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, new walk leaders will find the guidance and resources needed to get started and build the confidence to lead their first walk, while existing walk leaders will find inspiration and advice 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.

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 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.

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 group walking on a wide, treelined path.

Walk leadership online training

Grow your skills and confidence in leading group walks.

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.

How your group can reach new walkers

Ideas and tips for running walks to reach new walkers.

Two walkers having a conversation whilst drinking out of flasks.

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.

A young group of walkers making scared faces whilst pointing to a bear statue in the bckground.

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 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.

A group of young walkers on a country path

Managing group size

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

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.

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.

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.