Peak Walking Group relies on its members to lead walks- but it’s not a requirement of membership to do so. We recognise that some people may find this intimidating or scary but most find they can rise to the challenge. Read on to see what’s involved .
I’m sure I had a group with me when I set out ….
Walk leaders mainly tell us where we are going
The primary function of a Peak Walking Group walk leader is to take us on a walk – usually but not necessarily in the Peak District. Sometimes we get lost – that adds interest. Non-working Walk Leaders are often able to recce (or test) a walk so they know where to stop for 11am coffee and 1pm lunch, but if that’s impractical don’t let it stop you – we can wing it as required on the day.
Ideally the walk leader will have a clear idea of the route, and will certainly have either a paper map or a phone app to enable them to resolve uncertainties as they arise. Towards the end of the previous walk programme they will have bagged a date to lead a walk, and will have let the Walk Co-ordinator know the route, mileage, meeting point etc well in advance. If anything untoward happens on the day, no-one will expect you to take charge; the group will manage as a collective.
The walk leader needs to know how many people he or she is taking on the walk, and to check periodically that they are all still there. Leaders don’t need to walk at the front, but they do set the pace of the group by ensuring that faster members take a break to let others catch up – and then to allow those others to catch their breath. At the end of the walk, Leaders contact the walk co-ordinator to inform them of the numbers who took part.