Become a walk leader

Become a Walk Leader

We deliver over 300 walks each year, supported by a friendly and experienced team of more than 50 walk leaders (both male and female). We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers who would like to get involved. If you enjoy walking and would like to share that experience with others, becoming a volunteer walk leader is a rewarding way to support the group and help others discover new places.

Is walk leading for me?

You don’t need to be an expert or have led walks before. Many of our current leaders started with little or no prior experience. If you’re interested, we’ll support you every step of the way, and you can take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

We understand that leading your first walk can feel a little daunting. To help with this:

You can buddy up with an experienced leader for your first walks
You’ll have support and guidance from the team
There’s always someone to ask if you’re unsure
We can also provide sample routes and GPX files to help you plan your first walks with confidence.

You can pick the dates, length and routes for the walks you lead. There is no minimum commitment.

What you will be doing

As a walk leader, you’ll:

Work with the Walks Programme Coordinator to plan suitable walks
Choose dates, routes, and walk lengths that suit you
Recce (check) your route in advance so you’re familiar with it
Provide walk details so your walk can be added to the programme and Ramblers website
Welcome walkers and help create an inclusive, friendly atmosphere
Lead the group on the day, supporting everyone’s safety and enjoyment

Some routes to get you started …

Below is a selection of sample walks we’ve put together to inspire both new and experienced walk leaders when planning future routes. All walks are circular.
Click on a walk to view full route details. Download the GPX files to use on your navigation device or OS Maps, or alternatively use the PDF to plot the route onto a paper map. We strongly recommend that you recce any route in advance and make any adjustments you feel are necessary.

Keep the Castle in Sight
Gallery
Keep the Castle in Sight

Walk Routes

From Pond to Park
Gallery
From Pond to Park

Walk Routes

Where Iron Once Brewed
Gallery
Where Iron Once Brewed

Walk Routes

Some useful resources to help when planning walks …

Below are a few links to useful online mapping resources, which may be helpful when planning your walks.

OS Maps – The UK’s official mapping agency. Also contains searchable suggested routes, but requires a paid subscription to use most features

Mileage Calculator – A free online tool for calculating the mileage of a walk

Training and support

We provide simple, practical training to help you feel confident:

Walk Leadership Foundations
The Walk Leader Handbook
Preventing and Managing Incidents

If you already hold a relevant qualification (for example through the Mountain Training Association), you may not need to complete additional training.

Skills that help

You don’t need to be perfect at all of these — enthusiasm and a willingness to learn matter most.

Enjoy walking and being outdoors
Friendly and approachable with others
Comfortable communicating with a group
Willing to support and include a range of people

What’s in it for you

Full support from experienced walk leaders and coordinators
Access to training and a helpful network of volunteers
The chance to develop leadership and communication skills
A sociable role within a welcoming group
The satisfaction of helping others enjoy walking and the outdoors

The training you’ll undertake

Three online walk leadership training modules:

1

The Walk Leader Handbook
2

Walk Leadership Foundations
3

Preventing and Managing Incidents

If you already hold a relevant qualification (for example through the Mountain Training Association), you may not need to complete additional training.

Interested in getting involved?

If you’d like to learn more or have a chat about what’s involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch