Being a walk leader – how was it for me

Moo Ling’s answers to frequently asked questions

Why do you lead walks?

Lea Valley Friends (LVF) offers 52 walks a year, either on a Saturday or Sunday. I can only attend half of them. That is 26 walks. I have enjoyed all of them. There’s always a call for new leaders and I realised that perhaps, the least I can do is help out and lead just one walk in return for the    26 that I have enjoyed. That was how I got started.

I have never led a walk before

Ever heard of the old Chinese proverb about the 1000-mile journey that starts with a single step?    Same idea here!

What walk can I do?

You can start off by sharing a favourite walk. One, that you have regularly used with your family or indeed, the family dog. Local knowledge is a wonderful thing. Share them with us. You may have, like me, enjoyed a walk elsewhere and would like to repeat this for the group. Many in LVF will have books on walks and you can borrow these from them. I have started using the guide, 'London (AA 50 walks). These map out the exact routes and many are within 3-5 miles, ideal for LVF.

As people get more experienced, they may adjust the recommended walking routes. I have done this for figure of eight walks when I have cut out either the top or bottom loop and immediately halved the distance. When you get more experienced and confident, you can have the satisfaction of devising your own routes!

City or country?

It doesn’t matter. The only difference that I can see is, there is no mud in the city although you may still encounter a certain type of animal dirt along pavements. I am known to lead city walks but that’s purely a personal preference. I just wanted all my walks to be accessible by public transport so that those who don’t have their own cars can still come along. This therefore tends to lend itself to city walks. Also, it is easier for me to find my own way around. There are street signs, the A-Z and the helpful bobby.

In contrast, there is no one around to ask for directions in the country. I tend to get ignored by the country dwellers. Even if I do get a response it tends to be woolly and supercilious. “Bah!” or “Baaaaaaa” is all I can hope to for.

Where do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas from books, researching the Internet and talking to other ramblers, going on other people’s walks, random thoughts and day- dreams. Not all of them end up as a walk. My walks centre on London because it is such a fascinating city, rich in history and it is there to be discovered again and again.

Samuel Johnson got the right idea when conversing with his friend and biographer, James Boswell, "Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Later, Boswell recommended in his writings, "A country gentleman should bring his lady to visit London as soon as he can, that they may have agreeable topicks for conversation when they are by themselves."

I cannot read maps

You don’t need to be able to read maps to lead the way. You just need to know the way.

What if I get lost?

Even the most experienced walk leaders get lost at one point or another. Except, possibly, Dennis Galvin. The art to avoid getting lost is to prepare well. Hence the recce, (see below).  However, if you do get lost, there are two things you can do.

a) Pretend that you are only stretching your neck muscles while turning round in the same spot, surreptitiously looking for the right path or, if you keep walking past the same row of trees several times, assure the group it is intentional. This is where play acting skills or experience in amateur dramatics is useful.   A word of caution: these tactics only work for the first 10 -15 minutes.   If you persist, not only will your group think you have gone off your rocker but you will get hopelessly lost.

b) It is better to confess. You will find that the group is very forgiving and will wait while you re orientate yourself.    They will be pretty good-humoured about it all.    Unless they are still there at nine in the evening.

What is a recce?

These are dry runs of the walk you intend to do. I did 3 recces when I led the heritage walk around the City of London Cemetery (a grave responsibility) before I was reasonably satisfied that this walk would not lead to a dead end. On the other hand, if it is somewhere you are familiar with, you may only need to do just one trial run. I would, however, recommend that you do at least one recce for a walk that you intend to take on. For example, paths may get blocked and trees that you have relied upon as landmarks may have been cut down since you were last there. That's the countryside for you! A recce helps you to familiarise yourself with the route, adjust the timings and fit in any rest stops as necessary.

Is there an age limit for walk leaders?

If you can walk, you can lead.

Can I choose when I could lead a walk?

