Help for walk leaders

Ask the organiser for the following if you were not given them:

• Leader instructions

• Safety checklist

• Map of the area

• Details of route. What is available will depend on the source of the walk. You may be able to get:

  • marked up map showing the route

  • GPX file of the route - this might be plotted from a map or recorded on a previous walk

  • book or leaflet describing the walk

Checking the route before your recce

Maps are only updated infrequently. You may wish to check that there haven't been changes to the rights of way before you do the recce - this might avoid you having to work out detours while you are walking. You can check the latest published information on the relevant County Council's website:

• Devon - https://redirect.devon.gov.uk/?link=EnvView You may get a message warning that you are being redirected - this is normal and you can follow the link.

• Somerset - https://roam.somerset.gov.uk/roam/map

• Dorset - https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/rights-of-way-map-where-to-walk-ride-or-cycle

The Councils warn that these maps may lag slightly behind approvals of changes to right of way, so always look out for the footpath/bridleway signs and diversions.

Ask the organiser for "the bag"

Ask for "the bag" before leading your walk. This contains the yellow tabards, first aid kits (which also contain the incident reporting form), compasses and map cases. You can also ask for the navigation device (GPS) for both your recce and walk - but bear in mind that other leaders might need to use it between the two.