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.

Peak Walking Group Club Rules

1. Anyone participating on a walk does so at their own risk.
It is to be understood that all participants have informed themselves of details of the walk and hazards likely to be met via the walk programme or contact with a PWG representative such as the walk leader.
Walkers should be aware that PWG does not provide coaching, training or qualified First Aid assistance.

2. Persons under the age of 18 are allowed to attend walks but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

3. Walk leaders to make sure all party members are suitably equipped, and in extreme circumstances would be justified in turning away someone if they thought that the lack of proper footwear or equipment would put themselves or others in danger.

4. All walkers must carry their ICE (In Case of Emergency) card. The walk leader will provide a replacement for any mislaid card, to be completed at the start of the walk. Leaders will also ask any guest/day walker to fill out a card at the start and to carry it in their rucksack.

5. The walk leader is permitted to exercise their discretion as to variation of the route on the appointed day. Any suggested extension of the walk distance will be by approval of all members present.

6. Any member on a walk who is unwell will be escorted back to the start/finish point by at least one other member.

7. Membership fees are due on 1 January. Members joining after 1 July will only be required to pay 50% of the annual joining fee.

8. Day/guest members may attend two walks but thereafter must join PWG to comply with insurance and data protection requirements.

9. All members and guests must abide by the Countryside Code*.
*Summary and long versions are both at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the- countryside-code

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