Introduction

Hill and moorland walking is an adventurous activity that takes place in environments which can change quickly and present a variety of hazards. This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for all participants to help ensure the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of everyone involved.

All participants are expected to follow this Code of Conduct before, during and after every walk.

1. Personal Responsibility

Participants must:

• Take responsibility for their own behaviour, safety and wellbeing.
• Understand that hill and moorland walking involves unavoidable risks.
• Follow instructions given by leaders and support staff at all times.
• Behave in a manner that supports the safety and enjoyment of the whole group.
• Inform leaders immediately if they feel unwell, injured, cold, overheated or unable to continue.

Participants who fail to follow instructions or behave unsafely may be prevented from taking part or removed from the activity.

2. Clothing and Equipment

Participants are responsible for arriving properly equipped for the conditions and duration of the walk.

Minimum expected equipment may include:

• Suitable shoes or boots for walking with good tread
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm layers
• Hat and gloves where appropriate
• Spare clothing layers
• Food and snacks
• Sufficient drinking water
• Personal medication
• Sun protection and sunglasses where appropriate
• Rucksack suitable for carrying equipment

Participants may be refused participation if clothing or equipment is considered unsafe or unsuitable.

3. Food, Drink and Hydration

Participants must:

• Arrive well fed and hydrated.
• Carry sufficient food and drink for the planned activity.
• Drink water regularly throughout the walk.
• Inform leaders if they begin to feel faint, dizzy, weak or unwell.

Participants should not rely on streams or natural water sources for drinking water.

4. Medical Conditions and Medication

Participants must:

• Declare any relevant medical conditions before the walk.
• Inform leaders of any changes to their health.
• Carry any required medication including but not limited to Adrenaline Auto-Injectors and inhalers.
• Ensure leaders know how to access emergency medication if required.

Failure to disclose relevant medical information may place the participant and others at risk.

5. Behaviour During Walks

Participants must:

• Treat leaders, support staff, participants and members of the public with respect.
• Walk at a sensible pace appropriate to the terrain and conditions.
• Avoid pushing, running or unsafe behaviour.
• Maintain appropriate spacing whilst walking.
• Avoid distracting others in hazardous areas.
• Respect decisions made by leaders.

Participants must not:

• Leave the group without permission.
• Walk ahead of the leader or behind the designated back marker.
• Enter water unless specifically instructed.
• Climb on rocks, walls or structures unless instructed.
• Use offensive, abusive or discriminatory language.
• Damage property, gates, walls, fences or the natural environment.

6. Group Safety

Participants are expected to support the safety of the group by:

• Looking out for each other.
• Reporting hazards or concerns immediately.
• Helping maintain group cohesion.
• Staying within sight of the group where instructed.
• Taking part in head counts and safety briefings.

No participant should ever leave the group alone.

7. Road Safety

Where road walking is necessary, participants must:

• Follow leader instructions carefully.
• Walk in single file where required.
• Stay alert to traffic.
• Cross roads only when instructed.
• Wear high-visibility clothing if requested.

Horseplay near roads is strictly prohibited.

8. Weather and Environmental Conditions

Participants must:

• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Carry waterproof and warm clothing even if conditions appear favourable.
• Follow instructions regarding clothing changes or route alterations.
• Inform leaders if they are becoming too cold, wet or hot.

Leaders may alter or cancel activities if conditions become unsafe.

9. Countryside Code and Environmental Care

Participants must:

• Respect the countryside and natural environment.
• Leave gates as found.
• Keep to designated paths where appropriate.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock.
• Take litter home.
• Follow the Countryside Code.

Participants should move calmly and quietly through areas containing livestock.

10. Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices

Participants may carry mobile phones if applicable, but:

• Phones should not distract from safety.
• Headphones should not be worn whilst walking.
• Devices should not interfere with leader instructions or group communication.

Battery life should be preserved for emergencies where possible.

11. Photography and Social Media

Participants must:

• Respect the privacy of others.
• Follow any photography or safeguarding guidance.
• Avoid unsafe behaviour whilst taking photographs.

Images or comments shared online must not bring the group, leaders or organisation into disrepute.

12. Emergencies

In an emergency, participants must:

• Stay calm.
• Follow leader instructions immediately.
• Stay together unless instructed otherwise.
• Assist where appropriate and safe to do so.
• Report accidents, injuries or concerns immediately.

Participants should understand that emergency procedures may require changes to the planned activity.

13. Failure to Follow the Code of Conduct

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:

• Additional supervision
• Removal from the activity
• Contact with parents/guardians
• Exclusion from future activities

Any behaviour that places others at risk will be treated seriously.

14. Participant Agreement

By taking part in hill and moorland walking activities, participants confirm that they:

• Understand the nature of the activity
• Agree to follow leader instructions
• Will arrive properly prepared
• Will behave responsibly
• Understand that failure to follow this Code of Conduct may affect participation

15. Review

This Code of Conduct should be reviewed annually or following any significant incident.

Next Review Date: May 2027