Welcome to Keep Calm Hiking! To keep our hikes safe and enjoyable for everyone, please follow these guidelines.
These rules add to - but don't replace - our community-wide policies. Please read these first if you haven't already:
- WhatsApp Rules - group communication, unsolicited DMs, referral links, spam
- Community Conduct - respect, harassment, advertising, conflict resolution
- Event Rules - commitment, cancellations, the strike system
- Safety & Liability - participation at your own risk, the 18+ age requirement
You must be 18 or over to take part. Keep Calm is an adults-only community.
1. Commitment
- If you tap Going and fill in the registration form, be there
- If you can't make it, let the group know as early as possible - it helps us get an accurate headcount for transport and lunch planning
2. Be On Time
- Hikes start early and we often take trains together
- Trains don't wait, and neither can the group
- Arrive at the meeting point at the stated time, not five minutes after
3. Fitness Honesty
- Check the route distance and elevation before signing up
- Be honest with yourself about whether you can handle it
- If you're unsure, ask the organiser before committing
- Struggling mid-hike slows down the whole group and can create safety issues
4. Safety
- Stay with the group - don't wander off on your own
- Follow the organiser's instructions and route
- Tell the organiser if you're struggling or feeling unwell
- Bring basic first aid supplies
- Have emergency contacts accessible on your phone
- You hike at your own risk - assess your own abilities
5. Come Prepared
- Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need)
- Wear proper hiking shoes (not trainers or sandals)
- Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket
- Bring food for the shared lunch
- Sunscreen and a hat even if it looks cloudy
6. Shared Lunch
- Everyone brings something to share - it's one of the best parts
- Doesn't need to be fancy or expensive
- Pasta salad, sandwiches, fruit, snacks - anything goes
- Don't turn up empty-handed expecting to eat everyone else's food
7. Weather
- The organiser makes the final call on cancellations
- Don't push for a cancellation because the forecast looks a bit grey
- If it's genuinely dangerous, the hike will be called off
- Check the WhatsApp group for updates on the day
8. Be Sound
- Keep the pace inclusive - check on people behind you
- Help with group photos and share them after