If you'd like to know more about leading a walk, contact the Walks Secretary
Leading a walk
All our walks are lead by volunteers. Any SURG member can lead a walk, and you don’t need any special training or qualifications. Here’s an outline of what’s involved.
Choosing a route
SURG walks are generally between 5 miles and 15 miles long, sometimes up to 20 miles in summer, so you'll have plenty of choice of what type of walk you'd like to lead. However note that because we are a charity, we cannot include sponsored walks for other charities on our programme.
If you need inspiration, there are lots of guide books giving routes all over Surrey, including AA's 50 walks in Surrey, 100 walks in Surrey, and Pub walks in the Surrey Hills. Or you can find routes online at sites like www.go4awalk.com.
If you need a map, you can borrow one from the SURG map library, the Ramblers' map library, or your local library. If you prefer to buy your maps, you can get a discount through the Ramblers' online shop.
Assessing a route
It’s important to walk out the route in advance to make sure there are no problems. Contact the Walks Secretary if you need a 'walk buddy’ to walk with you.
Note any difficult sections
- Any turnings that you might miss?
- Any difficult road crossings?
- Any sections that are unsuitable for dogs?
- Any obstructions to the footpath?
The Ramblers' civil liability insurance does not cover climbing, so the route should be within safe limits and should not require climbing ropes. Admittedly this is unlikely to be a problem in Surrey, but it might be an issue if you're leading a walk on a weekend away.
Time the walk
- Remember that the pace of the group will probably be slower.
- Stops for drinks, toilets, road crossings, stile crossings and ‘regrouping’ will add more time.
Plan refreshment stops
- If you’re planning a picnic, is there anywhere with shelter in case of poor weather?
- If you’re planning to stop at a pub or tea shop, when are they open? Can they accommodate groups of walkers? Will they accept dogs?
- If you're planning a pub lunch, when do they serve food? Do they need advanced notice of numbers and expected arrival time? Will there be anywhere where those who don't want a pub lunch could eat sandwiches?
Plan transport
- Is public transport available? Check rail and bus timetables, and check if there are any engineering works planned.
- Is adequate parking space available? Make a note of any parking charges or restrictions, and of any other demands on the parking space.
Putting your walk on the programme
When you're ready to put your walk on the programme simply fill out a walks submission form, making sure you give all the following details:
Your details
- Your name and mobile phone number.
- Your RA membership number and expiry date.
Dates and times
- It's helpful if you can offer more than one date for your walk.
- If you're starting from a station, account for train times when you choose a start time.
- There's no need to give a finish time, but it's useful to note if the walk make take longer than usual.
Start and finish points
- If you're starting at a car park, give an OS grid reference, a note of any car park charges, and directions if it's hard to find.
- If you're doing a linear walk, including the finish point and details of how to get back to the start if necessary.
Walk name and description
- Give an outline of the route and an indication of the terrain.
- Include details of refreshment stops for lunch and/or drinks.
- Give the distance in miles, the grade (A, B or C) and whether the walk is circular or linear
Send your completed form to the Walks Secretary. He will confirm the date of your walk, and send you a copy of the walks attendance form.
Leading your walk
Before you leave home
- Check the weather forecast and adjust the route if necessary.
- Remember to take a copy of the walk attendance form.
As walkers arrive
- Ask them to sign the walks attendance form. Welcome anyone who is new to SURG, and give out membership forms and information about the group.
- Check that everyone is suitably equipped and able to complete the walk, and advise dog owners of any points on the walk where their dog will need to be on a lead.
- Make sure you can hear your mobile phone, in case anyone phones to say they will be late. You should wait up to 10 minutes if you are aware of latecomers.
When you are ready to set off
- Introduce yourself as the leader and give a brief introduction to the walk.
- Do a headcount. For a large group, appoint a back-marker and make them known to the group.
During the walk
- Take regular headcounts, making sure you can see the back-marker. Pause to regroup if necessary.
- Keep an eye on timings, and remember to take time for drink stops.
- Give attention to newcomers, and watch for any walkers having difficulties. If anyone has an accident, make a note of the details.
- If you come across any problems with footpaths or stiles, make a note of the location so you can report it later.
At the end of the walk
- Check that everyone is accounted for and has transport home.
After the walk
- Send the completed walk attendance form to the Recruitment Officer.
- Report any accidents to the Walks Secretary.
- Report any footpath problems to the Footpath Officer.
- Send any photographs to go on the website to the Website Officer.
Then sit back, relax ... and start planning your next walk!
