Health and Safety Reminder for Walk Leaders

Whether or not you are an experienced walk leader we think it’s important to remind all walk leaders to consider the health and safety of the walkers that you are leading.

So, as a gentle reminder, please remember the following:

  1. Where possible recce the route in advance or carefully plan to be aware of terrain that is steep, slippery, narrow, etc.
  2. Check the weather before your walk and consider any implications and contingency plans.
  3. In your briefing the week before your walk be clear on needs, such as good footwear, walking poles, plenty of water, etc. Check that no one has any medical issues. Explain that all walkers walk at their own risk and the Festival cannot take responsibility for any personal injury. Walk leaders reserve the right to refuse participation to any walker who is not suitably dressed or in the leader’s opinion would be unsuitable to undertake the walk. Finally, on occasions photographs may be taken for the use in future promotion of the Festival (website or social media). Walkers must tell the walk leader if they do not wish to be included.
  4. Brief your walkers before setting off to share your plan, terrain and expectations. The duration of the walk is approximate and will depend on group abilities and size.
  5. For many, especially long walks, you will need a backmarker to ensure that all walkers stay together and that regular headcounts are done. Consider bringing your own backmarker rather than relying on somebody within the group you are leading who may not want the responsibility.
  6. Set a pace and take adequate breaks appropriate to the needs of your walkers.
  7. Cross fields with livestock calmly, keeping the group together.
  8. Maintain single file on any road sections without footpaths or pavement.
  9. If you get caught in a thunderstorm get to low open ground as soon as safely possible, lay down your walking poles and sit on your rucksack.
  10. Know how to contact emergency services and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged.
  11. Carry the first aid kit that MWF provides, even if you’re not a qualified first aider, and a whistle.