Bushwalker Responsibilities

When a walk leader advertises a walk, considerable work may have gone into the planning, start and completion times of that walk.

The walk is based on the leaders past experience and knowledge. The walk leader is neither a chemist nor an equipment shop. Do not expect the walk leader or anybody else on your walk to supply equipment and consumables because you didn't bring them with you.

Below is a list of requirements that leaders expect from walkers:

1. Punctuality - We leave at the designated time.
2. First Aid - Carry a first aid kit, if not sure what to include in it, check with your leader or view the safety page of this Web Site, which all leaders follow.
3. Water - "The Macarthur Bushwalkers" requires all walkers to carry at least two litres; this is mandatory on all but the shortest walks.
4. Walking speeds - We endeavour to walk at a speed that caters for the slowest person in the group, in some cases this may change because of approaching darkness etc. One does not want to be caught out in the dark at the end of a long day walk because the walking speed was too slow. The slower walker may be asked to speed up under those circumstances. If the pace is too fast and the going hard, you may have chosen a walk above your fitness level. However, if at any time you find the speed of a walk is too fast, discuss your concerns immediately with the walk leader.
5. Bush Walkers Code - This club supports Minimal Impact Bush Walking. Copies of the Bushwalkers Code are available on this Web Site.
6. Equipment - We have a backpack loading list for full day walks on this Web Site. The equipment on this list would enable a walker who has to spend an unplanned night in the bush because of injury to a member, slow walking pace etc to be inconvenienced but comfortable. This is particularly important when walking in the mountains during the winter months and being exposed to short days, cold temperatures, cold winds or all three.
7. Clothing - Dress appropriately for the walk, locality and weather conditions. Wouldn't it be foolish to venture into the mountains in just a "Tee" shirt and shorts, and then expect to get away with it in the colder months? Prepare for emergencies, carry a warm top, have a change of clothing in your backpack that can be worn as additional layers to keep you warm if it snows or the temperature drops. Carry a pair of gloves for scrambling, they protect the hands and keep them warm if it becomes cold.
8. Torch - Carry a torch for tunnels and caves, especially useful if caught out at night.
9. Food - Carry a couple of extra food bars, chocolate or packets of fruit and nuts in your pack as an emergency food supply, if you don't use them they won't go to waste. The other "Devils" will always help you get rid of them!
10. Suitable footwear - Most easy walks can be completed wearing joggers with good gripping soles. For bushwalking however, choose footwear with an aggressive tread and well designed footbed which will support your ankles. They can stop you slipping and may keep your feet dry. Walking shoes designed for the streets are of little use in the bush and will result in you slipping with the potential for injury.
11. Warn - A reliable person of your destination, location and intended return time. It is not unusual to be late back from a walk; it is unusual to stay out overnight.
12. Do not - rely on others for your welfare, with the correct equipment, clothing, food and water you are prepared for your journey and not reliant on anyone else for your well being.

• Start time.
• Conditions.
• Food.
• Meeting place.