Safe Walking
Walking Safely
Walking safely involves doing the right walks for your level of fitness and experience, wearing the right clothing, carrying the right equipment and having appropriate skills, particularly in the areas of first aid and navigation. Walking with a club is a great way to learn about these things from other more experienced walkers. Asking lots of questions and listening to the advice of experienced walkers is how you will learn what you need to participate in many safe and enjoyable trips.
New to Walking?
We recommend you take a look at the resources for new walkers on the Getting Started pages published by Bushwalking NSW.
COVID 19 - Safe Walking
Participants need to comply with all applicable government COVID safe requirements. To help participants to be COVID safe when bushwalking and abseiling, we have developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan. We ask that all members and visitors familiarise themselves with the plan before participating in any club activity.
Clothing & Equipment
The Bushwalking NSW FAQ ( http://bushwalkingnsw.org.au/clubsites/FAQ/FAQ_Index.htm) is a good start point for information and recommendations about clothing and gear to carry. Remember to ask other people too - especially those of similar age and fitness to you who do the same sort of walks you enjoy. You should always ask your activity coordinator if there is any special clothing or equipment which is required or recommended for the trip you will be doing.
Minimum Numbers on Walks
Generally, 4 is considered to be the ideal minimum number for safe walking, canyoning and caving. In some circumstances however, a leader may assess the risk associated with a particular activity and the skills and experience of the participants on that activity and decide that a lower or higher minimum number is suitable.
First Aid
It's a really good idea to have first aid skills. We recommend club members complete a senior first aid or remote area first aid qualification depending on the types of trips they enjoy.
Navigation
The club runs occasional navigation training sessions. Once you have the basics the best way to learn is to carry a map on your walks and ask the leader or other experienced walkers to show you more. We also recommend rogaining as a great way of improving your navigation skills.
Cliff Edge Safety
Our club teaches cliff edge safety on our abseil practice days. The same safety principles apply when walking. Please make sure that when standing you are at least 1-body's length away from the edge. If you'd like to go closer to look down then lying on your belly is a safe way to do so. Remember that the wind can be gusty and unpredictable at the top of a cliff.
Walking on Hunting Grounds
Buswalking NSW has issued guidelines to help bushwalkers walk safely in areas where recreational hunting is allowed.
Safety Notice - walking on hunting grounds
Walking Safely
Walking safely involves doing the right walks for your level of fitness and experience, wearing the right clothing, carrying the right equipment and having appropriate skills, particularly in the areas of first aid and navigation. Walking with a club is a great way to learn about these things from other more experienced walkers. Asking lots of questions and listening to the advice of experienced walkers is how you will learn what you need to participate in many safe and enjoyable trips.
New to Walking?
We recommend you take a look at the resources for new walkers on the Getting Started pages published by Bushwalking NSW.
COVID 19 - Safe Walking
Participants need to comply with all applicable government COVID safe requirements. To help participants to be COVID safe when bushwalking and abseiling, we have developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan. We ask that all members and visitors familiarise themselves with the plan before participating in any club activity.
Clothing & Equipment
The Bushwalking NSW FAQ ( http://bushwalkingnsw.org.au/clubsites/FAQ/FAQ_Index.htm) is a good start point for information and recommendations about clothing and gear to carry. Remember to ask other people too - especially those of similar age and fitness to you who do the same sort of walks you enjoy. You should always ask your activity coordinator if there is any special clothing or equipment which is required or recommended for the trip you will be doing.
Minimum Numbers on Walks
Generally, 4 is considered to be the ideal minimum number for safe walking, canyoning and caving. In some circumstances however, a leader may assess the risk associated with a particular activity and the skills and experience of the participants on that activity and decide that a lower or higher minimum number is suitable.
First Aid
It's a really good idea to have first aid skills. We recommend club members complete a senior first aid or remote area first aid qualification depending on the types of trips they enjoy.
Navigation
The club runs occasional navigation training sessions. Once you have the basics the best way to learn is to carry a map on your walks and ask the leader or other experienced walkers to show you more. We also recommend rogaining as a great way of improving your navigation skills.
Cliff Edge Safety
Our club teaches cliff edge safety on our abseil practice days. The same safety principles apply when walking. Please make sure that when standing you are at least 1-body's length away from the edge. If you'd like to go closer to look down then lying on your belly is a safe way to do so. Remember that the wind can be gusty and unpredictable at the top of a cliff.
Walking on Hunting Grounds
Buswalking NSW has issued guidelines to help bushwalkers walk safely in areas where recreational hunting is allowed.
Safety Notice - walking on hunting grounds