Walker Guidelines

Leaders very kindly volunteer their time and skills to keep us safe on the mountains.

For the day of the walk, the leader is in charge; please do what they ask you to, as it’s for the safety of the group

Leaders decide how many people may participate in a walk on a given day e.g. depending on the size of the group, the leader may decide to split the group into two walks, or do an easier version of the walk. If the leaders feel that someone is not wearing the proper personal clothing or is not carrying the recommended equipment then they may decide that person cannot walk that day.

OBSERVE THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE AT ALL TIMES: LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOGRAPHS.

Before a Walk:

  1. Ensure you have the right gear – See the Walkers Gear List here
  2. You should select a walk that matches your ability and fitness level on the day. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact the walk co-ordinator
  3. Sign the sign in sheet (the leader will have this)
  4. If getting a lift to the walk, we ask that walkers give €5 toward fuel costs for the driver
  5. Listen at the walk start to the address given where the walks is described.
  6. Notify a leader discreetly on the morning of a walk with any medical conditions etc.
  7. Hill walking, climbing and rambling are activities that can be dangerous and may result in personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.” (Mountaineering Ireland)

During a Walk

  1. Walkers must walk in single file on public roads (walk on the right if the group is less than 20 in size, walk on the left if greater than 20)
  2. Keep an eye out for the person walking behind you and be considerate of others
  3. Stay within earshot and sight of the leader, bearing in mind that you may have to stay closer together in bad weather.
  4. If a walker wishes to stop (e.g. to put on leggings etc.) while the main group is walking, inform the leader or back marker.
  5. The leader can extend, curtail or alter the route from that described at the walk start, for the safety of the group and depending on weather on the day.
  6. Follow leaders’ instructions if a problem or safety issue arises. Differences of opinion can be sorted out afterwards.
  7. Be aware of and respect farm animals and wildlife
  8. Show respect for farmers and their land, if you have to climb a gate, climb at the hinge side, one person at a time. Leave gates as you find them (open or closed)
  9. “If You Bring It In, Take It Out” – take home all litter and leftover food (including tea bags, orange peels, banana skins and other biodegradable foods).
  10. On leaving a walk for any reason, tell the leader you are leaving the walk
  11. A walker may need to or may be asked leave the walk by the leader for their own safety and the safety of the group. The leader may appoint someone to accompany them in this situation. It is vital that the walker later contacts the leader on their safe arrival back at the walk start or in the pub. Failure to do so could result in calling out Mountain Rescue.

Other Guidelines:

  1. Dogs are not allowed on walks
  2. Walkers should be aware they maybe walking on uneven/steep/slippy terrain etc.
  3. An ICE (in case of emergency) app on your phone can be useful for storing any medical conditions