October 4th – Practice Walk 2 Briefing Sheet
Event: Practice hike – Angus Buchanan Playing Fields car Park
Date: Sunday 4th October
Start/Finish: Angus Buchanan Playing Fields
Google Maps
Distance: ~8 miles
Estimated Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours including short breaks
Terrain: Forest trails, viewpoints, uneven woodland paths, some steep sections
Route: OS Maps Route – P2 8 Miles
Consent Form: All participants please complete the consent form in the link if you haven’t already done so:
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 from Angus Buchanan ParkRock, offering safe terrain, clear waymarks, and opportunities to practise map reading, pacing, and group movement.
🕒 Timetable
- 09:00 – Meet at Angus Buchanan Playing Fields car Park, headcount, kit check, safety brief
- 09:15 – Walk begins
- 13:00–13:30 – Return to car park, debrief, dismiss
🧭 Skills to Practise
- Basic map orientation
- 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
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 walking shoes 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