Guided walks are shared experiential journeys. They are not always about learning facts, but about the social experience. Walks should be inspiring, not tiring! A guided walk is a great tool for sharing and celebrating stories, memories and local history. Make sure your guide is an engaging speaker who can relate to all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
The Nitty Gritty
Process phase
Share
Suggested time
1hr – 1.5hrs
People
Walk guide/leader. It may also be helpful to have an assistant or two, to lend a hand with group management, props, and general support
Steps
01
What’s the story, who’s it for and what’s the point?
What is the main theme of the walk? (link to:/chooseyourstorytheme)
Who is the walk intended for? (link to:/buildingyouraudience)
Which places, buildings, parks or streets form the ‘highlights’ of your walk?
What is already being offered in your area? How is your walk different?
02
Decide your route
Map out your walk. Make sure the start and end-points where people will gather are clear and accessible. Mark out the buildings, landmarks and points of interest along the route. Walks can range from a few minutes to several hours. Keep the thread of the story central. See how you can include interviews, historical research or other materials in your walk to keep the group engaged.
03
Prepare and Test
What will you need to run your walk? Check budgets, organise and prepare materials (costumes? Props? Visual aids?), and invite any expert guides or assistants. Creating a ‘cheat sheet’ with notes about the route and content can be useful.
A trial run is necessary to make sure you know the route, what you’ll say, and how long it will take. It’ll help boost your confidence too!
04
If you invite them, they will come
Promote and advertise your guided walk to around your area. Remember to give your walk a strong title. Include important information such as dates, times, meeting points, accessibility issues and footwear/clothing suggestions. Think of contingency plans if the weather is bad on that day.
05
On the Day
Beginning: Arrive early and build rapport with your walkers. Provide a health and safety disclaimer at the beginning of the walk: participants are responsible for their own safety.
Middle: Make sure everyone can hear what is being said at each stop. Include comfort breaks, provide escape routes and give permission for participants to go at their own pace. Be flexible – adapt the walk to suit the audience. Edit or cut if they’re getting bored or tired.
End: Offer a summary and follow-up points. Remember to thank your audience, and ask for feedback. Giving away a small souvenir such as a badge or a printed map can be a nice way to end the walk.
