Walking Etiquette – Version: 6 issued 06/11/2024

Every walk is different, so a walk leader completes a risk assessment for each led walk which helps to plan and make notes of the steps to keep walkers safe. However there is an equal responsibility for each walker to follow guidance which enables both individuals and the group to maintain safety, as follows:

• The details of each available led walk are displayed on our website. Please make sure that you are fit enough to undertake the walk you intend to join. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.

• Everyone is welcome on our walks but children under sixteen years need to be accompanied by a parent or immediate adult family member. When someone has had a maximum of three ‘taster’ walks with the Ramblers and wishes to continue, then they are expected to provide evidence of having joined the Ramblers’ Association. It is recommended that you let somebody know of your walking plans and the time you expect to be back home.

• Walkers must check the seasonal weather forecast and have suitable clothing and footwear, food and, particularly in hot weather, plenty to drink. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit. If in doubt, contact the organisers or the walk leader in advance.

• In order to reduce the pressure on car parking please try to car share with other walkers whenever possible.

• Walkers meet at the location given in the instructions (the start of the walk). It is each walker’s responsibility to be at the start ready to depart at the stated time. If asked all walkers are expected to identify themselves to the leader or the leader’s representative in order register attendance on the Ramblers App.

• For your own and others' safety always attend the walk leader's briefing, listen to or read and abide by any advice and guidelines issued by the organisers, and the instructions of the walk leader. This includes adhering to the timings set for lunch stops and coffee breaks and walking in single file when necessary, and on the same side of the road. Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and it is your responsibility to behave sensibly and to minimise the potential for accidents, especially when it is necessary to walk along or cross any road.

• There may be occasions where it is necessary to use a railway level crossing, for which instructions to proceed or wait will be given.

• Public Rights of Way by their very location present a wide range of surfaces and obstacles, such as slippery surfaces, mud, uneven ground, loose rocks, pot holes, stiles, foot bridges, fallen trees, sharp inclines, steep drops and invasive vegetation. Many paths cross fields which may contain livestock, where it may be necessary to proceed as a group calmly and quietly, ensuring any gates are closed firmly after passing through.

• Dogs, other than Assistance Dogs, are not permitted on walks. Any person wishing to bring a dog on a led walk must contact the walk leader at least one day before the scheduled walk to check that the terrain is suitable.

• The leader should always appoint a back-marker, keep an eye out for stragglers, allow comfort breaks as required, not allow faster walkers to set the pace and ensure that no-one is left behind. It is also incumbent upon every walker to ensure that no-one is left behind and also that they advise the backmarker when making, say, a comfort stop.

• Walkers should follow the route planned by the leader and not get ahead of the leader nor try to force the pace. When turning at a sharp or blind bend in the path please make sure those following behind know where the group is walking. Please bear in mind that we all have a responsibility, not only for our own safety on walks, but also for each other.

• Walking is very much a social activity. The use of played music, incessant use of a mobile telephone and the use of foul, abusive or insulting words or behaviour are not to be tolerated.

• The group will operate a system of verbal, written and final warnings to walkers who are uncooperative and/or repeatedly cause offence. Do not have such a conversation without having a witness present in order to avoid any unfounded accusations, ideally in the presence of a Committee Member.

• In the event of bad weather, walk leaders, at their discretion, may cancel the walk. When possible, this will be displayed on the group's web site Home page the day before the walk. Walkers are therefore advised to check the group's web site in the event of bad weather or phone the leader before setting out to ensure that the walk has not been cancelled.

• The Gallery page carries albums of photographs taken by members on walks and events, which will include identifiable faces. Some photographs of particular interest may be used from time-to-time on the Essex Area Ramblers website. None is to be used for financial reward.