Walking trips

Suitable for primary and secondary school pupils. Supports the PE National Curriculum.

Overview

Education phase

Early years Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Key stage 5 Key stage 1

Category of activity

Travel

Types of activity

Walking

How it helps

Supports the PE National Curriculum
Promotes positive behaviours

Useful Links

Walk London: Routes in Central and Greater London

Useful Resources

Walking Time Between Tube Stations

About the activity

Walking trips are a sociable and active way for your pupils to get to know their local area and visit places of interest.

Trips can cover a short distance to your local library, swimming pool, park, museum or theatre. Or you can plan something more adventurous like a walking or hiking trip further afield over a weekend or during the school holidays. You could invite parents and carers along and make it a whole family activity!

Walking trips link well with Walk to School Month and are ideal for your pupils to get involved with. They can plan routes and create walking zones as well as coming up with their own ideas for trips.

Find inspiration for your trip in the Tales of the River lesson plan designed by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

What you'll need

Volunteers: Requirements will vary depending on when you run the activity and how far you’re walking
Suitable clothing: Make sure your pupils have walking boots and clothing for all weather!
Safety kits: Ensure any risk assessments are completed before the trip, that children wear hi-vis jackets and don’t forget to take a first aid kit
Contact details: Have a list of emergency contact details for all pupils and helpers taking part in the trip

Activity steps

Step 1

Plan your route. Involve your working group in planning the trip and encourage them to choose safer, more interesting routes

Step 2

Promote the trip. Send letters home about the trip and include a permission slip and invite parents and carers along as helpers. Promote your trip in the school’s newsletter and assemblies

Step 3

Stay safe! Complete a risk assessment for your chosen route and have the appropriate ratio of staff/helpers to pupils. Take a first aid kit in case of emergencies and remind pupils to wear appropriate clothing for the weather

Step 4

Check for success. Ask your pupils whether they enjoyed the walk and find out if it inspired them to walk more

Step 5

Tell your story. Upload your evidence to "my activities".