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I know this is somewhat OT, but as most here appear to know a thing or two, I was wondering if there is a maximum number of people you can take for a walk if I am kind of being the leader.
I am running a small course in our church regarding hillwalking navigation and safety and would like to take the candidates out for a day in the hills after the course. I have no qualifications, just a lifelong involvement with the hills and all that that en tales. Basically I know what I am doing but don't have the paper to prove it!
Anyway, just wondering if anyone knows any legal ramifications that I need to be aware of.
Thanks!
beefy - if you're not being paid for it then you're legally on OK (but not brilliant!) ground. There is no legal requirement in the UK to hold any kind of outdoor qualification unless you're working with kids. However, you will find it difficult to get insurance (probably not relevant to you) without one and if something goes wrong then you will have a harder (but not impossible) time proving (potentially in court) that you were competent to do what you were doing.
Few MLs, bike guides, etc. would be happy working with more than 6-8 people, although this does depend on exactly what you're doing. A group of 10 is fine for a low-level stroll, but very bad news on the Skye ridge, for example!
(I'm a Mountain Leader, SMBL and most of an IML by the way).
Cheers, yes would be small, people I know and only peak district or something.
Thanks for your help.
Legally you should be fine, as long as you fully tell people they're doing this at there own risk, that you are not an expert, and if they fall and break something then tough.
As with most beginners do something thats going to be easy, and fun, so when they get back they are not knackered and keen to get out again.
Wait until the weather gets better, maybe a 4-5 mile walk (2 hours worth), with the option to bail out after halfway if people are getting tired.
Let them tkae it in turns leading reading the map, so they can practice what you've taught them earlier, and i wouldn't go larger than a group of 12.
I'm a volunteer walk leader with the local council.
Though the council the leaders are insured. In all the 6 years I've been leading, we've only had one instance of a walker trying to sue another leader, This got nowhere as the walkers have to take responsiblity for themselves, you would be just navigating.
The most I've led have been 27, luckily I had a back person. Like mtbing the more people the slower the group, so it's not in peoples interests to have large numbers. For example, getting 27 people though a series of stiles or gates adds on a good hour to an all day walk.
As above, it would be hard for any sort of claim to be made again'st
you, when you are doing this service for free.
The only thing I do, is check they have decent foot wear, I'm always amazed at what ridiculous clothing people come out in to walk in the countryside.
Seen this?
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