Notes For Leaders And Ramblers
Leaders are requested to give advance notice of details including grid reference/postcode of walk start, contact number on the day, grade of ramble, distance and appoint a backmarker. What3words (www.what3words.com) can be a useful tool to use for precisely locating walk starts, which can be simpler than establishing a grid reference. They will also advise if a pub stop and/or lunch are intended.
CAR SHARING
We encourage the sharing of cars to save both the environment and costs. Any contribution to costs is voluntary.
GRADE OF WALK:
LEISURE (L) A slow walk to enjoy the countryside, cameras allowed. Typically would not exceed 3 miles
EASY (E) generally even terrain with some slight undulations. Typically would not exceed 6 miles
EASY/MODERATE (E/M) may include some gentle gradients. Typically would not exceed 8 miles
MODERATE (M) includes some steep inclines and descents. Typically would not exceed 10 miles
DEMANDING (D) includes some very steep ascents and descents and/or rugged terrain. Typically would exceed 10 miles
RAMBLERS AND LEADERS ADVICE GUIDELINES
Ramblers join walks at their own risk, and for their own safety are requested to stay behind the leader and in front of the back marker. Select a walk to suit your abilities, if unsure take a look at the walk grading or contact the walk leader to check a few days beforehand. Ensure that you bring sufficient drink, food and clothing/equipment for the length of walk and weather conditions. If you are unsure of the correct walking gear or clothing please contact the Ramble Secretary for more information. Walk gradings are provided as a general guide only. Please do not put yourself or the group at risk. If you are in any doubt, please contact the leader or Ramble Secretary in advance.
Please also look at this area on the Ramblers website which contains much useful information and advice about dealing with hazards, animals, road walking etc: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/safety.aspx
PACE OF WALK
Leaders are reminded they set and control the pace of the walk to reflect the differing abilities of the group. They do not allow the pace to be forced by other members. Walking should be enjoyable for all members.
COUNTRYSIDE CODE
Leaders should ensure the group follows the Countryside Code - ie. single file through crops, use right hand side on roads, use stiles where provided, and gates to be left as they were found. Use of high visibility/reflective clothing should also be used by the leader and back marker of large groups when walking on roads.
CROSSING FIELDS THAT CONTAIN LIVESTOCK
The Leader should wait at the entrance to the field for everyone to catch up. If you are part of the way through a field before livestock are spotted, stop and wait for everyone to catch up.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN SEVERE WEATHER
When a ramble is to take place and severe weather occurs, please contact the walk leader or Ramble Secretary, in case there have been changes to the arrangements
FIRST AID KIT
All walkers should carry a personal first aid kit including additional items appropriate for their particular needs, eg. epipens etc., and it should also include within it information of prescribed medication (particularly blood thinners and heart meds). Leaders and ramblers should be aware that 999 or 112 should be dialled in case of injury or collapse or where health is giving serious cause for concern.
Useful basic first aid guidance from St John Ambulance and a downloadable app is found at https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON WALKS
APART FROM REGISTERED ASSISTANCE DOGS
FOOTPATH PROBLEMS
Members to liaise with full details of problems found with footpaths, stiles and gates so that we can make a report to the appropriate County Council as AVCG. Date, description of location and local area/village name. Grid reference, and postcode if available, photo of the issue preferably without people in it, together with description of the problem. If you use one of the digital tracking Apps like ViewRanger, OS Locate/OS Maps or What3Words you can record an exact Grid Reference at the location of the problem.