Health & Safety(continued)
The leader must lead at the pace of the slowest in the group. Leading from far ahead is highly demoralising for those left behind, and it also heightens the risk of people getting lost. Should anyone, for any particular reason be unable to complete the planned route, it must be arranged for someone to lead him/her back. If this is not possible ,the leader must take the whole group back by the easiest route. Should anyone have an accident and be forced to remain out on the hills until help is obtained, someone must be mandated to stay with the casualty, unless this would put the uninjured person at risk.
It is important that individuals attending each walk remember their limitations and take notice of the grade of the walk as specified in the programme of walks.
Grade A = Very difficult
Grade B = Difficult
Grade C = Medium
Grade D = Easy
If in doubt always contact the walk leader named on the Walk Flyer.
Non members who participate in walks do so at their own risk.
Sample of Clothing Equipment
Base-layer: Anytype of T-shirt as long as its not cotton.Brand names like Lowe-Alpine or North-Face do a very good layer and range from £20-30.
Fleece: Yet again the more you pay the better quality you get and warmer you stay.Brand names like the two above are excellent and also Crag-Hoppers & Spray-Way.These range from £60-120.
Wet-Proof: Gore-Tex is the ‘Bees-Knees' of jacket to buy but is very expensive, from £150 to about £300+ . This material is breathable and keeps you 100% dry and is also windproof.Other jackets like Dry-Flo are also excellent and cost about £100-180.Brand names are same as above.
Leg Coverings: Rohan trousers are great but expensive about £50-60 but again they are comfortable and dry very quick if they get wet.Others like Ron-Hil lDXB Tracksters make good outdoor leg coverings about£30.Shop around in sales, it pays off.
Boots: There are stacks out there like Solomon priced around £80 includes a Gore-Tex lining, a great non-slip sole and plenty of ankle support, one of the best on the market.It's a matter of looking around and yet again look for items on sale.Boots with a Vibram sole are great as well, whatever suits the pocket.(Proper hiking SOCKS are also essential, Bridgedale or 1000 mile socks are good –around £10-12).
Shops: Surf-Mountain is great for gear and is in Bangor and Belfast.Others in Belfast are Scout Shop, Jackson Sport,Millets, Cotswolds and Tiso.These places will all help you out, but watch the prices(use your UFRC discount card).
Bags: You will need a DAY-SAC, 25-30lt would do.Lots of makes out there, shop around and see what's comfortable on your back. Look out, particularly, for day-sacs with waist and/or chest straps. You will find these of great benefit.
The above summary is only a guideline, the secret is to shop around. Further information is contained in the following documents.
What To Bring On Walks
Ramblers Health and Fitness
Ramblers Safety Precautions