Walk Leadership

Leading Group Walks

At the Ramblers we're passionate about walking and helping everyone enjoy the benefits it brings. Group walks, led by a walk leader, are a fantastic way to experience the outdoors.

Here, all our walk leaders will find the guidance and resources they need to lead safe, enjoyable and inclusive walks. Below you will find access to our walk leader training modules and numerous templates and resources that will support you to continue developing as a walk leader and inspire you, in time, to start leading more varied and challenging walks.

Whether you are a walk leader for Ramblers, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, one of our affiliated groups or an entirely different walking group, we’re here to help you share your love of walking with others. Thank you for helping others enjoy all the benefits group walking brings.

The essentials

All the key stuff you’ll need – from everything you need to know to get started as a walk leader to the training that will help you keep improving.

A group walking on a wide, treelined path.

Walk leadership online training

Grow your skills and confidence in leading group walks.

Walkers talking on a wide path with overhanging trees

Resources for walk leaders

The Ramblers approach to leading group walks – handbook, templates and guidance for walk leaders.

A walk leader smiling as two walkers pass her.

Getting started as a walk leader

Find out what’s involved in leading group walks and how to get started.

Skills and knowledge

Looking to brush up on your map reading skills? Or fancy refreshing what you take with you on a walk? Check out our easy-to-follow skills guides below.

Carrying out a recce

Watch a 2-minute video from one of our walk leaders on the importance of completing a recce before your group walk.

A walk leader giving instructions to her group

Carrying out a walk briefing

A walk briefing is a quick run though of what to expect on the walk on the day, just before you start it. Watch our short video on what a good briefing should include.

A beginner's guide to navigation

Embrace the spirit of adventure with our easy-to-follow video series teaching you everything you need to know about finding your way in the outdoors.

Recommended kit for leading group walks

The extra kit we suggest taking along when you’re leading a walk.

Inspiration and information

Looking for some new ideas to take your walks to the next level? Whether you want tips on getting more people along to your walks or how you can deal with a growing group, we’ve got plenty of advice for you.

First aid on group walks

How to make sure you’re ready for the unexpected when you’re leading a group walk.

A group of young walkers on a country path

Managing group size

Tips for managing your group to lead safe, enjoyable and welcoming walks.

Three walkers looking at a map, standing by a gate with trees in the background

Writing a walk description

Tips on how to write an interesting and informative listing to promote your walk.

Two female walkers with backpacks on, smiling into the camera.

Walk leadership training opportunities in Scotland

Find out more about the training and support for walk leaders in Scotland.

How your group can reach new walkers

Ideas and tips for running walks to reach new walkers.

A group of people walking along a path among trees

What to expect when you join a Ramblers group walk

A Ramblers group walk is a great way to get out exploring. Here’s what to expect when you join us.

Understanding access rights

We’ve got a huge variety of great places to walk all across Britain. But with different rules in different nations, its crucial to know where you’re allowed to walk and where you’re not.

A group of people walking across and open field of wildflowers