Walking in extreme countryside

Description

Anywhere in the UK without footpaths, but may include steep slopes, rocky ground, scree, loose rock and exposed ridges.

Click here for information on countryside classification. If you are unsure of the classification of the countryside where you are planning to walk, please contact your local Walking Adviser or Outdoor Activities Adviser.

Forms

An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required to participate in this activity.

Participants must carry a completed Health Information form. If younger than Guide age, these must be carried by the Leader.

If you are planning an overnight hike or expedition, this is classed as a residential event. A Residential Event Notification form must be completed.

Who can participate?

Those aged seven and over.

Ratio of adults to girls

Normal ratios for activities away from the meeting place are required. Guiding Manual ratios

It is recommended there are at least four but no more than seven walkers in the group.

Regulations

The Leader must ensure that all participants under 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with parental responsibility.
The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is taking place, including your planned route and timings.
Carry out a risk assessment for the activity.
If Girlguiding UK members join an organised walk, a Girlguiding UK member or recognised volunteer with the appropriate qualification should be in the vicinity of the route throughout the event.
All equipment must be suitable for the walk or expedition being undertaken. Essential first aid and emergency equipment must be carried.

Instructor qualifications

A group including any participant under 18 years old in Extreme countryside must have a minimum of one appropriately-qualified adult walking group leader and one other suitably-experienced adult.

The leader of the walk must hold:

MLT Mountain Leader Award or higher

If any member of the group is under 18 and the walk is further than 30 minutes from an accessible road or refuge with a landline telephone, the appropriately-qualified group leader must:

know the route from previous experience,
have submitted a route plan to the local Outdoor Adviser.

The group leader must hold the Mountain Leader Winter Award if:

any member of the group is under 18 and the group is planning to walk where ice or snow is prevalent or forecast,
and the proposed route is further than 30 minutes’ walking time from an accessible road or refuge with a landline telephone.

Groups must not venture onto snow or ice without the proper equipment and the necessary training and experience.

Senior Section members walking without a Leader

A Senior Section member aged 18 or over may lead other Senior Section members in extreme countryside provided she:

holds the appropriate qualification
has the approval of her Leader, Commissioner and the appropriate Adviser
appoints a competent deputy
leaves a copy of the route and expected return time with a responsible adult who can be contacted by the group at any time during the walk.

If the Senior Section member does not hold the required qualification, an appropriately-qualified adult must be appointed as a supervisor.

Each participant must:

have had training relevant to the walk being undertaken, in addition to having the necessary physical ability,
be suitably clothed and equipped
All other relevant regulations for the type of countryside must also be followed.
All other relevant regulations for the type of countryside must also be followed.

Useful information

Provide participants with a kit list of clothing and other equipment required (eg reflective vest if walking at night). Each participant must be suitably clothed, equipped and prepared for the intended walk, bearing in mind changes in weather and other possible incidents.

Inform the walk leader of the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities or health conditions.

Walking near water

The leader must ensure that all participants are given any necessary safety instructions. She may delegate this task to someone else, but remains responsible for ensuring it is done.

Leaders of groups walking near water should be familiar with the Water Safety Code and read Group Safety at Water Margins. You could also ask your local training coordinator for information on optional water safety training.

When walking near water, Leaders should be aware of the dangers of Leptospirosis and Weil’s Disease.

Environmental factors

Walkers must follow the Countryside Code and be aware of Countryside access and rights of way.

When walking in grazing areas, leaders should be aware of the risks of E. coli and of the importance of hand washing before eating food. If hand washing facilities are not available anti-bacterial wet wipes or gel should be provided.

Leaders should also be aware of tick-borne Lyme disease.

Find out and adhere to local and seasonal restrictions, particularly those relating to fire, water, shooting and blasting.

Girlguiding UK Training Opportunities: Walking Scheme (order code 6563) available from your local depot/shop, from Trading Service on 0161 941 2237, or from the online shop.

Page last updated: 5/17/2012