Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
Club Rules & Safety Guidelines
Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
GUIDELINES FOR LEADERS
Before the Walk
If you find that you cannot lead your walk please arrange for someone to take your place and inform the Rambles
Secretary of the change. It is essential that you know your route. As a back-up, you should carry the relevant map, have
a compass and know how to use them, including taking grid references. If walkers inform the leader that they intend to go straight to the start point, they should be advised that unforeseen circumstances could prevent the leader’s arrival.
On the Day of the Walk
Check the weather forecast (Local TV/radio/internet). If you intend to meet people at the start of the walk (as opposed
to The Sands) you must go there regardless of weather conditions.Where possible, leaders should carry a mobile phone
and have with them the relevant emergency numbers. For coach trips they should have the mobile numbers
(where possible) of the other leaders and the coach driver. If practicable,on car walks contact should be established
by mobile phone between cars so that in the event of a car getting ‘lost’ or delayed a message to this effect can be
passed to the leader.
On the Walk
Before setting off complete a head count and if sufficient numbers appoint a backmarker; liaise with him/her on what
you expect. You are in charge and should decide on the route at all times, however, be prepared to listen to suggestions
on sensible (weather and/or route conditions related) alternatives. Set a reasonable pace; watch out for stragglers an
do not let ‘greyhounds’ dictate a faster pace. Try to manage the flow and regrouping of the party at gates, stiles and other barriers. You should be aware of the whereabouts of every member of the party at all times. Leaders should be aware
when approaching areas of choice, i.e.forks in a track or deviations from the main path thatcare must be taken to
ensure that the whole group all end up travelling in the same direction. Leaders are advised that there is never
sufficient justification for pressing on without all members of the walk accounted for.Leaders should carry a basic
first aid kit.They need to decide what to do in an emergency and be prepared to end the walk early due to weather
conditions or the condition of walkers in the group.
At the End of the Walk
Check that everyone is present and can get home. Report any incidents to the Safety Officer and any path problems
to the Rambles Secretary.The above is obviously only guidance information, and of course cannot cover every situation.
We would therefore request that Leaders consider this as a minimum level to aim for when leading club members.
The following words of wisdom were offered by a venerable club member: There are many more aspects to being a
walk leader than just being the person at the front of the group.
Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
GUIDELINES FOR THE BACKMARKER
- Backmarker duties are normally those of a volunteer on a particular day. These duties are often underestimated and also undervalued.
- When completed conscientiously they provide invaluable support to the leader, also a volunteer, which allows them to concentrate on other more critical duties.
- The backmarker should endeavour to be at the rear of the group for the majority of the walk, and at the very least be aware of any individual who has left the group and might be behind. He/she should also request that anyindividual leaving the group must inform the backmarker on their return.
- One of the most helpful support actions the backmarker can offer is where possible to complete a head count at natural pause points on a route e.g. stiles, junctions etc and then inform the leader when the group is complete.
- Finally the backmarker should undertake the responsibility of securing any gates/fences that the group pass through and have opened.
Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
GUIDELINES FOR WALKERS
Walkers take part in walks entirely at their own risk.
Contact the leader in advance if you are going straight to the start. If possible, have mobile phone and the number of
the day’s leader.
Walkers must be equipped with:
Well-soled footwear with ankle support, waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm hat, gloves, (if hot and/or sunny,
sun hat and sun cream), wind proof jacket and spare clothing. Layering is the best insulation. Jeans are not suitable.
If wet weather is predicted a change of clothing. For car walks bring a change of footwear for the return car journey.
Rucksack with waterproof inner, food (plus extra for emergencies), drink (min 1 litre), survival bag, personal
1st aid kit (plasters, creams etc). For your safety and in case of emergency, it is good practice to carry contact details
of husband/wife/partner/relative and essential medical information in your rucksack and on your mobile phone if you
carry one. Inform the leader if you suffer from any medical condition (eg diabetes), this might dictate rest stops.
During the walk maintain single file through crops and growing meadows and be extra careful on wet surfaces, especially
rock, sloping grass, wooden stiles and footbridges. Be careful with walking poles when near other walkers. Always carry
point down.On roads, walk in single file and on the same side as the leader. If you are at the end of the line, back or front, shout a warning of any approaching vehicle. In mist everyone should be able to see the person in front, shout out before
they disappear. Backmarkers should close all gates unless informed otherwise by the leader.The current Countryside Code asks that gates be left as found. Leave no litter. This includes orange peel and banana skins. Walk as a group and maintain contact with the leader or backmarker at all times. Anyone in front of the leader and out of contact will be considered not
part of the walk.It is essential that the leader in informed immediately of any difficulties or problems arising during the walk.
Inform the leader or backmarker should you wish to leave the group. If you wish a comfort stop inform the leader or
backmarker and double check the direction of the continuing party. If you lose contact with the group for any reason
go to the last known position of the group and WAIT THERE. DO NOT WANDER OFF!
It is important that members are sufficiently aware of their own limitations when choosing which walk to attempt.
Both distance and grade of difficulty are published well in advance on the programme. It is unfair on both the group
and the leader if the walk has to be curtailed to meet with the requirements of individuals who sadly are unable to
complete the walk at a reasonable pace.
