Essential Information
Walk Guidelines
All our walks must be booked in advance.
Our festival programme has been put together to include walks to suit varying abilities and interests. They are graded as follows:
Easy: An easy paced walk over varied terrain with only gentle slopes (No longer than 4 miles)
Moderate: An easy paced walk over varied terrain with some hilly sections (4 – 7 miles)
Hard: A slightly faster paced walk with varied terrain and hills (7- 10 miles)
Strenuous: A varied all day walk covering longer distances (10+ miles)
The duration of each walk has been estimated by the walk leader. Sometimes walks take longer than estimated e.g. if there are large numbers of walkers or difficult conditions underfoot on the day or it is necessary to change the route slightly due to path closures.
Under 18’s and vulnerable people must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Photos will be taken throughout the festival and may be used for publicity purposes. If you do not wish to be in any photographs please advise the walk leader.
Health and Safety
The Dursley area is hilly and any of the walks will be strenuous – please consider any health issues you may have before deciding to join the walks and advise walk leaders of any concerns before setting off.
Many of the walks involve stiles and/or kissing gates. We apologise that, for this reason, many of the walks may not be accessible for people with mobility issues or may be unsuitable for push chairs. Please check with walk leaders in advance.
To help the Walking Festival to run safely, Walk Leaders will walk their routes in advance and assess what risks there are.
The Walk Leader will inform you of any significant risks before the walk commences and will remind you of specific risks when appropriate along the walk.
It is important that you listen to the Walk Leader’s advice, including as you proceed along the route.
Please do not attend a walk if you feel unwell or have symptoms of Covid 19.
It is recommended that you carry a facemask and hand wash in case these are needed along the walk. Please note that facemasks must be worn on buses to comply with bus company policy.
When on a walk:
1. please follow the instructions of the Walk Leader when any potential hazards are being negotiated.
2. make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather expected on the day.
3. ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear for the walk and remember to bring your walking pole if you use one.
4. respect the need to allow space to other walkers to ensure you and they are comfortable given the continued risk of covid infection.
5. make sure you bring food and drink sufficient for the length of the walk, and don’t forget any medications you need to take during the walk.
Please note: the Walk Leader can refuse to accept you onto the walk if you are likely to be putting yourself or others in danger.
After the walk: if you become unwell or test positive for Covid 19 please advise Dursley Welcomes Walkers via our website so that others on your walk can be informed.
There have been reports of more ticks than usual in recent years. For this reason we suggest that you wear long sleeved shirts and trousers rather than shorts.
Please do not feed any animals you meet on the walks and make sure that you take all litter home with you.
Dogs on Festival Walks
Dogs are allowed on some walks (see individual walk details).
The owner is always responsible for their dog. Dogs must be well behaved and kept on a short lead and under control at all times.
The owner must ensure that their dog does not trip, alarm or inconvenience other people or cause damage.
They must clean up after their dog. If a walk leader thinks that your dog is not sufficiently well behaved you will not be allowed to join the walk.
Walks may contain stiles which dogs could find difficult to negotiate.
When walking through a field containing livestock or horses, people with dogs should walk at the back of the group.
Dogs must not worry livestock. If the livestock/horses become threatening then please let the dog go. The dog will be able to run away and the livestock/horses’ interest will be diverted from the walkers to the dog.
Festival Programme 2021
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