question the need for one , as the leader can count this number quite easily, but for 10-12 and more give serious thought to a back marker. What is their responsibility? It is a means of keeping walkers together. They are there to allow anyone to stop for the call of nature, or for any other reason, and if need be attract the attention of the leader that there is an issue . This will allow the leader to stop if appropriate . The back marker is a good signal and reference point for the leader and enable the group to be kept together. Remember a whistle for attracting attention.
Keeping the group together helps the leader be aware of everyone’s where abouts, it is also a much more sociable thing than to be spread out in ones and twos. If everyone is together leaders can impart their knowledge and information of the area more easily
Stiles are always a problem and if there is a large number the group can spread out over a very large distance. After each stile move beyond the stile and allow everyone to get over before moving on again. Road walking, if absolutely necessary, should be in single file facing the oncoming traffic, ie on the right hand side of the road. The exception to this is when approaching right hand corners when walking on the left is safer. This alllows greater visibility around the corner for greater safety. Once the corner has been negotiated return to the right hand side.
Remember to stop for a banana break half way through the walk and in the summer allow plenty of drink stops
I started by talking of etiquette , and there is one that we should be very aware of.
Pole etiquette! Many of us carry a pole and they are a great boon for stability and helping us up hills. But they can be very dangerous. When carrying them always hold the points down, not under your arm with the point protruding behind you nor across the back of your rucksack. They are at their most dangerous when people climb over stiles as they seem to be waved in all directions and it always seems to be at eye level. So poles downwards at all times.
Emergencies
Be prepared to change the route if required because of flooding, fallen trees, heavily cultivated fields, or the footpath blocked. Also you may need to change route if you are on higher ground and the weather closes in
Be aware of walkers fears, Bulls in field is the obvious one. Is there another route, can you walk around the field, do not walk between the bull and the calves and their mothers. Keep close together, protect the person with the anxiety.
The first rule when entering a field with a bull in it is to look for your escape route. It’s surprising how well you can western roll over a barbed wire fence if pursued by a raging bull. I jest a little on this point but be aware of your options.
In case of emergency a useful telephone number to have to hand on your mobile is 112. No matter who your provider is if you are within signal of any provider it will be picked up and emergency services can be contacted. Remember also your own emergency cotact information should be with your leader or with easy access in your rucksack
Do you carry a basic first aid kit, does anyone hold a first aid certificate, can you deal with someone who trips, or feels faint, or worse?
The Pub
Firstly make sure they have your booking, are they able to cater for a relatively large group at the drop of a hat. Are we able to pre-order lunch and use their facilities before the walk. Many pubs now require numbers and food requirements be sent to them 24 hours beforehand, be prepared for this. Give an estimated time of arrival for the set of time and also the finishing time of the walk, and have their telephone number to hand in case you get held up en route.
But above all enjoy the walks