Ramblers festivals and events
Running a themed walk as part of a nationally promoted festival or event is a great way for local activities to benefit from wider publicity and attract more new walkers and potential members. For details of forthcoming events see www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer/festivals.
Walk Leader Regional Training Events
Throughout the spring and summer of 2012 the Ramblers are running a series of Walk Leader training days, specifically for new, or potential leaders. Further information is available here
Navigation and Leadership - A manual for walkers Many long standing Walk Leaders are likely to be familiar with Navigation and Leadership – a manual to help Walk Leaders lead Ramblers walks.First produced in 1993 it sold out almost immediately and was revised and reissued in 1994.The manual has subsequently been used by many Groups and members with stocks eventually running out in the mid 2000’s.
Thus as an interim measure whilst the training package is being designed, Navigation and Leadership book has been made available electronically to brush up or learn new skills or to help run Walk Leader training.In the decade and a half since the book was written there have been some changes, both nationally and organisationally.Therefore changes have been made to the online version, however it must be noted that the manual must be read in the spirit in which it has been re-published.
Navigation and Leadership PowerPoint Presentation
These presentations have been adapted from a set of slides first produced by the Navigation and Leadership panel in the 1990’s to accompany “Navigation and Leadership – a manual for walkers,” the Ramblers Walk Leaders handbook.
They may be used to help Groups deliver walk leader training and have been divided into two sections; Introduction to Leading Walks and Introduction to Navigation. There are also notes to accompany the presentation which will aid tutors running the course.
Each tutor may wish to select topics and/or add to the presentation as they see fit and to suit the needs of their trainees.
We are keen to hear feedback from Group’s who have used the presentation. Please contact the Led Walks Officer: ledwalks@ramblers.org.uk
Varied Walks Programmes
Volunteer ideas for creating a varied walks programme, following a discussion at General Council 2010, can be found here.
Ramblers national festivals and events
Participating in festivals and events by including an appropriate walk in your programme is a great way to attract new members and spread the good news about walking. For details of forthcoming Ramblers national festivals and events see www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer/festivals ‘Led Walks – The Way Ahead’
This paper sets out plans that are being considered to introduce a co-ordinated training package for Walk Leaders. It also explains why the development of Led Walks is a focus of activity for the Ramblers (Posted 3 March 2010)
Insurance for leading walks
The insurance for 11/12 is available and it contains some minor changes, so please ensure you read the guidance fully. The full insurance document and forms including incident report forms are available here.
Led Walks Reports:
Bob Barton Report
In 2006, Bob Barton, an independent walking expert was appointed to undertake a review of the Ramblers Led Walks programme. He found many strengths in the programme but also some weaknesses and so made a series of recommendations for the development of Led Walks which are outlined in the report.
Incident Analysis
In order to ensure that insurance cover is adequate, to monitor any trends and so help the organisation to offer appropriate advice and training, analyses of reported incidents are undertaken every 6 months.
Case Studies
Most of the incidents reported are, thankfully, of a minor nature. However, occasionally, there are more serious incidents that require further investigation in order that the organisation can learn from them and offer appropriate guidance. More detail of incidents can be read on the Case Studies page.
If you have any queries or would like advice about your role as a Walks Leader please contact Karen Inkster, Led Walk Officer. 020 7339 8519 or mobile 07943612931 or email karen.inkster@ramblers.org.uk
Or fill in an on-line form Led Walks Team.
[Updated April 12]