Of course you can. Just contact our Walks Secretary, Margaret Brown and you can agree on a mutually convenient time. If you are able to do this well in advance, you are much more likely to have the date that you want.

How do I know I would be any good as a walk leader?

You won’t know until you have tried. After that, if nobody turns up for your second walk, you’ll know that people are avoiding your walks. I hasten to add however, that this has never happened yet with LVF. There is, of course, always the first time. However, I am so confident that it will never happen that I will pay for your next Christmas Lunch with LVF if people do not continue to turn up for your walks.

I am too shy

So am I.

Have you had any embarrassing incidents, other than getting lost?

Definitely. Having the whole group leave without me when I was ONLY a few minutes late was unforgettably mortifying when I was supposed to be the group leader. Another was when I was standing with my back to a historic pub and blithely spouting to the group in front of me that the pub was established in the 1800’s when everyone could see that the large pub sign above me clearly stated: Ramblers Rest circa 1684.

I am not as good as Dennis Galvin

No one is. You are talking about the King of the Ramble here. But you can aspire to be like him. Start with just one walk.

What would I get out of this?

You have a group of people who will be following in your footsteps, listening to your every word and doing as they are told. What more do you want? These same people will also come up to you at the end of the walk and thank you. Sometimes there is even applause which can be pretty embarrassing when you are somewhere public. You will have a sense of achievement on a job well done. And, you will also succumb to the temptation to pat yourself on the back, as though all that adulation is not enough. It’s a great feeling. No matter how many times you have led a walk, you always appreciate the appreciation of others. The feel-good factor cannot be overestimated.

Finally, I do it because it is fun.

Moo Ling at mlboey@yahoo.com

Code of Conduct

In common with similar organisations the Ramblers’ Association has developed a Code of Conduct for Members, Volunteers, Trustees and Staff:

The Ramblers' Association's main expectation for members, volunteers, trustees and staff is that we work together to help the Ramblers achieve our charitable aims and deliver our strategy. While doing this, we should be guided by our values at all times.

Our values are to be:

Welcoming              to all, and particularly to newcomers

Positive                   looking to have fun and create enjoyment

Empowering             helping give people the confidence to help themselves

Inclusive                  welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, and being sensitive  to the needs of different communities

Ethical                    being respectful of others, honest in what we say, and thinking through the consequences of what we do

Democratic             working to deepen and improve democracy within our organisation

Environmental         promoting activities and behaviours which are sustainable and which benefit the environment

Planning walks: useful advice for walk leaders.

 Spread the map out on the table so that a reasonable walking area is on view.

1. Choose a parking venue and then a pub within the range of a walk from it.
2. Roughly measure out various alternatives using your thumb along the route and always aim for a longer morning than afternoon.
3. (a) Now measure any likely route(s) discovered at 2 as accurately as you can.  I have always used the edge of a sheet of paper, turning it to the line of route.  Tom Lyons does it along card and keeps that and the walk details as an index.

(b) It is as well to note down major turning points at this stage.   Either GRs or make a description by farm names or other topographical features.

4. Walk out the route on a fine day and take notes as you do so.
5. Surveying on a wet day is a night-mare with wet maps and pens that will not write on damp paper! (No doubt if you can afford a GPS things may be different)
6. It may be best to visit the pub before you even walk out the route unless you know it is friendly. Even if it is, give them good notice when you have it in the programme. A month or two is not too soon. Leave them your telephone number.

The length of your flexible thumb is about one Km….So if you multiply by six and knock off the last figure you have converted to miles and if it is then way over a reasonable figure you go straight “back to the drawing-board” and save all the effort involved  at (3) above!

Things to remember about leading a walk

At the Start  

(a)     Tell them what you plan to do.

(b)     Get a back-marker if you haven’t brought your own from the walk-out.

(c)     Some people do explain the walk to this person but a good leader shouldn’t loose sight of the tail. (possibly an exception is in thick woodland but even then it would be better to close up the party).

(d)     Everyone on the walk must take some responsibility to make sure those behind are in touch. They really should whistle or shout to the leader if people are dropping off the back.

