About the Walking Scheme

The Girlguiding walking scheme involves theoretical and practical training and assessment at

three levels, each relating to a different classification of countryside in the UK. It provides

participants with the skills and experience needed to lead groups on walks or expeditions. This

resource is designed to support you through each level of the scheme and record your

progress throughout.

Like other schemes in the series, the walking scheme has a competence-based approach. You

need to demonstrate what you can do, as well as what you know. This approach enables your

previous walking experience and achievements both within and outside guiding to be

recognised.

The qualifications may be taken at any of the three levels:

• Level 1 for lowland country

• Level 2 for open country

• Level 3 for remote country

Level 1 - for walks in lowland country

Lowland country is defined as lanes, tracks and paths, fields, woods or other non-remote

lowland areas where the ability to read a map and find a route may be necessary, but where

weather conditions will not be extreme and the types of country will not present any great

problems.

You must complete ongoing training and assessment of the following modules.

Module 1: Plan and prepare for a walk in lowland country.

Module 2: Demonstrate knowledge of route planning and navigation skills in

lowland country.

Module 3: Plan for the safety of yourself and of others in lowland country.

Module 4: Demonstrate personal leadership and group management skills for lowland

country.

Training

Trainings are likely to include both theory and practical sessions on topics such as clothing and equipment, map and compass skills, route planning, access and conservation, weather, water safety, leadership skills, accident and emergency procedures, and the Girlguiding regulations for walking.

Trainings may be held over a series of evenings, on a Saturday or a Sunday, or over a weekend.

At Level 1 your training and assessment is ongoing and you will normally be assessed locally. For each element, your assessor will complete and sign the relevant pages in this resource to indicate that you have proved your competence as required.

First aid

You must hold a valid first aid qualification, the minimum being 1st Response or an equivalent course (six hours’ basic skills training) plus 1st Response e-learning. A current first aid qualification is required for your walking qualification to remain valid.

Logbook walks

You must complete and present to your assessor a logbook of at least six walks in the UK. You must be the leader for at least one walk, and at least one walk must be of 6km or more in length. Logbook walks can be with friends, family, Girlguiding members or with other groups, and may include walks undertaken before starting the scheme.

Supported walk

You must plan and be supported leading a walk in lowland country. The supported walk is not assessed; it simply needs to be successfully completed. The supported walk should meet the criteria for a logbook walk in lowland country (being about 6km in length) and will usually be on a route that is familiar to you. Your supporter will be appointed by your county walking adviser and should be someone you feel comfortable with.