As a member your actions can contribute or be detrimental to the safety and enjoyment of the whole group.
- You must be fully and properly equipped for Club walks. See What you’ll Need on a Walk. In particular, you should make sure you have sufficient liquid and are prepared for changes in the weather.
- Choose a walk which you consider you can finish on the day, in the time allowed, taking into consideration the weather, the expected conditions underfoot and your personal health and fitness. Don’t learn the hard way about the need to make a suitable choice of walk before starting out. See Choosing Your Walk for more information.
- All members should read the Club’s Risk Assessment, [LINK] which is reviewed and updated annually around the time of the AGM.
- If a walk leader considers a walk well beyond your ability on the day, then you should accept the leader’s decision, and choose a less strenuous walk that day.
- The walk leader is concerned with the safety and enjoyment of the whole group. Give him or her your full support and help in any way you can. Leaders’ decisions are taken after consultation with the group where necessary, and you should accept these as final.
- Always try to stay with the main body of the walking group. If you find you are having difficulty in keeping up for any reason, then let the leader know. Don’t get too far ahead of the main group, slow down and wait.
- The walk leader will decide the location, time and duration of the lunch stop in consultation with the group. It is a good idea to carry snacks with you in case the lunch break is delayed for any reason.
- Each group must take the group safety equipment with them on every walk. This consists of a first aid kit, cas straps and an emergency shelter. Members can assist the leader by volunteering to take their turn to carry this important equipment.
- If another walker is having trouble think what you can do to help. Often moral support is all that is needed.
- You should conduct yourself at all times in a manner which will enhance the good name of the Club.
- 14 – 16 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you are accompanying children, then you need to be able to look after them and be responsible for them at all times.
- Dogs are not permitted on walks.
If, through your actions or lack of preparation, you put other walkers in danger, then you will be held personally responsible. You are expected to behave as a member of the group, not as an individual.
The Club Guidelines are for the safety and well-being of members and repeated serious breaches of them by a member could result in disciplinary action being taken by the Committee. At worst this may lead to a member being expelled from the Club.
