Walking trips

Walking trips

About this activity

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

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 Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTA) and Youth Travel Ambassadors (YTA) 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

1
Plan you route
Involve your JTAs and YTAs in planning the trip and encourage them to choose safer, more interesting routes
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
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
4
Check for success
Ask your pupils whether they enjoyed the walk and find out if it inspired them to walk more
5
Tell your story
Sign in to STARS to add your story and include pupils’ feedback. Explain the activity and add photos and any posters or promotional materials. Feedback to your borough officer

Tags

  • Walking

This activity counts towards:

  • Travel activity

How it helps

  • Supports the PE National Curriculum
  • Promotes positive behaviours

Resources

Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity