The folowing article contains information on the qualifications required of a walk leader and information on route planning, preparation and leading the group during the walk.

Leaders should:
1. Be competent to lead groups and be appropriately equipped to ensure the safety of the group.
2. Be trained in first aid and carry a first aid kit.
3. Know the route and the ability of the group and ensure that they are all properly equipped.
4. Be prepared to alter the route to meet the needs and interest of the group, and the weather conditions.
5. Ensure that everybody in the group knows what to do, what not to do, and why.
6. Show good example to the group with regard to conservation issues and relationships with landowners.

Route Planning
1. Match the route to the ability of the group.
2. Get the weather forecast and plan your route with weather in mind.
3. Avoid unnecessary height loss.
4. Where possible, keep to the ridges and spurs rather than walking on the side of a slope or crossing ridges and spurs unnecessarily.
5. Avoid steep ground if possible; but remember if you must cross steep ground plan the route so that you walk up rather than down - it is safer to ascend steep ground rather than descend it.
6. Especially with young groups, try to vary the terrain in a day's walk.
7. Make out a detailed route card to include distance, height gain, and time taken for each leg. Include compass bearings where appropriate.
8. Always plan a suitable alternative or escape route in case of bad weather or problems arising.

Preparation
Route Selection: Use the map to choose a route, taking into account the experience and fitness of the group. Work out approximately how long the walk will take.
Weather: Get the weather forecast and know how it will affect the walk (ring 1550 123 850 for the Munster area).
Equipment: Make sure the leader/s and the group are suitably equipped.
Transport: Organise transport and meeting places before and after the walk.
Safety: Leave notice of where you are going and when you are likely to return. This can save a lot of confusion in the event of an emergency.
Map & Compass: A map and compass, with the ability to use them, are essential pieces of equipment for all leaders. A G.P.S. while useful as a back-up is no substitute for a map and compass.

During The Walk
Size of group: Large groups should be avoided. They are difficult to manage, cause environmental and access problems
Stay together: If people become separated from the group they may get lost or injured.
Inform people: Tell people where they are going and how long it should take. Show them the map.
Shared responsibility: Avoid taking all responsibility by delegating the different jobs of organising and leading a walk.