Walking in open countryside

Description

Open countryside covers walking on paths and linear features with reliable boundaries where one or more of the following apply:

there are few features to assist in route-finding
there is little protection from wind, rain or cold
the height and nature of the terrain, or the degree of isolation could present problems
the area can be exited easily in a few hours.

Open country does not include upland areas typically more than 600 metres above sea level or without footpaths.

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?

Open to all.

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 walkers in a group but no more than seven.

After training and practical experience, groups of Senior Section members can walk without an adult group leader in open countryside as long as they are supervised by a suitably- qualified adult (a supervisor ensures the participants safety and well-being during the walk, but does not have to be with the group at all times).

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

The group leader of the walk must hold one of the following qualifications or higher:

Girlguiding UK Walking Scheme Level 2 Award
MLT Walking Group Leader Award.

If any member of the group is under 18 and the group is walking further than 30 minutes from an accessible road or refuge with a landline telephone, the group leader must appoint a suitably experienced adult deputy and;

hold a Girlguiding UK Walking Scheme Level 3 Award or MLT Walking Group Leader Award or higher,
or walk the route beforehand,
or submit the route plan in advance to a Mountain Leader Award holder who is approved by Girlguiding UK’s Technical Adviser for Walking (your Country/Region Walking Adviser or the Girlguiding UK National Walking Adviser will be able to provide contact details).

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 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 open countryside provided she:

holds the appropriate qualification
has the approval of her Leader, Commissioner and the appropriate Adviser.

A Senior Section group walking in open countryside without a qualified adult must be supervised by an appropriately qualified adult who will ensure their safety and well-being during the walk, but does not have to be with the group at all times (for example when being supervised on a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition).

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
carry a completed Health Information form.
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 (for example 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 group leader of the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities or health conditions.

If Senior Section members are walking without a Leader, their Leader must check that they have:

appropriate clothing and equipment for the route
means of contacting a responsible adult if they experience problems
left the Leader a copy of their route
the correct number of girls walking together depending on their age
a suitably-qualified supervisor (a supervisor ensures the participants safety and well-being during the walk, but does not have to be with the group at all times).

Walking on roads

Walkers must read and follow the advice for pedestrians given in the current edition of the Highway Code

Ensure everyone follows the Green Cross Code.

Do not hitch-hike under any circumstances.

Groups should walk on the pavement wherever this is possible, facing the oncoming traffic. This enables the group and the leader in particular to watch the traffic and assess any problems ahead.

All those walking should wear light-coloured or reflective clothing.

Where there is no pavement or path a group of fewer than 20 must:

keep to the right and walk in single file
keep close to the side of the road
take care at sharp right-hand bends: if necessary crossing the road before the corner then crossing back to face oncoming traffic.

A group of 20 or more must:

keep to the left and walk in single file
have lookouts at a safe distance in front and to the rear wearing fluorescent clothes during daylight and reflective items after dark; lanterns or bicycle lights may be suitable.

Walking at night

If walking at night on a road, all those walking should wear light-coloured or reflective clothing and the lookout at the front must show a white light while the rear lookout shows a red light visible from behind.

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