New Safety Guidelines for
Walk Leaders,Backmarkers & Walkers
Guidelines, Risk assessments
It is essential that members read this for insurance purposes.
Walkers take part in walks entirely at their own risk. The Club, officers and walks leaders of the Club cannot accept any responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by members or other persons whilst taking part in any of the Group`s activities.
Clothing
1. Waterproof jacket and overtrousers are essential – jeans are not suitable.
2. Warm hat and gloves are essential for even warm days, sun-hats and cream for sunnier days.
3. Food (emergency rations advisable as well) and drink is essential on day walks; extra drink in warm weather.
4. Wind-proof jackets are needed for most days on the fells.
5. Remember that layering is the best way to insulate against cold and one layer can always be discarded if too hot. Spare clothing in case of emergencies is advisable.
Footwear
Footwear with a good grip on the sole e.g. Vibram is the key to avoiding accidents. Walking boots provide support at the ankle, keep feet dry and are essential for both moorland and fell walking.
Equipment
1. Rucksack with waterproof inner.
2. Water bottle, capacity at least 1 litre.
3. Survival bag.
4. Personal first aid kit – do not rely on others for bite relief, sticking plasters, painkillers etc
5. Walking poles: check that they are the right height for you and take great care not to get them in others' way. Always carry point down.
6. Hi-Viz jacket/waistcoat
SAFETY
1. The walk leader will assess the weather conditions on the day and his/her word will be final as to whether the walk is cancelled, altered or adjusted in any way whatsoever.
2. The walk leader will appoint a “back marker” and it is vital that no walker gets behind that person. If it is necessary to fall back, you MUST let the back marker or other person know what you are doing.
3. All walkers must keep the leader in view, PARTICULARLY in mist.
4. If anyone leaves a walk for whatever reason, then the walk leader will no longer be responsible for that person and the club will not be held responsible for any mishap whatsoever once the walk has been left.
5. Walkers must be prepared to walk as a group and maintain contact with the leader or back marker at all times. Anyone in front of the leaders and out of contact will be considered to have left the club walk. The walk leader must be informed immediately of any difficulties or problems experienced by members of the walk. If you wish to leave the walk, the leader must be informed.
6. For your own safety and in case of emergency, it is good practice to carry contact details and where appropriate essential medical information in your rucksack. It is essential that you let the group leader know of any possible medical situations which could arise and what should be done if it does.
SAFETY OFFICER
The safety officer is Tom Fortune, please report any concerns to the walk leader primarily, or to Tom. Incident forms are available and will be completed if necessary.
MOBILE PHONES should NEVER be used whilst actually moving on a walk and, in any case, use should be kept to an absolute minimum for the enjoyment of all walkers.
Risk Assessment, leaders' notes
It is essential that members read this for insurance purposes.
Risk assessment of the Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
1. Hazards
We identify the following hazards for our members when out walking:
(a) Falling over and breaking or spraining wrists, ankles, etc
(b) Slipping on muddy paths and hurting themselves on ground impact.
(c) Getting behind on a walk and not knowing where the group is.
(d) Crossing roads and walking on roads.
2. Who might be harmed?
Any member out walking
3. Control Measures
(a) All walks leaders receive a guide to safety when out walking.
(b) All new members receive a guide to safety when out with the club.
(c) Walks leaders are instructed to carry charged mobile phones and must be able to give a grid reference to emergency services in the event of a serious accident.
(d) All members must carry a simple first-aid kit to deal with minor incidents.
4. Additional Control measures
No unnecessary risks are taken in poor weather conditions. All group leaders are asked to make “on the spot” assessments and, if necessary, they are to cancel, change or alter the advertised walk. All group leaders are given the authority to prevent anyone from walking with them if the member is unsuitably dressed or shod.
5. The risk assessment is given to all committee members, leaders and is published on our website
CARLISLE & DISTRICT RAMBLING CLUB – GUIDELINES FOR WALKS LEADERS
It is essential to have route knowledge and preferably to have reconnoitred the walk.
All leaders are instructed to carry a fully-charged mobile phone. Mobile phone numbers should be exchanged with other leaders, where necessary and with a walker who leaves the group for any reason.The walk leaders must appoint a back-marker who can be changed during the walk.
Everyone must be kept reasonably together, especially in mist and re-grouping should take place if there are any stragglers.The overall pace should take in all levels of walkers.
The walk leader must assess weather conditions – and change/cancel/alter a walk as necessary.
Make sure everyone is suitably clothed and shod. and prevent a walker from going out if unsuitably attired or not fit enough to complete the walk. The walk leader should give a resume of the length and terrain which will be covered before starting. All walk leaders must be able to give a grid reference in the event of an accident. An Ordnance Survey, Harvey`s or other map (preferable 1:25000) and compass must be carried, even if using a GPS device. Leaders should be aware of all hazards including road walking, the generally safe way to road walk is to face on-coming traffic but blind corners etc should be taken into account.
SAFETY OFFICER
The club safety officer is Tom Fortune, please report any accident, injury or incident of any kind concerning safety or welfare of others to the walk leader or to Tom. Please note that there are incident forms available which will be completed when necessary.