LOCATION
Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire.
ASSESSMENT DATE
3/4/2019
Assessor
Julia Doherty, Walk Director
For more information about this particular walk, please click the areas of interest below. The details are correct as of publication, and we will regularly update this assessment.
Traffic Roads
Hazzard
We need to cross the main road (Daventry Road) as we leave the Countryman Pub and again when we reach Lower Shuckborough. There are a few minor roads in between.
Who May Be Harmed
All walkers
How the risk is controlled
- Warn walkers in pre-walk talk
- Cross at safer places
- Keep the group together
- Wear hi-vis vests
- Torches are essential for all walkers in the darker nights
- Footwear to be assessed at check-in
Dual Paths / Livestock
The hazard:
The path is used by those that are running and also other walkers. There are many horses on the trail, as well as dog owners. Be aware that during warmer months there will be cows on the fields, and also sheep (which are there all year round). We also spotted deer on numerous occasions, so dogs need to be on a lead at all times.
Who may be harmed?
Those that are hard of hearing or have other sensory ailments.
How the risk is controlled:
- Inform the group at the beginning of the walk that we may come across others on route.
- Keep to one side of the path (naturally, fall to the left)
- Check the group is not drifting across the path
- Ask walkers to help warn others of bikes approaching
- Take extra care when crossing others on the trail
Dogs
The hazard:
Please keep your dogs on a lead at all times, although we would not recommend this walk for larger dogs. There are electric fences and a few stiles on this walk. There is livestock on the trail.
Who may be harmed?
All, particularly those fearful of dogs
How the risk is controlled:
- Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on the route
- Keep nervous walkers away from dogs and warn dog owner to keep the dog away from the group
- Dogs are allowed on this walk, however, we ask that no more than one dog per adult.
Weather
The Hazzard
This walk is potentially very muddy if we have bad weather. It is worth taking note of the canal area where some parts are a bit thin – single file walking along the canal. rather. Also, lots of slippery stiles, and wet leaves through the woods which could be hazardous if not announced by the walk leader.
Who may be harmed?
All walkers. All, particularly those that are frailer and aren’t dressed appropriately
How the risk is controlled:
- Check walkers’ clothing at the beginning of the walk
- Take water, hats, raingear.
- Be aware of places to shelter (numerous places throughout the trail).
- Abandon walk if necessary – use exit strategy.
- It is Adventure Geek’s responsibility to check the weather forecast before the walk begins. If the weather looks bad (bad rain, windy etc, then we will reschedule the walk for a future date and notify everyone accordingly).
Other People
The Hazzard
Other people who may look suspicious.
Who may be harmed?
All walkers.
How the risk is controlled:
- Move past any potentially threatening group avoiding eye contact
- Carry an attack alarm, should you feel there is cause to do so. (Adventure Geek Leaders all carry an electronic whistle)
- Have a charged mobile to hand
Slips, Trips and Falls
The Hazzard
This area has many potential areas to slip as there are often running streams, slippery and muddy surfaces. See the previous section about the weather.
Who may be harmed?
All walkers particularly those with balance difficulties/mobility issues.
How the risk is controlled:
- Warn in pre-walk talk and as necessary on the route
- Help walkers around muddy spots, narrow paths, etc.
- Abandon walk if path accessibility is very bad
Inclines/Declines
The Hazzard
This walk is over 10 miles so walkers need to be fit and healthy. At the end of the walk we have a very steep incline through a wooded area, so a short break before we begin the ascent is advised.
Who may be harmed?
All walkers, particularly those with heart problems, high blood pressure etc e.g. Angina
How the risk is controlled:
- Warn in pre-walk talk
- Be aware of walkers’ health needs – AD walk leaders to note the medical declarations on the registration entry.
- Allow everyone to take inclines at their own pace – tail walker to always stay at the back. We will walk as fast as the slowest person.
- Remind walkers to take and use the medication if necessary
- Rest at the top of any incline and wait for the group
Stiles
The Hazzard
There are numerous stiles, including some double stiles on this walk. I lost count!
Who may be harmed?
All, particularly those with balance difficulties/ mobility issues
How the risk is controlled:
- Warn in pre-walk talk
- Help walkers as necessary over stiles
New Walkers
Who may be harmed?
All, particularly the new walker
How the risk is controlled:
- Read through health check questionnaire with all new walkers
- Share relevant disclosed health information with other leaders
- Be extra vigilant whilst walking
- Buddy new walker with a regular walker or another walk leader
- Accompany the new walker back to base if necessary
- Give the new walker briefing which includes what to expect during an adventure geek walk, who the walk leaders are and their names, explain that we have a first aid kit, ask if they are ok with dogs, has anything happened since registering from a health perspective that we may need to know.