Also remember this list of tips:-

1. The walk will go faster on the day than the survey.
2. If you have cross-field paths that need bearings, then work them out on the kitchen table and put them in your walk notes.
3. Gather up the group after stiles and not before. If you know there are several stiles close together then it is OK to set off again when the first half-dozen are over the first one. NEVER EVER set straight off walking as soon as you yourself are over.
4. It is far better to walk with the map in your hand than have to get it out when you think you need to check. We all need to check sometime but the followers start to panic for some reason when ever they see you getting the map out!   If you are in very familiar territory then your written notes should suffice but you might be surprised just how easy it is to be talking and turn on to a “wrong” path for that particular walk in those circumstances!
5. Always leave gates as you find them because you could shut stock away from their water. It is not a bad idea to learn the Country Code.
6. Don't forget to buy the back-marker a drink at the lunchtime stop even if as leader you are first in the pub.

SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEERING

Make sure volunteers are recognised.   Making sure everyone's contribution is recognised and valued is vital to keep volunteers involved, but we can too easily avoid it or forget to do it.  Should we look again at how we recognise our volunteers?

We can be very good at giving thanks to volunteers when we know they are leaving or resigning.   It's not clear however, that we are so good at ensuring volunteers are thanked and recognised while they remain involved and before they decide to leave.

Thinking about "recognition" in isolation can produce mixed reactions.  A survey of volunteers conducted from Central Office revealed, for instance, that not everyone feels comfortable with the idea of singling out individuals for recognition.  Perhaps this is because of inherent modesty or perhaps because of a view that credit for our successes goes to a team effort rather than any one contribution.

Nevertheless, our survey also revealed that recognition for volunteering efforts - whether individual or team - was seen as important and desirable for many.  Certainly it would seem safe to conclude that volunteers who do not feel that their efforts are appreciated are more likely to feel undervalued and less likely to remain as volunteers.

One factor lies in the fact that volunteers in key committee positions may be those who are most strongly motivated by the Ramblers cause.  This is invaluable, but can blinker sensitivities to others whose involvement is also sustained more by the social aspects or by the wish to be usefully occupied in what could be one of many options.

A second lies in a culture where it can be seen to be socially unacceptable to seek or wish for recognition.  If we are slightly embarrassed or uncomfortable about giving and receiving recognition ourselves, it may make it harder to recognise others.

A third factor lies around spending money.  Organisations who are ultimately working for others can find it difficult to justify spending any money on thanking their volunteers.   These barriers all have the potential to inhibit recognition.  Do we recognise them in our Groups?   If so, can we challenge our natural reticence and be bolder in celebrating our own achievements and those of our fellow volunteers?

Of course, each Group knows its own individuals and modus operandi best in order to identify what concrete steps are appropriate.  The following are offered merely as suggestions of three ways that Groups could "build in" recognition and into the work of the committee.

Consciously celebrate success to members.  Whether this be a slot to say "thank you" at the AGM, or an annual feature of in the newsletter, let people know about the good work of others, whether individually or as part of a team.

Put on an event for volunteers. It need not be billed as a formal way to say thank you, but a social evening just for walk leaders, or a gathering for committee members could help to bond people together and serve as a much appreciated pat-on-the-back. Don't be afraid to use some Group funds towards this, say, to buy the first drink or to buy the cake. Expenditure must be reasonable (if in doubt, our Finance Team can advise) but it's not unacceptable to spend a small proportion of funds to show appreciation to those that do the work.

Develop a clear expense policy. Making sure you're not out-of-pocket for volunteering sends a clear signal that your time is valued. A Group culture which is not shy about reimbursing legitimate expenses in itself sends a large "thank you" to volunteers.

Don't hide your lights behind bushels.  Once fellow ramblers find out what you have achieved and get recognition, then there is more likelihood of others wanting a piece of the action.   Let us know who you are and what you've done.

Anon.

