Guidance on Walking, Cycling and Camping – Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Walking

This guidance is designed to ensure the safety of Members on walks. All participants should be aware of these requirements; however, particular responsibility falls on the Event Leader to ensure that the walk is planned and conducted properly. They should conduct the event in such a way that the participants keep together, are in touch with each other and everything is done to minimise the chance of a participant becoming separated from the group, particularly inexperienced walkers and women.

Scope

The guidance applies to all walks, including those arranged impromptu and not part of the formal Programme, for example those undertaken during trips away. In fact, on trips away they are perhaps more important because we are less likely to be familiar with the route, terrain etc.

What we expect of the Event Leader

1. Planning

The Event Leader should plan the route and be clear about the length of walk, type of terrain, transport options and any hazards that exist e.g.

difficult terrain
adverse weather conditions
possibility of walking in darkness

2. Publicity

In order to schedule an event, the Event Leader should provide the following information as a minimum, to the Club Programme, in any related emails, on our Website and in Viewpoint:

Start location
Start time
Finish location
Expected finish time
Distance
Difficulty (Easy / Medium / Hard)
Terrain (flat/hilly/mountainous, on/off road, muddy/icy etc)
Phone number of the Leader

Additionally, before the walk date it would be helpful to add:

Public transport options - even timetables - and parking options for the start and end of the walk.
Any options for leaving the walk early, eg by public transport

This information can and should be amended as the date nears in light of new knowledge, changing conditions etc

3. Leading the Walk

The Event Leader should

Identify themselves clearly to any visitors joining the walk, eg by using a COPSE badge
Explain the planned route, including any particular demands caused by difficult or hazardous areas
Address any issues raised by members, so that the walk is within the capabilities of everyone in the party
Check that the group is equipped for any anticipated difficulties (eg lights, whistles, boots)
In case of any changes to the plan, communicate them to all members
Maintain headcount in order to keep the group together:
- use a ‘back marker’ if the group is likely to become stretched
- alternatively ‘lead from the back’, ensuring that the front people know where to wait before proceeding at a fork or junction
If the group needs to be split for any reason, ensure that
- each subgroup has a leader capable of ensuring safe outcome
- you understand the route to be taken by each subgroup
- subgroups can communicate, eg by phone wherever possible

What we expect of Event Members

Arrive punctually and ready to start the walk
Understand the route plan and ensure they have appropriate clothing and equipment
Recognise when a walk is likely to be beyond their capabilities, and either withdraw or limit their participation
Keep the leader informed of any issues arising, including any departure from the group
If a walker feels they are not able to complete the walk, they should let the leader know. No walker should stray away from the group. If they need to go ahead or leave, they should give the group leader their exact route and should be able to maintain contact with the event leader via mobile phone.

All Participants: Equipment

What to wear - walkers should be appropriately dressed for the environmental conditions and should always be prepared for rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and several thin layers rather than one thick layer. Unless it is an urban walk, we don't recommend wearing jeans as these get very cold and heavy when wet. If it is cold, bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Wear suitable shoes or boots.

What to bring - water, packed lunch (recommended), sunscreen protection, rucksack, torch and sunglasses if it is sunny.

First Aid

The Event Leader should take a basic first aid kit. COPSE should hold an up to date First Aid kit including antiseptic wipes, washproof plasters, plastic gloves, eye pads, tape, bandages/dressing, safety pins, first aid leaflet. Leaders are not responsible for administering first aid unless they are trained in first aid, although they can provide materials (eg plasters, painkillers) for a Member to use.

Event Members should also equip themselves with a minimum set of emergency kit to deal with minor issues, for example antiseptic cleansing wipes and plasters in case of grazes.

Cycling

The group leader should be familiar with the area to be used and provide details of the route and expected duration to cyclists prior to the trip. Cyclists should ensure their bicycle is properly serviced and suitable for the type of terrain. It is advisable to carryout a ‘safe cycle check’ on all bicycles before use. Cyclists should be appropriately dressed for any environmental conditions that they are likely to encounter. Cyclists are recommended to carry a light rucksack or pannier that contains spare warm clothing and light waterproofs, water and food. Cycle helmets should be worn and brightly coloured or high visibility tops.

The group leader should carry a repair kit suitable for any ‘on road’ outing, and carry a first aid kit. Leaders are not responsible for administering first aid unless they are trained in first aid.

The group leader should ensure that members of the group comply at all times with any procedures designed to ensure the safety of the group. The group leader should avoid the group becoming too widely dispersed and this can be achieved by having a responsible person front and back.

No cyclist should stray away from the group – if they need to go ahead or leave – they should give the group leader their exact route and should be able to maintain contact with the group leader via mobile phone.

Camping

When choosing a place to pitch your tent, a flat, dry sheltered spot is the best. Clear the site of sharp stones or debris. If possible the tent should be pitched facing away from the wind. Allow at least 3m spacing between tents.

Never use candles in or near a tent, use a torch.

Discourage smoking, especially in smaller tents.

Flammable liquids and LPG should be kept outside the tent if possible.
Cooking and lighting appliances should not be used in smaller tents. When used in larger family size tents they should be positioned away from wall and roof surfaces and other combustibles, out of draughts, where they cannot be knocked over.

Camping Stoves – When cooking on a stove, it should be used at ground level, to minimise the possibility of scalds. The stove should be in a position where fires can be quickly smothered and controlled. Spare fuel containers should be kept well clear of lighted stoves. When not in use they should be kept outside the tent. All persons using camping stoves should be aware of the risks associated with flammable materials such as straw, dry grass, paper, cooking oil, tentage and sleeping bags.

Always read the manufacturers label for advice and instruction on how to use any outdoor equipment.