Do group social walks and non-walking events require risk assessment?
A. There is less requirement for a documented risk assessment, but if a social walk is unusually hazardous compared to normal (e.g. If the Group is on a weekend away to walk in more mountainous terrain than home ground) then the walk leader should make the group aware of any particular hazards, e.g. Exposed paths, need for scrambling, and be prepared to accommodate the needs of all members of the party by appointing experienced back-markers, or having a suitable escape route planned. Special consideration needs to be given to new walkers with a group as they may not be familiar with the level of risk accepted by the rest of the group. It is not expected that a social gathering of members would need to be risk assessed.
