Qualified leaders
All our walks leaders are now officially qualified by Ramblers. From 1st March 2026 all leaders are required to have undergone online training, or to have reported relevant experience of walks leadership.

Follow my leader
Please observe these guidelines when walking, for everyone’s benefit.

• Keep to the route being walked by the leader – don’t wander ‘off piste’.
• Do not walk in front of the leader without permission. If you do walk ahead, wait regularly for the rest of the group to catch up.

South Hams Way
Sections of the South Hams Way can appear in our walks programme. These are led by a qualified walks leader. 

Events & dates for your diary
Saturday 11 July: Annual barbecue, Loddiswell
Saturday 27 September : South Hams Way anniversary walk
Saturday 17 October: Devon Area Members’ Day hosted by South Hams Ramblers
Friday 4 December: Christmas lunch, Cottage Hotel
Further details of these and other social events will be advised by email, on our website and on Facebook

When we walk
We walk every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Starting at 10.30, walks vary in length from 5 to 14 miles. Short walks may start later, always check the programme.

General guidelines
Please observe these general guidelines when walking, for everyone’s benefit. 

1. Keep to the route being walked by the leader – don’t wander ‘off piste’.
2. Do not walk in front of the leader without permission. If you do walk ahead, wait for the rest of the group at a designated point. 
3. Remember that the walks are for all participants. Leaders are advised that the pace of the walks should reflect this.
4. All Leaders should carry an OS map of the walk area in case of an emergency when the group have to find their way back to the start point.
5. Once published, the walk venue cannot be changed unless there are exceptional circumstances. If a leader is unable to carry out the walk, every effort will be made to find an alternative leader.

Grading of walks

Leisurely (L): If you have at least a little bit of experience of walking in the countryside and you have a reasonable level of fitness, these walks will be suitable for you. The walks may include unsurfaced rural paths and we recommend you wear walking boots and bring warm, waterproof clothing as appropriate for the season.

Moderate (M): These walks may include some steep paths and open country walking. They will be at a brisk pace so you will need a good level of fitness and experience of walking in the countryside. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Strenuous (S): These walks will be at a brisk pace and may include hills and rough terrain. They are recommended only for experienced country walkers with an above average level of fitness. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. If you are new to walking with the group, please contact the walk leader in advance to check the walk is suitable for you.

Walks gradings are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk, please contact the leader in advance. If you think the grading, or any other part of the description of a walk, is inaccurate or inadequate, advise the Walks Secretary. Leaders may choose to take walks in reverse direction to take account of weather or tides or for a change.

Pace of walk: Shorter walks may be labelled ‘leisurely pace’ to indicate that whatever the grading of the walk (see previous page) the leader will take the walk at a gentle pace.

Weather: If the weather is doubtful, check online or with the leader that the walk will take place.

Cancellation of walks: If a walk has to be cancelled for any reason, members must be advised by email, on our website (www.ramblers.org.uk/south-hams and www.southhamsramblers.org.uk), the Ramblers app and on our Facebook page.

Gates: The last walker of the group should shut and secure all gates unless advised otherwise.

Dogs: There may be occasions where a leader will judge that a walk is unsuitable for dogs, such as on narrow and precipitous coastal paths. Anyone wanting to bring a dog, or dogs, on a walk is advised to contact the walk leader before the walk to check if the walk is suitable. Anyone bringing a dog on a walk must ensure that the dog is on a short lead and under the control of the owner at all times.

Safety and the right clothing: Walking is one of the safest outdoor activities but is not completely risk-free. It is your responsibility to behave sensibly and minimise the potential for accidents. Make sure you are fit enough to undertake a particular walk based on the grading descriptions and the walk’s length. Always have suitable clothing and footwear to match the weather conditions. Walks leaders may refuse to accept participants judged inadequately equipped or unfit. If in doubt, contact the leader for advice in advance. Walkers should carry a note giving emergency contact details in case of an incident.

Risk assessments: Leaders must carry out and record a written risk assessment of a route before a walk takes place. This document (form available from Walks Programme Coordinator) must be kept for three years.

Incidents: Should an incident occur on a walk, an accident, someone trips and injures themselve please tell the leader if they haven't observed this. Follow the leaders instructions as they deal with the situation. Leaders should complete an Incident Report Form obtainable from Walks Programme Coordinator and on the Ramblers’ website.

Insurance: Ramblers’ insurance policy - third party liability, legal costs – only covers members on walks published in the official walks programme. Anyone who leaves during a walk is not covered once they have left the group. Non-members are covered for three introductory walks, after which they must become members.

Photographs: Photographs taken by members while on walks may only be posted on our private group Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/southhamsramblers and/or used to publicise the group. If any member prefers their image not to be included, please let the walk leader know.