Walk Leader (Midlothian)

Cycling UK; Scotland; On-site; Full time

Job description

Do you enjoy walking and helping others get active, build confidence and connect with their community?

Cycling UK is looking for enthusiastic Walk Leader Volunteers to help lead safe, welcoming and enjoyable walks within local communities. Whether participants are new to walking groups, looking to improve their wellbeing or simply wanting to meet new people, you'll play an important role in creating a positive and inclusive experience.

As a Walk Leader, you'll help plan and lead regular walks, welcome participants and create an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged. You'll help people build confidence, stay motivated and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that walking can bring. You'll also help ensure walks are safe by checking routes, identifying any risks and supporting participants with different abilities and experience levels.

We're looking for people who enjoy walking, know their local area and have a friendly, encouraging approach. You'll be comfortable supporting others, working as part of a team and helping to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can participate at their own pace.

In return, you'll develop valuable leadership, communication and organisational skills, meet new people and become part of a supportive volunteer community. Most importantly, you'll help improve the health and wellbeing of people in your local area while supporting Cycling UK's mission to help more people walk, wheel and cycle.

Volunteer role

Walk Leader

Volunteer manager

Cycling UK Project Staff Member

Where you will be based

Community

Why we want you

Support people to cycle, walk and wheel – for everyday journeys, leisure and adventure.

For more than 140 years, Cycling UK has been inspiring people to cycle. We believe that cycling is more than just transport; it’s fun, makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. More recently, we have added walking to our agenda through our outreach projects in Scotland.

We know you share our vision for a better world by walking, wheeling and cycling. By becoming a walk leader with us, you can help people to walk together in a safe, friendly and supportive way.

What you will be doing

• Planning and leading regular walks, often jointly with other walk leaders
• Welcoming walkers and helping to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
• Briefing walkers about the route and any identified risks
• Supporting new and less experienced participants to build their confidence and motivation
• Carrying out site visits to check out routes, completing risk assessments of new routes and reporting any serious incidents

The skills you need

• A confident walker with knowledge of local routes
• Friendly, welcoming and encouraging attitude with the ability to motivate and support others
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Sensitive to others needs and able to assess someone's general wellbeing and walking ability

What's in it for you

• Skills development including leadership, management and communication skills
• A chance to meet new people, socialise with other volunteers and be part of a team
• Satisfaction of increasing health and wellbeing of your local community through walking

Disclaimer

This is an unpaid volunteering role.