Walk Leadership Next Steps - Irvine

Walk Leadership Next Steps - Irvine

Our practical course will equip you with the core skills for planning and leading safe and enjoyable walks for Ramblers Scotland.

By Ramblers Scotland

Date and time

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:30 - 16:30 GMT+1

Location

Eglinton Country Park

Eglinton Country Park Eglinton KA12 8TA United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 7 hours

We will spend a day exploring key navigation skills including map reading and basic compass work, dealing with emergencies, what kit to bring, essential leadership concepts, and much more.

The course is all taught outdoors in small groups of no more than 6 volunteers. It is 100% practical. Like you, the trainer will be a volunteer. They are experienced in leading walks with Ramblers Scotland.


Who is the course for?

This course is for Ramblers Scotland volunteers who will lead walks for our groups. Some people attend to learn more about what it's like to lead walks and decide if the role is for them. Others attend to develop their skills and confidence. We extend a warm welcome to both new and experienced walk leaders.

The course is ideal for people who lead Leisurely and Moderate walks.

If you lead Easy and Easy Access walks, you will still enjoy the course and it may give you confidence to think about leading more challenging walks in the future. If you lead Strenuous or Technical walks, this course will give you the chance to refresh some of the basics.


Entry requirements

The course will build on the Walk Leader Foundations and Preventing and Managing Incidents e-Learning courses that are available free to all our walk leaders. We ask that you complete these ahead of the training day. We will send you information before the course to help you access these courses and come prepared for a great day.

Frequently asked questions

What time is the course?

We start at 9.30am and will be finished by 4.30pm. Sometimes we may adjust the times and we will let you know if this is the case.

What do I need to bring?

You need to dress for the weather. You will be outside all day and will spend more time standing around than usual. So pack some extra layers, a warm drink and your waterproofs. Bring a packed lunch and food for the day. We will provide maps but - if you have one - bring a compass with you.

What facilities can I expect on the day?

Because we are learning outdoors, on a walk, we cannot guarantee any facilities such as public toilets or shops. When we send you a confirmation email we will let you know what is available on the day.

Will we spend any time indoors?

On most courses we spend all day learning outdoors - it's the best place to learn the practical skills we are teaching.

I'm not sure I want to lead walks - can I still come on the course?

We'd love to see on on one of our courses. It can be a great way to get a feel for what leading walks is all about and decide of this is something you'd like to do. If you decide it's not for you, that's absolutely fine.

How many people will be on the course?

We limit each course to no more than 6 people. Keeping groups small helps create the best learning experience. Most courses usually have 4 or more people on them.

Who else will be on the course?

The course is open to anyone who leads walks for Ramblers Scotland - or anyone who is thinking about it. You don't need to come with loads of experience - just an open mind and a willingness to learn. You'll probably meet new people from different groups. It's a great chance to meet new people!

How far will we walk during the day?

Most courses will cover around 5-8km (3-5 miles) and there will be plenty of breaks.

I have to cancel my place. What do I do?

You can log onto Eventbrite and cancel your booking. If you need to cancel less than 5 days before the course please email jeannie.cranfield@ramblers.org.uk

What if I cannot complete the eLearning before the training day?

Don't worry - you'll still be welcome. It really will help you get the most from the course if you do complete them but that's not always possible. You can always complete them after the course.

Organised by

Ramblers Scotland

Ramblers Scotland helps everyone, everywhere, to get outdoors and enjoy walking and other activities.  We work to promote walking, secure our access rights, protect the countryside and help develop path networks.  We are the representative body for walkers in Scotland and a Scottish governing body of sport.  We are part of the Ramblers, with a long tradition of working across Britain for all who enjoy walking.