August 2020 Update
On August 24th 2020 the government allowed “organised outdoor physical activity events” and so Rambling Groups could restart their walk programmes. The government imposed an upper limit of 30 participants on a walk together with requirements for the Club to hold contact details for all participants, in case Track and Trace teams should need to contact individuals. The new rules include advice for individuals to observe physical distancing, to minimise touching gates where possible and not sharing food, drink or equipment with fellow walkers. The Ramblers Association’s risk assessment form template for walk leaders was updated in August to cover Covid-19 relevant issues.
Guidance Notes for Walk Assessments (pdf)
September 2020 Updates
With increasing numbers of COVID cases being reported across the UK in recent weeks as the economy re-opens the government has had to re-impose certain restrictions. The Rule of Six (social gatherings limited to six people) has been introduced by government as of September 14th but Ramblers and Walking for Health group walks, as organised outdoor physical activity events are still officially exempt from these restrictions as long as we continue to follow the previously agreed rules.
As of September 24th, further constraints are being imposed by government, but there are no changes to the rules for walking groups. The Club has however taken the view that for the current walks programme walks should be limited to a maximum of 20 participants, including the two leaders.