Animals in the countryside and how to deal with them

Or how you cross this field in 9 seconds, because the bull can do it in 12”

We were once walking in Ireland when the bull in our field was raging up and down a hedge at right angles to the route, bellowing.   There were heifers he desired in the adjoining field.    He saw no reason to inspect us but we didn’t hang about!    If he has his cows with him, he will rarely bother with you, but I wouldn’t then go and see if he would like to have his back scratched.    If he is upset, he will start to bellow and will paw the ground, which should give you time to depart.

Cows on their own will seldom do more than stare at you and possibly lower their head if you pass too close.    If they have calves with them, do watch out.    The danger is that the individual calf may stray from its mother and if you inadvertently pass between them. Calf cries “help” and mum will see you on your way very smartish!    I was walking, with caution through such a herd and noticed this cow giving me an old-fashioned look.    Sure enough her calf was the other side of me but nearer another adult.

Circumstances alter cases, sticking to the definitive line may not always be the most sensible option.    As you enter the field, try to pick a route that circumvents the herd, gently edge them, as a group into open ground, away from your chosen line but do avoid heading them into a corner.

Bullocks are a different kettle of fish. You enter their field and “What fun!  We’ll gallop down mob-handed and say hello”.   To control the situation is not difficult.    Spread out your arms and if you have a stick, so much the better.   Turn towards the advancing mob and shout as loud as you can, (Language optional) moving towards them in a menacing manner.   They will at the very least stop; quite probably, up- tails all and scarper to the end of their domain…”Farmer doesn’t talk to us like that!”

With horses, protect your flank by walking along hedge or fence line and don’t let them get too close before you impress your authority.    If you have a dog, keep him on your protected flank.   If you have a companion, then get them to walk between you and the horses.    They are rarely truly malicious but Fred Matthews and I once investigated a complaint concerning a rogue horse that had allegedly battered two elderly ladies on the proposed route of the Three Forest Way event that year and he came out of a herd that was standing quietly mid-field, with head lowered and weaving!    He didn’t get us down because I cursed him roundly but we got him moved off route.

Sheep are never really a problem, more your duty to not upset them than the reverse.   Having said that, I once had a serious altercation with a pet ram that resented people crossing his private paddock!   If you have an option, I would say walking dogs through any group of farm animals is best avoided.    Even farm dogs can be a problem and I always carry a stick since once walking St Peter’s Way, when a dog stood his ground in the middle of the road at Beggar’s Hill and barred my way.    The best place to hit an attacking canine is across the nose.   The cleverest dog attack was when a collie came out and barked at us from the front while his compatriot Jack Russell circled round unnoticed and shook my gaiter and away again, quick as a flash!

Kevin Ascott

Walk Leaders Insurance

The situation is that a walk leader needs to be a member of the Ramblers for them to be covered by our insurance.   The insurance will remain in force when a member’s subscription payment is pending (in other words, up to three months after their due date).   If their subscription has not been paid and recorded on the master database within three months, they will be recorded as ‘lapsed’.   This would mean that their insurance as a walk leader would not be valid.

RAMBLER FRIENDLY PUBS

Do you need to know of any pubs in your area that are welcoming to Ramblers?   Ted Wolton of Tendring District has collated information on such venues.   Even better, have you found a Pub that left you and your Group impressed with their Drink, Food and Friendly approach?   Either way Why Not get in touch with Ted at Eoldspud@aol.com.   If you have a list of more than a couple it would be helpful if the village or town names were in alphabetical order and that telephone numbers are included.  Pubs have a habit of either closing or changing hands on a regular basis, so don't worry too much if details become out of date quickly.  It will be up to the walkers who frequent these pubs to inform Ted of any changes and updates can always be published right here.

Just as an example whilst Len Banister was "site testing" for the BBC Essex Way, he came across the Windmill Motor Inn at Chatham Green.  The pub is not marked on the OS map but was a real find, rambler friendly and with a couple of good beers in very pleasant surroundings.

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