Leader guidance

The Society relies on walk leaders to organise the programme of walks to achieve its aim of walking the paths in Oxfordshire. The more people who lead the walks, the easier it is for everyone.

If you would like to explore more about leading a walk then please get in touch with our walks organiser Liz at .

This page contain some guidance on how to lead a walk. You could also talk to experienced walk leaders for advice.

Picking The Route

The first thing you need to do to organise a walk is to pick a route. You could use a favourite walk, get a route from a book or recycle a walk you have attended with another group. Alternatively, you can try making up your own route. The OS 1:25,000 maps are available from Streetmap and Bing maps.

Natural England/Defra publish maps showing various environmental features and land uses but no longer provide details of permissive paths. Mapping is available via the MAGIC system. Government information is also available about Rights of way and accessing land.

Points to consider when picking the route are

  • the length and timing of the walk – can you complete the walk in daylight?
  • will the walk be linear or circular
  • the terrain – ascents and descents and condition of paths
  • the season – what is the weather likely to be on your walk?
  • is suitable parking available? Do you need to get permission to park?
  • will you be stopping for lunch? Picnic or pub lunch?
  • are there any toilet facilities on the route?
  • is the route all on definitive paths or have you obtained permission from the landowner?

You should make sure your first few walks are not too long or complicated. Try to get the OS Explorer map (with an orange front) which covers your walk – you may need more than one. If you don’t have the relevant map yourself you may be able to borrow it from another member of the group.

If possible, try to find a start point that is on public transport. You could also try organising a lift share meeting point.

The Recce

You will need to try walking the route before the day of the walk, possibly even several times to make sure you are confident of the route. Try to find someone to go with you on the recce, prefereably an experienced walk leader, who can also go on the actual walk (a potential back marker who will know the route). On the recce you should:

  • walk the full route.
  • check the parking – will there be other users on the day of the walk?
  • take secateurs with you so that you can clear vegetation blocking the route.
  • time the walk, trying to allow for the extra time it takes a group to get over a stile etc. Check the walk can be completed in the available daylight hours.
  • note down any tricky points such as broken stiles or steep slopes. Report any problems to the relevant County Council – it may be fixed by the time of your walk.
  • assess any risks such as having to cross or walk along any busy roads.
  • decide where to break for drinks and food.
  • check for available toilet facilites.
  • check whether pubs at the end of the walk welcome walkers.
  • if you see any points of interest on the walk (such as churches, monuments etc), see if you can find out anything about them before the walk.
  • decide if crops and vegetation likely to become troublesome by the date of the walk.
  • determine if the route is suitable for dog walkers.

You may do your original recce months in advance of the walk, to check that it is suitable for the group before submitting it for inclusion in the programme. If so, you should repeat the recce very near the date of the walk just in case of unforeseen problems. You should also confirm any arrangements made, such as parking or pub lunches.

On The Day

Before you leave home, you should check the weather forecast. Try to get to the start point at least 30 minutes early. Try to take

  • some extra drink with you in case someone forgets theirs
  • a paper map with you; don’t rely on an electrical GPS device as the batteries may go flat although a GPS can be useful when used in conjunction with a map
  • a mobile phone
  • a first aid kit

At The Start

Try to position yourself in a prominent location, particularly if the parking is difficult to find.

As people arrive at the start of the walk, check they have suitable clothing, drinks and food. If you think it is going to be very muddy, warn people so that they can put on gaiters and suitable boots. If there are a large number of people ask someone to be a back-marker – run through the route with them so that they have a rough idea where you will be going.

Before setting off, introduce yourself, welcome everyone (particularly newcomers), outline the walk route, the distance, the pace you expect to go, when you will be breaking for refreshments and when you expect to finish. Do a head count.

Under 18s should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If there are any dog walkers, you should make them aware of the society’s policy. Dogs are welcome at the leader’s discretion but must be kept under strict control at all times. Extra care should be taken through farmyards, where animals graze and near private gardens and nature reserves. The dog owner should have sufficient water and a bowl for the dog as well as bags to pick up any mess.

At The End

When you get to the end, make sure that everyone has returned. Check that any new people have enjoyed the walk and provide them with details of how to join the society. Thank your back-marker. If you are going to the pub, let people know which one.

Report any problems with paths, stiles etc to the relevant authority. Any incidents (e.g. health or confrontational) need to be reported to the Walk’s Organiser.

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