The Ramblers have updated the guidance for both walkers and walk leaders. The following information highlights and emphasises the role and responsibilities of all walkers.
Separate guidance has been issued by the coordinator for the A+ group given the strenuous nature of their walks and inherent higher level of risk.
An important part of this guidance is that we work as a team to minimise any risks and support each other during our walks. This approach is well evidenced across all the Lower Wharfedale walking groups and the responsibilities detailed here are a useful reminder and will help us to build on this. To help to minimise the risk to both individual participants, and the group, it is recommended that each walker should carry the following:
- Your lunch and snacks! Make sure to pack enough food and drinks for the walk. Some extra high-energy snacks are always recommended, and don’t forget extra water on the warmer days.
- Clothing. Check the weather forecast before you head out and dress for the weather. Wearing layers is best (also consider warm hat and gloves). Remember that it’s colder if there is a strong wind or if the walk includes high hills and mountains. The Met Office forecast gives a feel like temperature and expected wind/gusts speeds.
- The sun can be strong even in winter. Please wear adequate sunscreen, and bring a hat.
- Pay special attention to your footwear. Good walking boots should be the normal default for all walks.
- Chat to the walk leader if you’re not sure what to wear
- An extra layer of clothing is also recommended
- a whistle
- any medication you may need on the walk
- A+ and some A walks will require the following: The leader should take a recently checked first aid kit, emergency shelter, foil blanket. All members should be advised to carry a first aid kit.
- We also recommend that, to cover the unlikely event of injury,
walkers register their mobile phone with 999 and have the OS locate app loaded on their mobile phone. This could prove useful whilst walking with Ramblers as well as undertaking other activities (see safety on walks). - Booking ahead can help the walk leader plan the walk so make sure you book your spot if the walk requires pre-booking. The group can also help with lifts and organising car shared to get you there on the day.
Before the walk
Read the walk details and choose a walk that you can manage. Please see Is the walk suitable for you? below for walk grades. Don’t overstretch yourself. Please assume that there will be livestock present on all walks. Get in touch with the walk leader if you’re not sure. Arrive in plenty of time. This should be at least 15 minutes before the walk start time so you can introduce yourself to the walk leader.
At the start of the walk
You’ll get a warm welcome from our experienced walk leaders and like-minded walkers in the groups. Striding out together along tried-and-tested routes means we can all enjoy the pleasures of walking, safely and in good company.
- Let the walk leader know if you have any health conditions that may impact your walk or be relevant in case of an emergency. We’ll respect your privacy.
- It’s helpful to have an emergency contact in mind too, so you can let the walk leader know who to contact in case of an emergency. Your leader might be carrying an ICE (incase of emergency) card that you can use or you can download from our website.
During the walk
- Please always follow the instructions of the walk leader.
- Be aware that plans may change, as our walk leaders adapt to changing conditions on the day.
- Leave no-one behind and respect the pace of the group.
- Let us know if you’re struggling at any point.
- Follow the Countryside Code (when in England and Wales) and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (when in Scotland). Leave no trace of your walk (and take all rubbish home with you).
Whilst all outdoor activities come with risks, these are far outweighed by the rewards and by working together we can ensure that everyone continues to enjoy our walks and other social activities.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your continued support in making our walks safe and enjoyable.
Lower Wharfedale Ramblers Committee
Is the walk suitable for you?
Ramblers walks are graded as follows:
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Easy (E) |
Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for push chairs. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. |
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Leisure ly (L) |
Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. |
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Moderate (M) |
Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths, open hillside or moorland and maybe at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. |
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Strenuous (S) |
Walks for experienced country walkers with above average fitness levels. May include hills, rough countryside and at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. |
Walk Grades
Short 1/2 Day
Less than 6ml and 250ft ascent., and will last about 2hrs, unless there is any further description to the contrary.Easy Access
Suitable for all, including wheelchairs, pushchairs, using easy access paths.
Easy
0 - 500ft ascent. Suitable for all, max. 5 miles.
Leisurely
0 - 1500ft ascent. Gently paced, easy gradients.
Moderate
500 - 1500ft ascent. Reasonable degree of fitness required
Hard
1500 - 2500ft ascent. Suitable for strong regular all day walkers only.
Strenuous
More than 2500ft ascent. Could involve scrambling.
Technical
More than 2500ft ascent. Suitable for the most experienced only. Could involve scrambling. High level of fitness and rough country experience required, might involve use of technical skills and equipment, eg climbing.
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Suggested version Updated Guidance for Walkers and Walk Leaders The Ramblers updated their guidance for both walkers and walk leaders (April 2024). This update highlights and reinforces the roles and responsibilities of all walkers in helping to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone. LWR Group-Specific Guidance (A, A(s) & A+)Due to the nature of their walks and the inherently higher level of risk involved, adapted versions of the Ramblers’ “Info for Walkers” are available on the Guidance section of the LWR website for the following groups:
These documents provide essential information tailored to the demands of these more challenging walks. Default Guidance for Other Groups (B, C & D)For all other LWR groups (B, C, and D), the standard Ramblers “Info for Walkers” applies. This guidance is available directly on the Ramblers website: Walk Grades Summary The Ramblers walk grades are outlined in the walk leaders’ document titled “Skills Framework.” For your convenience, a summary table of the walk grades is provided below.
While all outdoor activities carry some level of risk, these are far outweighed by the rewards. By working together and staying informed, we can ensure that everyone continues to enjoy our walks and social activities safely. Thank you for taking the time to read this—and for your ongoing support in making our walks safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all |