U3A Ballarat Hiking Group Rules

​

• As we will be hiking in some remote areas, safety is paramount. By taking part, all members agree to abide by any directions or instructions from the hike leader, or other delegated person. (see below)

• Carry with you all safety gear as required.

• Be punctual for the scheduled start time. If you are going to be a few minutes late, call and advise the leader. 

• Remain behind the leader and in front of the back marker or 'Whip' at all times.

• If you feel unwell, please let the nearest person know

• To attract attention on a walk, 3 sharp blows of a whistle are appropriate.

• Toilet Stops - Walkers in need of a toilet stop should tell the nearest walker before leaving the track.

• It is the responsibility of the 'whip' to do a head count after each break to ensure all hikers are present.

• If a decision needs to be made regarding an emergency or other matter, such decision must be endorsed by the hike leader or other delegated person. (Currently Andrew Parker, Gordon Talbett, Phill Grant or Anne Ottrey)

​

Other Matters Relating To Safety​

 

       On every hike we will carry:

​

• at least one first-aid kit. (Current members who have First-Aid expertise are Gordon Talbett and Anne Ottrey

• an emergency beacon.

• Walkie-talkies (Leader and Whip)

• A hand-held hiking GPS with the route of the current hike uploaded

 ​

You can download a copy of these rules by clicking here

​

​

General Hiking Etiquette

​

1. Hike Quietly
Hike quietly. Speak in low voices and turn your mobile down if not off. Enjoy the sounds of nature and let others do the same.

2. Give Way to Uphill Traffic
Always yield to uphill traffic. If you’ve ever been plodding up a hill at a nice steady pace only to be run into by someone in a hurry to get down, then you understand the logic behind this. Going uphill is hard work, and changing up your speed can ruin your momentum. This is why people traveling uphill have the right of way. 

3. Stay to the Left, Pass on the Right
If someone is hiking faster than you, just let them pass. When encountering slower traffic wait for an appropriate spot to pass and politely excuse yourself past them.

The trail is a lot like the road in this respect. Keep to the left side of the trail when you are being passed.

4. Leave No Trace
This rule can be observed in a number of ways.

The most apparent way is to clean up after yourself and pack out anything that you brought in. Even things like banana peels and apple cores can take quite a while to decompose and they don’t improve the scenery one bit.

Another way to leave no trace is to stay on the trail. You don’t need to prove your manliness by cutting across switchbacks on your way up the mountain. This can damage fragile plants, erode trails, and loosen rocks and boulders that may injure you or people below you.

Leave what you find. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories — and maybe an improved fitness level!

When toileting in the outdoors, please do so 50 metres from the trail and any water sources. Follow Leave No Trace principles when doing so.

5. Stay on the Trail
It is important to move off the trail for views and breaks. When hiking wilderness areas, it is important to protect the trails. In other words, don’t take short cuts. This seems to occur most often on switchbacks, but is important at all points of the trail. This type of occurrence, not only damages the natural habitat of the newly traveled area; it can also become a safety hazard to other hikers where an unkept area can breed falls, twisted ankles, or unwelcomed run-ins with animals and plant life.

6. Horses, Hikers, Cyclists and Trailbikers
The first thing that you need to know is that there is a hierarchy on the trail. Horses have priority, followed by hikers, cyclists and then trailbikers. Although as a walker you have right of way over cyclist or motorbike rider, common sense must prevail. Do not force your right of way if it could mean being struck by a fast moving cyclist or motorcyclist. Discretion is the key. Always check to see what other kinds of travelers will be sharing the trail with you before you start. If horses or bikes are allowed, then be mentally prepared to encounter them.

When being passed by horses, it is important to step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. This helps in two ways: it will help keep from startling the horses, and it will keep you from getting run over if they do get spooked. Horses are prey animals, and as such they are always on guard for threats from predators. Standing uphill from a horse may give it the impression that you are larger and more threatening than you actually are. So always try to stay downhill and stay relaxed. Talking to the rider also helps the horse know that you’re a human and not some mountain lion lying in wait. Horses also tend to bolt uphill when they are startled, so staying out of the way will keep you from getting squished.

7. Tech on the Trail
The increase in the use of technology in our daily lives has led to a proportional increase in its use in the outdoors, so a few courtesies should be taken. For many, hiking is a chance to experience a little bit of solitude. While it is advantageous to have a phone with you in case of emergency, having full on conversations while on the trail can be distracting to fellow hikers. So for this we say: Keep a fully charged phone with you for safety purposes, but keep it on silent mode, and use it to snap some great photos that you can look back on later.

8. Be Friendly and Have Fun
Your fellow hikers are out to have a good time just like you are, and a friendly “gday” or “hello” can go a long way toward fostering a positive atmosphere among everyone on the trail.