BEFORE THE WALK

Do your research! Most people are interested in visiting all kinds of places, but they are not
quite sure what they will see....so tell them! If you've never been to the proposed location,
review all the major websites via search engines such as Google, the local travel/tourist
bureau, etc. Provide these in your event description as supporting information for
participants. Leading a walk is a great way to meet new friends while exploring the great
city you live in. It is always a great excuse to chat with everyone in the group!

In planning your walk, think carefully about the following:

Start and finish points - Are they convenient, suitable and easy to find? Are public toilets
nearby?

Transport - Wherever possible, walks should be accessible by public transport. If cars are
the only alternative, there should be somewhere to park vehicles safely.

Length and timing – The distance should never be so much as to tax unduly the capability
and experience of you or the participants. Assume a slower speed than your own. Always be
as accurate as possible in your walk description so you can set the proper expectations.

Newcomers - Although experienced walkers can walk longer distances, a total of around 5-
10 miles is easily far enough for many walkers. If you are scheduling a beginner or
introductory walk, 2-4 miles may be sufficient.

After you have devised a route, walk it yourself well in advance of the day. It's also best to
re-walk your route a week or so before the event, to refresh your memory and note more
recent changes to the terrain.

How do I make sure the walk goes as planned?

Before the walk, introduce yourself as the leader of the walk, and make sure that:

• Cars are parked responsibly
• Dogs are on leashes, or their owners have some means of restraining them.
• Before setting off, give a brief oral description of the route, together with details of any
  stops or breaks, and an estimated finishing time. If there are any new members, tell them
  a little about Walk California and help them to feel welcome by making sure they are
  introduced to everyone participating.

All participants are equipped to cope with the terrain and the prevailing weather
conditions. This will have to be a subjective assessment, but in extreme
circumstances you would be justified in turning away someone if you thought that a
lack of proper physical conditioning, footwear or equipment could put them or others
at risk.

Finally, for larger groups, appoint a sweep (preferably, someone who knows the route as
well as you) and make sure he or she is known to the party, and that everyone knows the
sweeps function: to ensure that no member of the party falls behind unseen. However, it is
the leader’s responsibility to ensure that contact is not lost with the rear of the party
through a gap opening up in the middle.

DURING THE WALK

Depending on the group size, participants will likely become spread out. In many respects,
this is preferable to having everyone bunched together, but try to avoid large gaps from
occurring by slowing down the pace, and making frequent stops to allow those at the rear to
catch up. Don’t move on just as the sweeps appear, since their need for a short rest will be,
if anything, greater than those at the front. In addition, it is good practice to wait at turns,
during poor visibility or in the woods.

If you are having lunch on a walk, try not to rush it. For many people, eating outdoors is
one of the most enjoyable aspects of the day. 30 minutes should prove ample. Use the
lunch break to answer questions, such as details of future walks and events or Walk
California membership. Before leaving your lunch site, clean up litter and check that nothing
has been left behind.

AFTER THE WALK

Check that everyone is accounted for and has transportation home. On your return home,
write a brief description of the walk and upload any pictures to the Recent Events section of
the website. This way, your trip report becomes a valuable memory for the participants as
well as becoming a helpful resource for members’ future trip planning.