For safe and happy walking...
For the benefit of members, the Bristol HF Rambling Club committee has drawn up some guidelines, which they hope will be useful and helpful. These have been written with the safety of walking groups and individual members in mind, plus also with the aim of showing respect and consideration for the property of farmers and landowners, over whose land we walk.
DURING THE WALK
Set a pace suitable for ability and size of the group
Avoid a long straggling line. Check regularly that you are in touch with the back
marker particularly when you are walking through woods or villages with twists and turns.
BE AWARE OF THE COUNTRY CODE
Leave gates as found and ensure the information is passed back.
The group should walk single file through crops and fodder unless the pathway is broad.
On roads the group should be walking single file. If straight walk on the right facing the oncoming traffic. If the road bends use the side that gives
the best vision
Stops are at you discretion, the length of time may be dependent on the weather and/or a place of interest. If it is hot ensure there are sufficient water stops.
FIRST AID
It is advisable for all leaders to carry a First Aid Kit whistle and mobile phone. Each walker is responsible for their own first aid.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE
Every accident is different. Leaders should use common sense and utilise any medical expertise available.
Serious Accidents or if in doubt:
Phone for an ambulance or Mountain Rescue if hill walking, using 999 or the emergency SMS text service if there is no signal. Give as accurate description of the injuries as possible and the location of the accident with a grid reference.
Ensure 2 people remain with the casualty until help arrives. Arrange for one or both to be picked up afterwards at a pre-arranged point.
In less serious cases if the casualty can walk help them to the nearest road access. Whilst 2 people go for a car to pick up the casualty ensure someone remains with the casualty until the car arrives.
Continue with the walk for the rest of the group, having first made sure the helpers and their belongings can get home.
Ensure the details of all accidents or incidents are reported to the Club Secretary to be recorded in case of any claims on the Club’s Insurance.
Check on the condition of the casualty as soon as you can.
COUNTRYSIDE...
All members are expected to:
1 Observe the Country Code
2 Walk in single file through the standing crops (including grass)
3 Open gates where possible, or if the gate cannot be opened, to climb the gate at the hinged end, one person at a time. Where there is a stile
by the side of a locked gate, stile should be climbed not the gate.
4 Ensure that all gates are left as found, the leader will pass back the information as to whether a gate was open or shut
SAFETY.
All members should:
1 Walk in single file on busy roads on the right hand side facing the oncoming traffic
2 Tell others they are stopping so that they are not left behind
3 Keep an eye on the person behind especially where there a change in direction
4 Not a walk ahead of the leader unless given permission
EQUIPMENT, FOOTWEAR AND CLOTHING
...
All members should:
1 Have the correct footwear for the walking conditions. Stout shoes and walking sandals may be suitable for lowland walking but for rough walking and mountain walks, boots with good soles and giving ankle protection, must be worn.
2 For protection against wind and rain, a waterproof jacket and over trousers should be carried. For mountain walks, a woolly hat, gloves, an extra sweater or fleece, spare socks and emergency rations like chocolate or sweets, should be carried.
3 Carry their own basic first aid kit and any other personal medication required. Also a whistle as a helpful precaution.
FITNESS
For everyone's enjoyment it is necessary that you are fit and well enough to complete the planned walk.
If there is any doubt about your ability for a particular walk then please ask the leader's advice beforehand.
Please remember the leader can refuse to take any person considered inadequately equipped or clothed, or judged by the leader to be undertaking a walk beyond that person's ability.
CHILDREN
Children are welcome on walks but must be accompanied by an immediate adult member of the family, to take entire responsibility.
DURING THE WALK
Set a pace suitable for ability and size of the group
Avoid a long straggling line. Check regularly that you are in touch with the back
marker particularly when you are walking through woods or villages with twists and turns.
BE AWARE OF THE COUNTRY CODE
Leave gates as found and ensure the information is passed back.
The group should walk single file through crops and fodder unless the pathway is broad.
On roads the group should be walking single file. If straight walk on the right facing the oncoming traffic. If the road bends use the side that gives
the best vision
Stops are at you discretion, the length of time may be dependent on the weather and/or a place of interest. If it is hot ensure there are sufficient water stops.
FIRST AID
It is advisable for all leaders to carry a First Aid Kit whistle and mobile phone. Each walker is responsible for their own first aid.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE
Every accident is different. Leaders should use common sense and utilise any medical expertise available.
Serious Accidents or if in doubt:
Phone for an ambulance or Mountain Rescue if hill walking, using 999 or the emergency SMS text service if there is no signal. Give as accurate description of the injuries as possible and the location of the accident with a grid reference.
Ensure 2 people remain with the casualty until help arrives. Arrange for one or both to be picked up afterwards at a pre-arranged point.
In less serious cases if the casualty can walk help them to the nearest road access. Whilst 2 people go for a car to pick up the casualty ensure someone remains with the casualty until the car arrives.
Continue with the walk for the rest of the group, having first made sure the helpers and their belongings can get home.
Ensure the details of all accidents or incidents are reported to the Club Secretary to be recorded in case of any claims on the Club’s Insurance.
Check on the condition of the casualty as soon as you can.
COUNTRYSIDE...
All members are expected to:
1 Observe the Country Code
2 Walk in single file through the standing crops (including grass)
3 Open gates where possible, or if the gate cannot be opened, to climb the gate at the hinged end, one person at a time. Where there is a stile
by the side of a locked gate, stile should be climbed not the gate.
4 Ensure that all gates are left as found, the leader will pass back the information as to whether a gate was open or shut
SAFETY.
All members should:
1 Walk in single file on busy roads on the right hand side facing the oncoming traffic
2 Tell others they are stopping so that they are not left behind
3 Keep an eye on the person behind especially where there a change in direction
4 Not a walk ahead of the leader unless given permission
EQUIPMENT, FOOTWEAR AND CLOTHING
...
All members should:
1 Have the correct footwear for the walking conditions. Stout shoes and walking sandals may be suitable for lowland walking but for rough walking and mountain walks, boots with good soles and giving ankle protection, must be worn.
2 For protection against wind and rain, a waterproof jacket and over trousers should be carried. For mountain walks, a woolly hat, gloves, an extra sweater or fleece, spare socks and emergency rations like chocolate or sweets, should be carried.
3 Carry their own basic first aid kit and any other personal medication required. Also a whistle as a helpful precaution.
FITNESS
For everyone's enjoyment it is necessary that you are fit and well enough to complete the planned walk.
If there is any doubt about your ability for a particular walk then please ask the leader's advice beforehand.
Please remember the leader can refuse to take any person considered inadequately equipped or clothed, or judged by the leader to be undertaking a walk beyond that person's ability.
CHILDREN
Children are welcome on walks but must be accompanied by an immediate adult member of the family, to take entire responsibility.
