Setting up a walking group

We all know that walking and wheeling in the outdoors is fantastic for your health and wellbeing.

Whether it’s striding, strolling, pushing, or rolling, it lifts your mood, helps you get fitter, and helps you to live well for longer.  

Walking and wheeling is inclusive, free, and incredibly low risk.

It’s also a great tool to bring communities together so that they feel more connected to each other and the space around them.

Whether it’s your colleagues or your community, you can be that person to motivate and inspire others to get out and enjoy all the benefits that walking and wheeling together bring.

We’re here to support you every step of the way with some tips and advice to help you do just that.    

Are you setting up a walk in your workplace or on behalf of an organisation?  

First, check with your employer or organisation to see whether they have any specific procedures you need to follow.

You’ll probably find that walking can be easily incorporated into your usual organisational practices.  

GM Moving have an Active Workplaces toolkit here with further guidance and advice.

Who are your walks for? 

When you start your group, it might take a bit of time to get to know your walkers and to understand their ability levels.

(Considering who your walk is for beforehand may also help with advertising your offer to potential attendees).

Once your group is established, you’ll also likely attract new walkers too, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of giving your walkers as much information as possible before starting the walk to help them decide whether they’re able to join.

For example:  

• Check that your group members are confident with the planned duration of the walk 

• Explain the route and describe the terrain you’ll be walking on, e.g. are there are hills, narrow paths, slippery bits etc.? 

• Let people know whether there are any facilities en-route, such as toilets or seating.   

All the above information should help people decide whether your walks are suitable for them. 

Also, it’s helpful to make everyone attending aware that they’re responsible for keeping themselves safe on the walk.

You can also check that any under-18s or adults with additional support needs come along with someone to take care of them. 

Do I need insurance for my walking group? 

You don’t necessarily need insurance to lead a short walk in the community.

After all, walking is the most accessible and lowest risk form of physical activity out there.

However, common sense is key. Plan a safe route. Think about how to keep your group members safe while out walking. Think about what you’d do in the unlikely event of an emergency.  

If you would like to explore your options for insuring your group, search “insurance for walking groups” and get some quotes – cover can be as cheap as £60 a year.  

Do you need any further support? 

Please contact carole@gmmoving.co.uk