1. Freebooters Rambling Club aims to provide a program of interesting, stimulating and reasonably taxing walks to suit a mix of members. We are committed to their safety, comfort and well-being whilst doing so. Conversely, members are expected to be fit, well and agile enough to complete any walk which they decide to join, and to act in a manner conducive to their own safety and well-being and to that of other walkers in their group. Detailed advice for members is available on the Comfort and safety page of our website and for walk leaders on the Walk leader guidance page. We also have sections on Emergencies, Finding your location, Other information sources and Privacy & data security, which can be accessed by all members.

2. Our A, B & C walks are organised based upon distance and level of challenge. All walks are planned to keep to public footpaths, minor roads or footways (alongside a road), and permissive routes as shown on OS maps or in published guides. Obstacles may include rough or slippery ground, locked or broken gates and stiles, streams and some low-level scrambling (for A routes up to and including Grade 1). Given these parameters, we expect walkers to be able to negotiate such obstacles and the conditions which may be encountered on their chosen walk.

Additionally, members may use our coach trips to visit the destination involved and walk alone or with friends in the area.

3.New walkers should start with level C walks unless they have been regular walkers at a higher level with other clubs. It is the responsibility of each participant to opt for the level of walk which they are confident is within their capability on the day. 

4. When registering for Club participation and membership, new walkers are requested to provide “In Case of Emergency” (I.C.E.) details and a current set of ICE details is provided to walk leaders before each walk. Whilst we do not make health related enquiries of new members, the Club reserves the right to refuse any person whose health issues and/or conduct subsequently become a cause for concern.

5. Routes will reflect the time of year (e.g. shorter walks in winter) and be subject to seasonal risk assessments which will take note of such things as ground conditions, possible trip hazards, obstructions, vegetation and ground works. Reference should be made to the walk details on our website. Any particular risks identified in relation to terrain and weather conditions will be communicated shortly before each walk.

6. Prior to each walk, the Club will provide a reminder on aspects of health and safety e.g. the addition precautionary measures such as bottles of water in hot conditions or appropriate extra clothing for cold weather conditions.

7. Each walk leader retains the right to cancel or amend a walk if conditions are deemed unsafe, e.g. snow, ice, high winds or high tides in relation to flooding. Exceptionally we may also change the Coach destination and published walks to avoid bad weather.

8. Where possible, walks will involve both a leader and back marker. Regular stops will be made to check the number in the group, particularly at path or road junctions. Any walker who gets ahead of the group leader is required to stop and wait at any such junction. In the event that a walker becomes detached from the group, they must return to the last such counting point and wait to be re-united and/or if carrying a mobile phone – ring anyone in the group or on the trip and ask them to notify their group leader (who will hold all contact numbers and ICE records).

9. Note that walk leaders do not carry first aid kits for general use and walkers are advised to carry their own supplies for minor injuries. This policy has been changed over time and our reasoning is that in general kit contents will not be suitable and could even be harmful in the event of serious accident when the aim will be to keep an injured person warm and safe in a comfortable condition until professional help arrives.

10. When walking on highways without footpaths, walkers may be asked to walk in single file. Usually this will be on the right-hand side unless it seems safer to walk on the left, e.g. around blind bends, in order to be seen by oncoming traffic. 

11. Should an accident or near miss occur, details will be recorded in the accident book maintained by the Club.

12. This Policy has been agreed and approved by the current committee members (2024). It will be reviewed at least every three years, or in the event of any significant incident or accident occurring.