🧭 Cotswold Marathon

September 20th – Practice Walk 1 Briefing Sheet

Event: Practice hike – Symonds Yat Rock

Date: Sunday 20 September

Start/Finish: Symonds Yat Rock Café
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5G4ihJ1wgkjNvUuU9

Distance: ~5 miles

Estimated Duration: 2–2.5 hours including short breaks

Terrain: Forest trails, viewpoints, uneven woodland paths, some steep sections

Consent Form: All participants please complete the consent form in the link:
2027 Cotswold Marathon Consent Form

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Audience

• Leaders: route supervision, safety, welfare
• Scouts: navigation practice, pacing, teamwork, outdoor skills

📍 Overview

This practice walk is designed to build confidence ahead of longer hikes. The route uses established trails around Symonds Yat Rock, offering safe terrain, clear waymarks, and opportunities to practise map reading, pacing, and group movement.

🕒 Timetable

• 09:00 – Meet at Symonds Yat Rock Café car park, headcount, kit check, safety brief
• 09:15 – Walk begins
• 11:00–11:30 – Return to café, debrief, dismiss

🧭 Skills to Practise

• Basic map orientation (north, features, contour awareness)
• Following waymarks and identifying junctions
• Pacing and timing
• Group communication and decision‑making
• Observing environmental features (rivers, viewpoints, forest types)

🧑‍💼 Leader Responsibilities

• Conduct kit checks
• Maintain group pace and cohesion
• Monitor welfare (hydration, temperature, fatigue)
• Record attendance and emergency contacts
• Ensure compliance with Scout safety and POR
• Debrief at end: what went well, what to improve

🧒 Scout Responsibilities

• Listen to instructions
• Stay with buddy and group
• Carry own kit and water
• Help with navigation when asked
• Respect the environment and other visitors
• Report any issues immediately

🎒 Basic Kit List (Short Practice Walk)

Each Scout should carry:

• Small daypack
• Water: minimum 500 ml
• Snack: fruit, flapjack, or similar
• Individual 1st aid kit
• Clothing:
  • Comfortable walking trousers/shorts
  • T‑shirt + light fleece
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (even if dry)
• Footwear: sturdy trainers or walking boots
• Personal items:
  • Any required medication (leaders informed)

Leaders additionally carry:

• Group first aid kit
• Emergency contact list
• Map + compass
• Charged mobile phone
• Spare water
• Lightweight shelter or emergency blanket