ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

We are currently urging all walk leaders to engage a back-marker for their walk for a number of reasons. As mentioned above there are safety aspects to organising walks as an individual, but actually leading a walk unaided can be tricky at times and possibly more demanding than a new leader might desire.
We have recently had cases of people breaking off from the back of a walk for a 'comfort stop' without notifying anyone they plan to do this and resulting in a few minutes of concern until they are relocated again. This can occur partly because there is no back-marker to inform of what they are doing and who can remain close by to ensure they do not 'go missing' when they return to the path. Back markers are also useful as an indication to the leader of the end of the group allowing him to move forward knowing that no-one should be behind his back-marking colleague. For those who do prefer to organise their walks signally, it is suggested that they nominate a back-marker at the start of the actual walk itself from volunteers, so that even if the person taking this role is not familiar with the route being taken, they can at least ensure no one is left behind.

  The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492).  Registered office:  2^nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW