Transmission of COVID-19 through close contact / meeting other people | Hashers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19 |
Avoid busy car parks and popular walking/running areas. | |
Avoid particularly narrow routes where physical distancing is not possible. | |
Remind hashers beforehand about the guidelines. | |
Advise hashers at the start of the run to maintain physical distancing, and what to do at any pinch points or road crossings – this is everyone’s responsibility. | |
Carry a face covering in case of incidents. | |
Ensure you have a record of anyone who attended the run who didn’t book in. | |
Transmission of COVID-19 through touching gates, stiles, fences or equipment | Hashers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19 |
Avoid touching gates and path furniture, where possible. | |
Suggest hashers bring hand sanitiser. | |
Advise hashers not to share food, drink or equipment such as torches. | |
Bad weather (including extreme temperatures) | Hashers – risk of illness and injury, risk of the group being stranded | Check the weather forecast and postpone/cancel if necessary. Advise hashers to bring suitable clothing and items for the conditions. | |
Busy roads | Hashers – risk of vehicle collisions | Countryside trails should avoid routes along busy roads and/or check for suitable crossing places on the recce. Town trails should avoid narrow pavements on busy roads, and use pedestrian crossings where possible. | |
Steep, slippery or muddy sections. | Hashers – risk of trips/slips | Check for muddy/slippery sections on the recce and adapt the route if necessary. Advise hashers to bring suitable footwear for the conditions. | |
Livestock | Hashers – risk of injury | Cross fields with livestock calmly and quietly. Be prepared to divert around livestock if necessary. | |
Risk of farmer’s loss if livestock are startled | Follow the Outdoor Access Code. Leave gates and property as you find them. |
Cliffs or sheer drops | Hashers – risk of falls | Check paths are suitable for a pack to use safely and make changes if necessary. | |
Take heed of any local warnings or signs, and advise hashers to keep away from the edge. | |
Vegetation | Hashers - risk from poisonous or sharp plants | Be aware of nettles, thorns, giant hogweed etc. encroaching on or near the planned trail. | |
Darkness | Hashers – trips, slips & bumps into unseen objects | Night time trails should be under street light or moonlight where possible. Where a dark section is the only option give the hashers warning prior to the day of the run so they can bring torches. | |