• Take nothing but photographs,

• Kill nothing but time,

• Leave nothing but good will. 

Plan the walk. Choose the route carefully assessing:

• the length of the walk, the terrain,
• the amount of ascent and descend required,
• the likely size, fitness and experience of the walking party,
• the season of the year and likely prevailing weather patterns,
• the time required to complete the walk with a good safety margin given the sunrise and sunset times for that particular time of the year.
• Using a map, Guide Book, local knowledge and other sources the researched points of interest
• Give consideration to the Transport options such as safe car parking all the use of public transport.
• In the planning your route take into account rest stops, several escape routes in the event of bad weather or difficulties with the party.
• Prepare a detailed route card.
• Carry out a risk assessment
• Consider an alternative route possibly at a lower level to be used for example in poor weather conditions.

 Having a planned a particular route it is absolutely essential that you should walk it at least once (preferably in the company of your back marker) so that you can:

Familiarise your self with the route and the terrain,

• take particular note of critical of navigation points, escape routes,

• carry out to a risk assessment.

•  Prepare a suitable description for the programme or information that will be

• considered by the people who will be joining the walk.

• Give them adequate information to decide whether it is a suitable route for their fitness and experience prior to actually adjoining the walk.
• Consider including a telephone number or other contact details so that if in doubt they can contact your for further information prior to the day of the walk.
• If at all possible the route should be walked a 2nd time prior to the date in the week all two before.

• Check the weather forecast the for the locality and consider the implications of bad weather for the walk.
• If severe conditions are predicted then consider cancelling the walk or choosing an alternative possibly low level route.
• Check your own personal to gear and 1st kit.
• Check public transport arrangements also eating arrangements such as a public house if applicable.

•  Be there early. 

• Introduce yourself.
• Introduce your seconder  explaining that they will act as the back marker.
• mention to check that their cars are secure, that anything of value is safely out of sight 
• Explained that every walk in the countryside, and the mountains particularly, can be dangerous and that whilst every effort will be made to lead the walk as well as possible accidents can and do occur. 
• Emphasise that the ultimate responsibility for their own safety lies with them.
• Whereas it is nice to talk during a walk mention that they should  be sure to focus on where their next foot step will take them.
• Mention that if any members of walking party have a medical condition or carry medication they may wish to discretely inform the walk leader.
• Explain that when you choose to walk with a party the golden rule is that the pace of the walking party is determined by the slowest member.
• If the visibility is poor to ensure the that the group stays together.
• Ask if anyone decides to leave the walking party for any reason that they should inform either walk leader. 

Advise dog owners of your concerns for example:

• please keep a lead short - it could cause a risk to other group members,
• mention if there are sections where the dog will encounter wild life or farm animals where the use of the a lead is expected,
• inform them if there are styles on route or any other terrain difficulties that could cause a dog a problem.

Count the group at the start of the walk:

• make a note of the number,
• inform your seconder,
• at suitable points during the course of the day carry out a numbers check;
• check the number at the end of the walk

Describe the route that you will be following. in other words present people with a sufficient amount of information to decide at the start of the walk whether it is a suitable day out for their level of skill and fitness. 

• give some idea of the nature of the terrain,
• mention any steep climbs and the overall total of ascent and descend,
• make a point of a mentioning any particular of hazards that will be encountered during the day for example slippery ground, tussocky grass, a river to be crossed, or a section where a head for heights is essential.
• described the weather patterns that the forecast as predicted for the day.

Carry out a visual check of the of equipment people are wearing: 

• check to see if they are all wearing suitable walking boots,
• If not obvious when the verbally mention that they should be carrying waterproofs,
• mention they should be carrying food and water for the day plus any essential medication