Scouting & Guiding
Hiking & Hillwalking Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for hiking and hillwalking expeditions.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
The essential guide to hiking safety
Hiking and hillwalking are foundational activities in scouting and guiding, building fitness, navigation skills, and appreciation for the outdoors. From gentle nature walks to challenging hill expeditions, these activities require careful route planning and risk management.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough hiking risk assessment—from navigation and weather hazards to group management and emergency procedures.
Scouting Activity
Scouting Activity
Activity Benefits
Why hiking matters for young people
Physical Fitness
Improves physical fitness, stamina, and cardiovascular health.
Mental Wellbeing
Boosts mental well-being through access to nature and fresh air.
Navigation Skills
Develops navigation and map-reading skills for outdoor confidence.
Teamwork
Encourages social interaction and teamwork when navigating as a group.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Weather ChangesHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Sudden weather changes causing cold stress, reduced visibility, hypothermia, or heatstroke.
Control Measures
- Check weather forecast before departure
- Carry appropriate clothing for all conditions
- Plan escape routes and shelter options
- Set clear turnaround times
Navigation ErrorsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Getting lost, separation from group, delayed return, and extended exposure.
Control Measures
- Carry maps, compass, and GPS device
- Brief leaders on route before departure
- Use checkpoints and regular headcounts
- Keep group together with front and back markers
Slips, Trips & FallsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Sprains, fractures, minor injuries from uneven ground or steep terrain.
Control Measures
- Ensure appropriate footwear is worn
- Choose routes suitable for ability levels
- Take extra care on steep or wet sections
- Use walking poles where appropriate
Remote LocationMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Delayed emergency response due to remote location and limited phone signal.
Control Measures
- Leave route card with base contact
- Carry emergency shelter and first aid kit
- Know emergency contact procedures
- Carry charged mobile phone and backup battery
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 24 hazards and 80+ control measures for Hiking & Hillwalking, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Hiking safety checklist
Planning
- Route card completed
- Weather checked
- Escape routes identified
- Base contact informed
Equipment
- Map and compass carried
- Waterproofs packed
- Food and water adequate
- Footwear suitable
Group Management
- Ratios confirmed
- Front and back markers assigned
- Medical conditions known
- Communication plan agreed
Emergency
- First aid kit carried
- Emergency shelter packed
- Phone charged
- Emergency procedures known
Ready to create your hiking risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.