what to expect of a guide

Guides. You see offers of being guided on hikes and runs. Brilliant! But what should you expect? Especially if you're paying to be guided!

Knowledge of the area. Goes without saying really. I'd definitely feel more comfortable with someone confident of their whereabouts!. Alongside this;

Navigation skills. If the weather turns, or the way is closed/impassable you'd want an alternative route. Preferably a safe one.

Leadership & Decision making skills. This makes sense really doesn't it?. What to do in an unexpected or adverse situation. You'd want to feel safe wouldn't you! Which ties into the next point;

Skills & expertise to feel comfortable with the ability to adapt in a diversity of adverse outdoor situations.

Education & knowledge whether it be about the flora and fauna, wildlife and ecosystems habitat or the history of the area it would be interesting to know a little about the area you're running/hiking in.

First-aid would you know what to do? While I have my emergency first-aid for a care home setting I'm quite aware that outdoors first-aid would be quite different. I'd want someone competent to assist until help arrived. 

Liability insurance if you're part of a paid guided walk you'd probably feel better assured that in the possibility of an incident they'd have the insurance to cover any consequences. 

Waiver to be signed to be released from responsibility of the guide if you're irresponsible.

*All that said, if you're headed out with friends/not paying, the minimum outdoor know-how amongst the group (guided or otherwise) should be sufficient to be safe. 

**I will be taking friends out on walks, as friends, free of charge. Not as a paid guide until I began to gain my credentials to charge as a professional guide 🗺🧭