NB The Ramblers' Association also have this guidance.

DECIDING ON A WALK FOR THE WALKS PROGRAMME:

• Give the walks coordinator as much info as possible with start location Car Park and Waypoints.

• Is the walk is public transport accessible - if so could it be a public transport walk?

• Think about ratings - length and difficulty. You should be aware of the correct classification of your walks prior to submission.

• Once in the printed walks programme, only alter arrangements in extremis

• On your route, please try and avoid long stretches of road walking - in particular A or B roads

• Give us the key facts - length, waypoints, difficulty, description, start point (car park)

BEFORE THE DAY:

• Thorough preparation of route - reccie it, ask about pub closing times etc.

• Weather - watch forecast from about day -3, especially if high level

• Decide whether to lead from front, middle or back

 ON THE DAY:

• Final decision of walk route BASED ON WEATHER FORECAST

• Get to meeting point early

• Split people into groups (if car walk)

• Check all where start point is and that you take the max number of people per car

AT START:

• Introduce yourself

• Check if new members and tell them not to leave ay end without publicity

• Check everyone seems competent and has suitable clothing and gear

• Short briefing - Welcome, walk route, distance, breaks and pubs, pace

• Appoint a backmarker & decide - do you always want to see the backmarker or let them go out of earshot

• Headcount (can be done be backmarker)

• MAKE SURE YOUR BACKMARKER COMMUNICATES & LETS YOU KNOW THINGS ARE OK AT REST STOPS

ON WALK:

• Check headcount (or is backmarker visible?)

• Chat to as many people as possible - remember, many new people probably want to talk to you!

• Think about pauses, regroups, rest stops and meal breaks

• Pay special attention to newcomers and anyone with problems

• Watch pace and check timing

• Help at obstructions and difficult stiles

• Handle the group closely on road sections

ALWAYS PREPARE & HAVE PLAN FOR:

• Getting lost, hazards and blocked paths, deteriorating weather, accidents and illness, people forcing the pace, managing the group/drawing on group expertise/keeping people informed

AT THE END:

• Thanks

• Details of upcoming events

• Ensure newcomers get some publicity material

Thank you for leading a MAD Walk!!! Without walk leaders, we'd be going nowhere...