Is it a walk or a hike?
As route maps are required with the risk assessment for hikes, there has been some recent debate about what’s a hike and what’s a walk. So, here’s a bit of guidance which Sarah NA has put together (although this applies to hikes and walks during a section night, on a day activity, or during a NA experience).
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If on a section meeting and under 1.5hrs in time this can be classed as a walk
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If on a section meeting and over 1.5hrs in time this will be classed as a hike (potentially you could be walking up to 6 miles) a copy of the route plan/map should be sent to the GSL / GLV
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Going around a village, town, or nature reserve we would class as a walk
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If on a NA experience, the same parameters as if in a section meeting but the copy of the route plan/map to be sent through to the District Nights Away Lead Volunteer.
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Please remember that all routes must be checked before walking them with the young people to make sure that there are no unforeseen problems.
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You can find an example Route Plan on Fact Sheet FS120409
Remember, for Nights Away - if out of District NAN, RAs etc to be sent through 3 weeks before going. If in District this is to be sent 2 weeks before going.
Further information on https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/hiking/
You must always:
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Complete and share a risk assessment
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Have the right ratios and number of adults to provide suitable supervision
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Set up an InTouch process ·
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Know what to do in an emergency
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Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
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Get approval from your commissioner