Travel
Travel - Walking
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13T15:38:37.052Z
Overview
Walking can be a low risk, insightful, healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel during visits. With careful planning and appropriate supervision, walking journeys can also support independence, road safety awareness, a connection to the local area and outdoor learning.
Visit Leaders should ensure that walking routes are planned in advance, risks are assessed and participants understand safe behaviour near roads and traffic.
Planning and Risk Assessment
Before walking with a group, you should plan the journey carefully. Key considerations include:
Supervision and Group Management
Active supervision is essential throughout the walk.
Good practice includes:
- Using “walking bus” style arrangements, where adults supervise groups of children along the route
- Maintaining close supervision near crossings and busy areas
- Carrying out regular headcounts/registers before departure, during the walk and on arrival
- Ensuring participants know what to do if they become separated from the group
Distinctive clothing (e.g school uniform, trip caps/tshirts) can also help leaders easily identify participants.
Visibility and Safety Equipment
Participants should remain visible to both leaders and road users. Consider:
- Sightlines
- High-visibility vests or tabards, particularly in poor weather or near busy roads
- Reflective clothing or small torches when walking in low-light conditions
Pedestrian Safety
Remind participants of basic road safety principles.
For younger pupils, this may include practising the Green Cross Code:
- Stop
- Look
- Listen
- Think
You should encourage safe walking behaviour, including staying alert, avoiding distractions, remaining visible and following instructions when crossing roads.
Where possible, use designated crossings such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, footbridges or underpasses.
Staff and participants should also be familiar with relevant Highway Code guidance for pedestrians Rules 1–35.
During the Walk
While walking, you should ensure that:
- Participants remain visible and supervised at all times
- Headcounts/registers are carried out regularly
- Safe, recognised crossing points are used wherever possible
- Procedures are followed if anyone becomes separated from the group
Links to further reading:
OEAP National Guidance available at https://oeapng.info