The Club Philosophy
The Club is a membership organization which exists to encourage the responsible enjoyment of the North West’s wonderful countryside by walking in the company of fellow members with a shared love of the scenery and outdoors. It is entirely dependent on the voluntary efforts and participation of its Committee members, Walk Secretaries and Walk Leaders. It is not a commercial organization and is non-profit making.
Walks And Walk Leaders
Walks shall not normally exceed a reasonable distance from the indication in the walks programme. Occasionally variations from the given distance may occur for a variety of reasons beyond the control of the Club and is at the discretion of the Walk Leader
Members are required to observe the guidance of the Walk Leader. The function of the Leader, without liability, is to maximize the enjoyment and well-being of the group. The Leader has ultimate discretion within this Code to make all key decisions affecting the walk, including modifying the route or terminating the walk in adverse weather or ground conditions. Names and phone numbers of the Walk Leaders and Walk Secretaries are given in the programme available to members only, and are not posted on social media or the website.
Walk Leaders are strongly recommended to carry the following emergency equipment: a compass, map of the planned route, whistle, torch, mobile phone, survival bag, first aid kit. It is particularly important that these items are available on any walks across difficult terrain, or at a distance from public roads.
Walk Leaders are encouraged to nominate a back marker who is advised to carry a map of the route and will be able to take over the walk, should this become necessary.
All walkers must be adequately prepared and equipped for the weather and ground conditions, carrying lots of liquids and a packed lunch when applicable. Walk Leaders have the right to refuse the participation of a member or guest if there are concerns about an individual’s fitness, clothes or equipment.
If adverse weather conditions are forecast it is the responsibility of the walkers to contact the Leader to check if the walk is still on, prior to leaving home. The Leader will endeavor to go to the start point in case any walker arrives.
Members And Guests
On joining the Club members are given a personal medical information form to complete which includes important contact details. Once completed the form should be kept in your rucksack on Club walks.
Members are encouraged to share car transport wherever possible, and if appropriate, share petrol costs
Minors (below the age of 18) are permitted to participate on the Club’s walks at the pre-arranged discretion of the Walk Leader. It is also a condition that all such young persons are competent walkers and under the care of their accompanying member who is willing to accept personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of the minor(s) included in the party.
Members and guests are not allowed to bring dogs on walks. Subject to pre-arranged requests to the Walk Leaders, guide dogs may join the walk.
Safety
Walk Leaders are expected to have done a recce prior to leading the walk and at the beginning of each walk should mention to the group any potential hazards, difficult terrain etc. Leaders are reminded they should walk at the pace of the slowest walker and keep their group together. However this does not mean that they and the rest of the walkers should be constantly waiting for one or two members of the group to catch up.
In order not to spoil the enjoyment of the rest of the group, and for their own enjoyment, such slower walkers should undertake less onerous walks in the future. Each member is responsible for his/her own safety and for acting in a responsible manner to diminish the risk of accident or injury to themselves and other members of the party for the enjoyment of the group. He/she must keep with the party and follow the directions of the Leader. If any member choses to break away from the group, then they will be deemed to have left the walk.
Whilst accidents, serious injury or other serious incidents are rare occurrences, should an accident occur on a walk, the whole party should stop whilst the Leader assesses the situation. If an injured member can walk or be assisted, two members should take the shortest return route (for which a map will be available). To minimize delay members holding mobile phones are requested to carry phones on walks. To get emergency assistance on a walk ring 999 or 112. 112 is a Europe-wide emergency number for which each individual has to text ‘register’ to 112 to activate the system. For non-emergency incidents dial 101. The ’WHAT 3 WORDS’ App downloaded to a mobile phone will give the exact location of an incident to an emergency agency or other person.
The Club has a Public Liability Insurance Policy. This covers damage to other people’s property such as farmers’ walls, livestock etc. It does not cover personal accident, death, injury or loss of earnings which might be incurred by members.
The club has an excellent safety record but despite all reasonable precautions, occasionally accidents can and do occur. Membership therefore is accepted on the condition that the member accepts he\she participates in the Club’s walks and activities entirely at their own risk. This is a fundamental condition of membership.
The Club conducts its walks taking all reasonable measures for the safety and well-being of its members but no responsibility or liability shall be accepted by the Club, its committee, its officers or its Walk Leaders for loss, injury, death or damage sustained by members or guests during walks or other club activities. It is important when crossing fields, particularly those with cows and calves, that walkers be vigilant. Do not go through herds, give them a wide berth. The Leader should ensure the group stays together and remain quiet, following the fence line where possible. An accident log book is kept and it is the responsibility of the Leader to ensure all incidents are reported to the General Secretary.
Safeguarding
Club members must at all times behave in a manner that is respectful to everyone.
All members have a right to be safe from inappropriate, discriminatory, offensive, or harmful behaviour. Where a member’s behaviour affects the safety or enjoyment of others, please report the matter to the Club Secretary, in confidence, where the concern will be heard and responded to. The Club always reserves the right to ban members from the Club where the Committee have agreed that, in their view, a member has breached the Code of Conduct or brought the Club into disrepute.
Approved July 2024.