Before downloading this season's programme, please read and confirm that you agree to abide by our conventions.

COSTA BLANCA MOUNTAIN WALKERS CONVENTIONS

REVISED MAY 2009

Title co-ordinator changed to leader and ratified 12 Jan 2010

1.  The Secretariat or support group will be nominated by the walk leaders.  Whilst there are no formal mechanics of change the need to replace people from time to time is recognised. A review will take place at a leaders meeting every two years.

2.  The Secretariat will prepare the Autumn & Spring Programmes. The final recommended draft of each programme will be put before a meeting of the leaders to approve prior to finalisation.

3.  The Secretariat must ensure that the final recommended draft is checked by an experienced leader to ensure all route grades are correct.

4.  Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend upon the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the conditions on the day of  the walk

     5.  The Summer Programme is prepared by the Social Secretary or by a volunteer approved by the Secretariat.

6.  The walk leader should arrive at the walk meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the walk. The leader’s decisions are final and he/she can terminate the walk if necessary or ask for assistance from other leaders present. In extreme bad weather it is at the discretion of the leader whether to turn up or not at the meeting point

7.  The walk leader will appoint a sweeper if considered necessary who will carry the log book of participants and keep track of the walkers. The sweeper should know the walk thoroughly in case the need arises to replace or assist the leader.

8.  Before the start of the walk the leader should make the following points:-

a.  briefly describe the walk and remind walkers of safety precautions and any other considerations such as the hunting season, no smoking because of fire hazards, animals, stone walls and respect for farmer’s crops. Emphasise that dogs, if allowed, must be on leads at the rear of the group.

b.  introduce the sweeper

c.  announce that each walker should have read the advice, regulations and walk details in the Programme and sign in the book thus accepting that they walk at their own risk.

d.  announce that walkers must not overtake the walk leader.

e.  walkers must sign out with the sweeper if they leave the walk or the route.

9.  The leader should set a safe pace that is practical for the size and abilities of the group. Unless a walk has been listed as VS or X or the term ´brisk pace’ has been used in the programme, slower walkers must be accommodated.

10.The leader must remain in touch with the sweeper and ensure that no part of the group loses contact with the leader and/or sweeper eg at a fork so becoming uncertain of the route. If anyone proves unfit for the walk as described in the programme they should be required to sign out and turn back. This needs to be done early in the walk and an escort should be provided if possible. If no escort is available then the whole group should return with the affected party.

11.Rest breaks are at the discretion of the leader who should be alert to the conditions prevailing and the needs of the group. These breaks should be long enough for walkers to change into or out of warm clothing or to take a drink. Where a large group of walkers are involved the leader should be aware of the time difference between the last of the group and sweeper to arrive at the break point. By pacing the walk to prevent large gaps appearing in the line the leader can spare the front walkers having a prolonged wait or the walkers at the back having no break at all. The leaders should carry a fully charged mobile telephone and have available the telephone numbers of the emergency services.

    12. The emergency telephone number 112 should be the first number to contact.

     13. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

               a.     Always wear strong soled walking boots

            b.     Take a packed lunch and/or other energy snacks and plenty of water, especially in hot weather.

            c.     Always carry your own first aid kit.

            d.     Carry adequate clothing and always waterproofs as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.

            e.     Arrive at the meeting place in good time. Walks depart promptly at 10:00 unless otherwise noted. 

            f.     Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time duration stated for each walk will always depend on:

•  the fitness and ability of the walkers

•  the conditions on the day of the walk.

            g.     Do not leave valuables in your car.

            h.     Do not pick fruit.

            i.      Take all rubbish home with you including orange and banana skins.

            j.      Walking poles when not in use should be carried with the points facing forwards and down.

            k.     If a dog is brought along the owner should ensure that:

•  the walk is one where dogs are allowed

•  the dog is kept on a lead at the rear

•  the dog is kept firmly under control at all times

14. ROUTE GRADES

The mountains in the Costa Blanca region are rugged and the paths are often rough with numerous hazards to cause tripping, loose stones and thick undergrowth. Care is needed at all times. Walkers should assess their ability to complete the walks taking into account the following walk gradings:-

• E -   Easy terrain, minimum ascent

• M -  Moderate distance and moderate ascent

• MS -Moderately strenuous

• S -   Strenuous

• VS – Very strenuous

• X -   Experienced mountain walkers

• Scr – Scrambling. Steep slopes needing hand holds

• A -  Mostly good tracks

• B -  Some rough terrain

• C -  Mostly rough terrain