Guidance for Walkers

Walking with the Society

In addition to the above, the following should be noted when taking part in organised society walks. In particular, potential hazards exist on highways with no footpaths, especially on narrow winding lanes when quiet speeding cars and cyclists can cause injury.

The aim of this guidance is to remind members of their responsibility to act with reasonable care towards themselves, others and the environment.

  1. Check the nature of each publicised walk;
  2. Choose walks that are suitable for their level of fitness;
  3. Not put their health and welfare at risk;
  4. Take and wear protective clothing and appropriate footwear;
  5. Take water, food and first aid kit;
  6. Carry a working mobile telephone, if possible.

Members with a known health problem have a responsibility to bring prescribed medicine to inform the leaders/others of that special need and request assistance prior to a crisis event or emergency.

The walk description includes a definition of how difficult it is:

  • Easy: the cumulative height climbed during the walk is less than 300 feet.
  • Moderate: the cumulative height climbed is between 300 and 1,000 feet.
  • Hilly: the cumulative height climbed is over 1,000 feet.
  • In addition, the total distance to be walked needs to be factored in as does the temperature and general weather conditions predicted for the day when considering whether a walk is suitable for you.

In addition, the total distance to be walked needs to be factored in as does the temperature and general weather conditions predicted for the day when considering whether a walk is suitable for you.

  1. We meet at the junction of Imperial Road and Avenue Road, Malvern.
  2. If you intend to go directly to the walk start location, you are strongly advised to check in advance with the walk leader that there has been no change to the walk start point or timing, this is particularly important in times of bad weather.
  3. If possible, check the website for details of any cancellations or revisions.
  4. Where possible, share transport to the start of the walk and offer to make a contribution towards expenses incurred.
  5. Follow the leader’s instructions for parking cars.
  6. If intending to leave the walk at any point, inform the leader beforehand. Also, if you need to make an unscheduled stop, advise the back marker of your intended absence.
  7. When crossing awkward stiles or other obstructions, look to see if the person behind you needs a helping hand.
  8. Make sure you are always aware of the person behind you – it is possible to split the group at any point of a sudden direction change.
  9. Dogs are not permitted on organised Society walks.
  10. If carrying poles, walkers need to be aware of potential hazards to other walkers; they have very sharp ends and can cause injury to others if carried carelessly.

Countryside Walking in General

  1. Walkers are reminded to adhere to the Country Code.
  2. Always try to follow the right of Way.
  3. Respect growing crops and do as little damage as possible.
  4. At locked gates with no stile, climb over the hinged end.
  5. If a farm gate is open then leave it as found unless there is a reason to believe it should have been closed, i.e. risk of livestock straying on to road. If in doubt then close it.
  6. Park your car with consideration and off the road where possible. Remember farm machinery can be very large so do not obstruct farm gates.
  7. Do not cut barbed wire or otherwise remove an obstacle unless you are confident it is on the line of a right of way. In general it is better to find a way round obstacles. It is not an offence to stray from the right of way to get round an obstruction.
  8. Carry secateurs to trim back brambles etc. on line of path.
  9. If the route is along a road follow the Highway Code, where there is a pavement or adequate verge then walk on that. Otherwise walk on the right facing oncoming traffic unless the road is bending in a direction to obscure this.
  10. It is recommended that all walkers carry a first aid kit.
  11. When you enter a field containing livestock, move carefully and quietly.
    If possible walk around them but never approach any animal from the rear. Try not to show fear. As you cross the field keep with your group and walk confidently to the exit. Those with sticks should take a position on the outside of the group. If you feel that it would be dangerous to confront the animals find an alternative route.