The Manor Walking Club adheres to the current guidance from English and where relevant Welsh Governments.

Countryside, hill and mountain walking are by their nature hazardous to a greater or lesser degree. The hazards such as the causes of trips, falls, cuts, cold exposure, sun-stroke and so on vary from day to day and season to season. All Club members need to be aware of this and be properly prepared. In order to minimize the risks to Club members participating in Club activities, the following Safety Code is to be followed:-

1. Walk leaders will undertake a recce of the planned walk shortly* before the walk date so that they can describe it using the Club's grading system and provide useful additional information. A 'Risk Assessment' form used by the Ramblers Association is provided as a link here for guidance. This indicates the sort of information that leaders should take into account when planning a walk and, in particular, informing members of unusual hazards. For the purposes of our Club, the 'unusual hazards' may include (but not be limited to) exposure to steep drops, rocks requiring scrambling, unbridged water courses, and particularly difficult stiles.
2. Additional information, where applicable, will be provided to members in advance of the walk by email.​ There may be instances in which a recent* recce has not been completed, for example if there is a replacement walk leader or if the leader anticipates a change of route due to adverse weather conditions. If this is the case then the leader should inform the programme secretary in advance and the group on the day so that members can make informed decisions as to whether or not to join the walk.
3. Club members are responsible for their own safety, in particular ensuring that they are properly equipped and judging whether they will be able to complete the planned walk safely.
4. If any guests or visitors arrive for a walk, the walk leader should introduce him/herself and outline the nature of the walk to be undertaken. The walk leader should ask if the guest or visitor has done similar walks in the past and if they are prepared for the planned walk. The name and next-of-kin or other contact details of the guest should be noted by the walk leader and subsequently sent to the Club secretary to hold on record.
5. Walk leaders may refuse to allow a Club member, guest or visitor to participate in a walk if they believe that they are inadequately prepared**.
6. All members and guests should carry with them their contact details.
7. According to the grade of walk, the leader should judge the weather forecast, conditions and terrain and, if appropriate, take one of the Club's bothy bag/storm shelters with them on the walk.
8. At the start of the walk, the leader should take a head count of participants and, in most instances, nominate a 'back marker'. A very small group may not need a back marker.
9. The back marker should ideally be in visual contact with the group leader at all times.
10. It is recommended that, in order to complete the walk safely, walkers do not proceed in front of the walk leader.
11. The Club has posted extensive advice on safe walking and guidance for leaders on it's website and it is recommended that all members read this.
12. In the event of any accident to a Club member, an accident report must be completed by the walk leader and given to the Club secretary at the earliest opportunity.
13. In the event of any incident involving a third party, the walk leader must inform the Club secretary at the earliest opportunity in case the Club's insurers need to be notified***.
14. It is important that leaders and Club members follow the Safety Code in order to avoid a situation which could be deemed 'reckless' and therefore excluded from the insurance cover. This could result in the Club member being held personally responsible.
15. In addition to following the current Government advice on Covid, members should not join a walk if suffering from an infectious disease, particularly since travel to and from the walk will likely involve enclosed spaces

​* 'Shortly/recent' is taken to mean 'within the six months preceding the walk'.

​* *This does not amount to a kit inspection or fitness assessment. It is the reasonable judgement of the walk leader, whose decision is final.

*** In the event of any incident, involving group members or third parties, our Insurers have instructed that on no account must liability be admitted.