Tonbridge and Malling Ramblers

Basic guidelines for Leading a Walk

 

TMR members feature in  Ramblers training films

Early in 2025, Tonbridge and Malling Ramblers members had the opportunity to carry out a filmed recce for a 5.5 mile walk from the village of Offham. The resulting 2.5 minutes film is now being used as a resource for walk leader training, along with a second short film illustrating what to include in a walk briefing.

Each film includes material to illustrate what Ramblers expects from its walk leaders, and is designed as a training aid to help new leaders develop their skills.

Carrying out a recce - YouTube      You can check for footpath closures from here Use the map legend on the bottom left.

Carrying out a walking briefing - YouTube

In addition to our tips below, The Ramblers provides many useful resources here:  Walk Leadership - Ramblers

  What you should take 

  • Normal stuff for walking plus…
  • Map, compass, phone
  • Attendance sheet - you can download a copy of this from the members' area
  • Paper and pen for recording obstructions etc and details of any accident
  • First aid kit, torch
  • Phone numbers – pub, railways, buses

Aim to get to the start point before the walkers.  That way you’ll find out if the car park is full or access is barred before anyone else arrives and, hopefully, think of an alternative.

Before you start the walk

Sort yourself out first, put your boots on and get ready.  When people arrive, start the attendance sheet going around.  

Appoint a back-marker if there are more than just a few walkers.  It’s best if the back-marker is an experienced member of the group who you know. A paper copy of your planned route will be useful for them, or send them a gpx file of it. It's also a good idea to exchange phone numbers so that you can contact each other during the walk. 

Try to leave reasonably on time.  Undue delay is not fair to those who want to get back at the published time because they have future activities planned.

Just before you start, have a quick look at the attendance sheet to see if you can read it, note who you have and the total number you have. Sort out any issues, then gather everyone around for a short “briefing”. 

Briefing

Gather everyone around and ensure they are all listening to you.

Use the opportunity to make any group announcements, and explain the benefits of joining if you have non-members there.

  • Tell them about hills and road/rail crossings, potential hazards or points of interest.
  • Mention any mid-walk and lunchtime stops. 
  • Identify the back-marker and ask them to inform him/her if they are stopping for any reason.
  • Give an estimate of the time you expect to be back.
  • Remind them to get a message to you if there is any problem whatsoever.  You might want to tell them your mobile number.
  • Introduce any walkers who are new to the group and ask everyone to make them welcome.
  • Remind them when crossing a cultivated field to walk in single file and generally, to close gates if you discover them closed.
  • If there are any dogs present, remind their owners to keep them under control at all times.
  • Ask everyone to adhere to the pace set by you as the leader, and not to forge ahead. 

On the walk (this is the important bit)

Be aware at all times of where the back-marker is. Set a pace that the slowest can maintain.  Remember you are leading the whole group, not just the ones in your sight.  Every now and then, check that you still have everybody with you. Encourage everyone to keep fellow walkers in sight in front and behind, especially when making a turn or going around a bend in the path.

Watch out for walkers who try to hurry you up.  Remember you are the leader, so ask them to slow down.  

Pass messages back down the line about gates, obstacles, etc.

Allow time to regroup after negotiating obstacles - such as stiles, and roads – or before encountering livestock.  Remember people do walk slower (and get strung out) going up hills or over difficult/muddy terrain.  If you stop to allow people to catch up, explain this to the others.

Allow rest and recovery time if some members of the group are tiring.  Make sure everyone has had time to recuperate before moving forward!  

Keep them to the path (right of way) and point out curiosities, nice views, etc.

Tell them to take care when walking on roads: face the traffic when prudent. Don’t be over-protective: let them make their own decisions about crossing roads and railway lines, but if you have to cross near a bend try to have someone go to the other side of the road so they can see around the corner and advise.

Always know where you are on the map.  A GPS device or a mapping app like OSmaps on your phone is very useful but beware of lost signal or low battery problems. 

If you get lost, don’t panic, ask others in the group for help (they may well know the area better than you).

Generally, stay aware of the whole group: don’t get lost in conversation and lose your way!

Mid-walk stops

Whenever you stop, keep the group informed  

  • Tell them how long they have got
  • How far off they can stray
  • At lunch breaks, tell them where to assemble and when
  • Give them a few minutes warning before setting off again
  • Announce the departure to everyone and check that you still have everybody with you

If you go into a pub, tea shop, church, etc, remember to respect the carpets or flooring.  Muddy boots should be left outside or enclosed in plastic bags.

Apart from “scheduled” stops for refreshments or lunch, you may need to have the occasional “comfort” stop. 

After the walk

Thank everyone for coming, especially the back-marker.

Encourage anyone who wants to join Ramblers to nominate our group during that process. Make sure they have our web address www.tonbridgeandmallingramblers.org.uk

Additional notes

Back-marker 

You need to be able to recognise the back-marker at some distance.

The back-marker must know where the back is (usually by being there).  Sometimes (eg loo stops) there may be one or two behind them, but this should only be a temporary arrangement.

The back-marker should ensure that gates are shut when required. 

Accidents

If someone is injured, find out if anyone has first aid knowledge and get them to take over.  If not, it’s up to you.

  • If you have no first-aid knowledge, don’t attempt to do anything to help more than using basic common sense. Take appropriate precautions to minimise any further injury eg. control the traffic if someone has fallen on a road. 
  • Call the emergency services at the least provocation and get their advice.  Better to be safe than sorry.
  • Don’t administer medicines.
  • Record everything.  Who.  What.  Where.  When.  How.  Why.  Names of witnesses.
  • Consider reporting the incident to Ramblers at the earliest opportunity. See guidance on Assemble. https://www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer-zone/assemble.aspx

Dogs

Obviously, dogs should be on leads when on roads. There may be other times as well, for example, to prevent them from being a nuisance to the group.  Extending leads should not be used. Dogs should stay within the owner’s sight and under the owner’s control at all times. Generally, dogs should be on a lead when near livestock, but if the livestock becomes aggressive towards the dog it is probably best to release it and let it fend for itself. This will probably divert the animals away from the people allowing them and the dog to exit the field.