Get your steps in with Girlguiding’s Walking Scheme

Girlguiding Anglia invites ramblers, meanderers, scramblers, hill-climbers, and walkers of all disciplines to learn more about the Girlguiding Walking Scheme.

Despite our lack of elevation in Anglia, we have a growing group of keen walkers who are looking to encourage more young people to get outside and into walking. So, whether you are a Brownie or Rainbow out on a scavenger hunt, or trying out geocaching for the first time, there is a style of walking to suit everyone. Getting outside improves both our mental and physical wellbeing, so now is a great time to have a go at some walking challenges.

Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire West have created their own county challenge badges which invite members to walk 100km – that is 2-3 km each day, (about 45 mins) and the total distance will soon add up! Why not get involved, you can log your walks with pen & paper, or using any app on your phone e.g., MapMyWalk or Strava? So, whether out with your dog, family, a friend, or playing Pokémon Go – make sure you log your walks to complete these fun county challenges. More information can be found on the following county websites: Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire West or by contacting the region Walking Advisor on walking@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk

Find out more about The Girlguiding Walking Scheme

The Girlguiding Walking Scheme provides a variety of training and assessment opportunities for leaders looking to gain level 1-3 qualifications or a Mountain Leader Award! There are three levels to Girlguiding’s Walking Scheme, which you can take depending on your existing skills and experience. Each level prepares you to walk in new, more challenging locations.

Walking Scheme Level 1 – will give you the skills and knowledge to take your girls walking in lowland country, including urban and rural environments, nature trails, tracks, and paths through local woods, fields, and recreational areas.

Walking Scheme Level 2 – will enable you to take girls on walks in non-mountainous countryside, in areas that are typically no more than 600 metres above sea level.

Walking Scheme Level 3 – will help you take girls on walks in remote country anywhere in the UK – excluding steep slopes, rocky ground, scree, loose rock and exposed ridges.

This qualification is open to anyone who is interested in supporting girls and young women to do walking activities. You do not have to be a Girlguiding member.

Every year, Anglia’s walking advisors across region and counties host a Level 2 training scheme, often held in November in the Peak District. This event is also open to social walkers or those needing to complete walks for their logbooks.

Completing Level 2 qualifications

This November, Girlguiding Anglia hopes to invite leaders looking to complete their Level 2 Training and Assessment course in Peak District. Tentatively pending for the 13-15 November, we are now asking members to register their interest if they would like to join us. Members in attendance will need to sort out their own accommodations due to ongoing COVID restrictions.

Not looking to complete a qualification? No problem!

Anglia region also runs a 100% social walking weekend for members and friends. This year, Girlguiding Anglia is encouraging everyone to get out into the beautiful countryside, from forests and fields to sandy beaches and coastal trails, bring your family and discover more ways to enjoy the beauty of the British countryside on foot.

Anglia’s annual walking weekend will now be taking place in Shropshire in June 2022 where we hope faces old and new will unite in their love of the great outdoors (socially distanced of course!). This weekend will include the option for attendees to join scheduled pre-planned walks (in line with any long-standing COVID restrictions) or choose to do their own thing – combining completing any necessary recorded walks with some light sightseeing and a tea stop or two along the way. As Anglia only offers Level 1 terrain, we encourage all social walkers on our walking weekends to record their activity. The Shropshire Hills are ideal for Level 2 walks.

Not sure what you need to complete your qualification?

All requirements can be viewed here.

Any questions? Get in touch with Verity Maclachlan, Girlguiding Anglia Walking Advisor at walking@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk

Keep walking Anglia!