5.2 Travel - Walking

Overview

Walking can be a low risk, insightful, healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel during visits. With careful planning and appropriate supervision, walking journeys can also support independence, road safety awareness, a connection to the local area and outdoor learning.

Visit Leaders should ensure that walking routes are planned in advance, risks are assessed and participants understand safe behaviour near roads and traffic.

Planning and Risk Assessment

Before walking with a group, you should plan the journey carefully. Key considerations include:

Route Planning

Identify the safest route in advance, noting potential hazards such as busy roads, narrow pavements or complex crossings. Consider alternative routes in case of roadworks, poor weather or other disruptions.

Pre-Visit Checks

Where possible, walk the route beforehand to identify hazards and confirm safe crossing points.

Staffing and Supervision

Ensure there are enough adults to supervise the group safely. Larger groups may need to be divided into smaller sub-groups with designated adults.

Emergency Planning

You should carry emergency contact details and ensure that procedures are in place in case a participant becomes separated.

Supervision and Group Management

Active supervision is essential throughout the walk.

Good practice includes:

• Using “walking bus” style arrangements, where adults supervise groups of children along the route
• Maintaining close supervision near crossings and busy areas
• Carrying out regular headcounts/registers before departure, during the walk and on arrival
• Ensuring participants know what to do if they become separated from the group

Distinctive clothing (e.g school uniform, trip caps/tshirts) can also help leaders easily identify participants.

Visibility and Safety Equipment

Participants should remain visible to both leaders and road users. Consider:

• Sightlines
• High-visibility vests or tabards, particularly in poor weather or near busy roads
• Reflective clothing or small torches when walking in low-light conditions

Pedestrian Safety

Remind participants of basic road safety principles.

For younger pupils, this may include practising the Green Cross Code:

• Stop
• Look
• Listen
• Think

You should encourage safe walking behaviour, including staying alert, avoiding distractions, remaining visible and following instructions when crossing roads.

Where possible, use designated crossings such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, footbridges or underpasses.

Staff and participants should also be familiar with relevant Highway Code guidance for pedestrians Rules 1–35.

During the Walk

While walking, you should ensure that:

• Participants remain visible and supervised at all times
• Headcounts/registers are carried out regularly
• Safe, recognised crossing points are used wherever possible
• Procedures are followed if anyone becomes separated from the group