Guidelines for Club Walkers
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of the whole group, there are some guidelines that all club members should observe when on a club walk
Responsibility to Yourself
1. Be honest about your own fitness / stamina for the route / terrain / conditions / grade. If in doubt consult the walk leader ahead of time.
2. Every member should have enough supplies (food, water, first aid, layers etc.) in their own backpack to look after their own needs in case of minor injuries or delays – don’t rely on the leader to carry all the extra kit.
3. Carry and wear appropriate gear for the route and weather (plus a little extra for bad weather, delay and change of plan). Details are listed on the club website https://blackrockhillwalkingclub.ie/safety-gear-check-list/
4. Since most upland areas are working farms and do not permit dogs, the club does not permit dogs on any club walk.
Responsibility to the Group
1. All walkers should show consideration to the walk leader and the group as a whole. Walkers should not do anything to undermine the authority of the leader, or the safety of the group. Walkers must follow all reasonable instructions from the leader.
2. For everybody’s safety and security walkers starting out on a walk must stay with the group throughout. At the end of a walk no one should leave the start point until everyone is safely back, unless previously agreed with the leader.
3. Walkers should respect the pace set by the leader and stay with the group.
4. Walks are graded to ensure that groups are roughly at the same level, to have an enjoyable day out together. Group walks are planned and timed to be carried out in a group. Group walks are not competitive.
5. If you are on a walk of a different grade to your usual, then take care to stay with the pace of the group. If you find yourself in front, keep an eye on the group and wait at appropriate places, to regroup.
6. Pay attention to the route and to the rest of the group. Stay within sight and earshot of the leader.
7. Members who bring newcomers have a particular responsibility for that person on the day. Please ensure they have appropriate fitness level for the walk, suitable hillwalking gear and sufficient supplies with them to avoid having to drop out of walk early.
8. If you are new to the club or new to a walk grade, you must contact the leader ahead of time (at least 24-28 hrs before the walk) to discuss whether the leader is happy to have you join the group. The leader will need to balance your safety and enjoyment with the safety and enjoyment of the rest of the group. Please have that conversation with the leader and respect their decision. Any walk leader or member will be happy to advise you on ‘good’ entry level walks for a particular grade.
Consideration for the Leader
1. Walkers should be aware that the walk leaders are offering their service on a voluntary basis and the Club is very grateful to them for doing this. Appreciate that the walk leader has set aside the day to lead the group and we ask you as a member of our club to play your part in ensuring that the walk leader has a positive experience with the group and will volunteer to lead for the club again.
2. The leader’s decisions on the day should be respected.
3. The leader has the right to refuse anyone who does not have the right gear or has not established ahead of time that they are fit, able and properly equipped for the walk.
4. All walkers must let the walk leader know ahead of time that they are planning to join the walk (by late afternoon the day before). Please also let the walk leader know if you change your mind and will not be on the walk. Any changes to the planned walk (including cancellation) will only be communicated to those
who have confirmed with the walk leader that they are going.
5. The leader has the right to change the planned walk taking the expected conditions into consideration. Any change will be communicated to the group and be as close as possible to the planned walk in difficulty and duration.
7. The walk leader has to consider the safety as well as the enjoyment of the whole group. Respect and support the walk leader in these efforts.