BMC Hill Walking Skills Day: Incident Management and Rights of Way

On Sunday 22nd February, you are invited to join a peer-led training activity, hosted by BMC Midlands Hill Walking Rep, Christopher Sweetman. Chris has extended knowledge of navigation and is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation.

This training activity will discuss incident management and implement resolutions whilst walking in a lowland area utilising the local Rights of Way (RoW) system. The event will include coping with a Right of Way diversion and a Right of Way on the map but not on the ground - we will use the new feature on OS Maps App to report this. We examine that Rights of Way at times are not accurately recorded and represented on the map and how do we cope with this. Also, crossing main A-roads and how to follow these safely using The Highway Code to connect with the RoW system. The route includes passing a couple of unique features - worth coming along just to see these! Finally, we discuss the advantages of completing a ‘recce’ to aid in the development of a risk assessment. Although this activity takes place in a lowland area, Rights of Way occur in both hills and mountain areas of England and Wales, and the methods deployed on this event are transferable to these environments.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy

Distance: Approx. 9.65 km (6 miles)

Ascent: 85 m (275 ft)

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Sunday 22nd February, 09:50 am for a 10:00 am start

Location: East Leake Car Park, Gotham Road, East Leake, LE12 6PG

OS Grid Ref: SK 554 263

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gKmmb3zSwqnoPvcXA

Parking: Free. Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Important information: The A6006 will be closed from Monday 6th October 2025 until Monday 20th July 2026 due to the replacement of a railway bridge near Sutton Bonington. This means during this period you will not be able to access East Leake from the A6006 at Hathern (A6) but will be able to do so from the A60 at Rempstone.

Public Transport: NCT number 1 bus leaves Nottingham Beastmarket Hill at 9am and arrives at East Leake shops at 9.38am. Please alight at this stop as it is just across the road from the car park

Facilities: Toilets are available across the road from the car park

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a 3 hour walk

Other Essentials: To make full use of this training activity you will need the OS Explorer 246 1:25,000 Loughborough map or access to the OS Maps App and ideally a baseplate compass. Carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As this is a training event, dogs are not permitted

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

Covid-19: Please do not attend if you feel unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walking Rep, Chris: chrisonholiday@outlook.com