RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
This document is one of many free web-based resources produced as part of the Moorland
Classroom project. To explore the whole resource, including maps, video content and ‘how
to’ guides please visit:
http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/moorland-classroom
RISK ASSESSMENT
Activity
being Group
activity Who
is
doing
this
assessed:
outdoors
assessment?
Date
of
Date of next review:
assessment:
Activity participants who may be Staff/volunteers/children
harmed/at risk:
HAZARDS
What control measures will be put in
(Likely places/ways that place?
people could be seriously
harmed)
Inadequate planning and
organisation

accidents/injuries




Weather
Related
Problems
 cold injury, heat injury,
over exposure to sun, etc

Staff are trained and experienced,
capable of competently fulfilling
their roles and responsibilities. A
trained walking group leader should
be on site if more than 30mins walk
from base / help point.
Check for fatigue through the
event.
Leaders meet or talk prior to activity
to
discuss
and
share
risk
assessments.
Participants are briefed re hazards
and precautions.
Pre visit assessment of transport
mode needs to account for access
and drop off points for site.
Select route with weather in mind.
Consider alternative route if 2 or
more conditions apply to route
(precipitation heavy & continuous,
temperature<10C {also extreme
heat}, wind speed>40mph visibility
<500m).
1
NOTES:
(e.g. On the day: any
changes or additional
precautions needed)
All moorland classroom
walks can be adapted to
fall within the 30 mins
radius.
Be prepared to manage
drop off and pick up
points
according
to
vehicles present.
Be prepared to modify
route to account for
weather.

Ensure
that
Group
members/children are aware of
appropriate clothing and equipment
required (inc hat, sun cream, coat,
appropriate footwear etc).
 Staff will plan and make provision
for young people who may not bring
suitable kit, including arranging
check-up before departure and/or
bringing spares
Trips / Falls
Be prepared to modify
 Competent group managementBruising / Strains /
 Clear, mark, or make group aware route to account for
Breaks / Death.
potential hazard.
of inherent trip / fall hazards.
 Group leader to be knowledgeable
with route and hazards in the area.
Ticks Staff & Public
 Suitable dress should be worn (light Walk in the middle of the
Lymes Disease
Avoid
walking
coloured long trousers tucked into path.
through
bracken.
socks, long sleeved tops). Advice
on avoiding risks and checking for
ticks after the event if in high risk
area / conditions.
Pre-existing
Medical
 Any prescribed medicine should be
conditions
made available. Group leader to be
informed before or as the walk /
event commences.
Awareness’ of hazards
Walk briefing to cover:
Be
aware
of
the
How long the walk will last.
following details
The type of terrain to be covered Nearest house: / road
flat/steep/uneven.
access
Behaviour, especially around traffic where Nearest mobile phone
you should keep in a group in the most reception.
visible area. Hi Vis jacket to be provided if Site Details: The area is
appropriate for site/route.
known as:
Check and advise on Footwear/clothing as Grid Reference: SS or
well as medical conditions.
ST :
First aid kit and first aider to be on site at Access to site is by:
all times with group activities
Road/ 4X4 / Foot
In case of an emergency Call 999 or 112 Air Ambulance can land.
Other calls
Grid reference
Exmoor House: 01398323665
Education Service, Tel. 07970099117
Nearest Hospital A&E:
Minehead Community Hospital:Minor Injuries Unit, Luttrell Way, Minehead, Somerset ,TA24
6DF,Telephone: 01643 701701
Taunton and Somerset Hospital: Accident and Emergency, Musgrove Park, Taunton, Telephone:
01823 333444
North Devon District Hospital:Accident and Emergency, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple EX31
4JBTelephone: 01271 322577
Tiverton & District Hospital : Minor Injuries Unit, Kennedy Way, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6NT,
01884 235400
If in doubt: 999 or 112
2
Minehead Community Hospital
Minor Injuries Unit
01643 701701, Luttrell Way, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6DF
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100024878
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100024878
3
Tiverton & District Hospital
Minor Injuries Unit
01884 235400, Kennedy Way, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6NT
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100024878
4
Musgrove Park Hospital
Accident & Emergency
01823 333444, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100024878
5
North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park, Barnstaple
Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4JB
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100024878
6
Dunkery Beacon (GR SS891 416). Dunkery is accessible by coach via Wheddon Cross
where there are public toilets. From Wheddon Cross go North on the road signed to
Exford. After a level straight mile the road bears left at Blagdon Cross, here the aim is
straight on but actually indicating right for Dunkery Beacon. This is not an easy junction
as it is necessary to go slightly round the bend to see before crossing. The road now is
single track and gradually climbing. It is worth noting the passing places in case another
vehicle is met. After 1.5 miles the cattle grid at Dunkery Gate (GR SS896 407) is
reached. This is the drop off point and the path goes North from the road after some 50
meters on the tarmac. The Beacon is only just over the ridge…honest! The coaches
continue to the car park on the brow of the hill (GR SS904420) and NOT beyond. The
walking loop is either to the Beacon then East along the ridge to rendezvous with the
coach or can be made longer by going just over the top of the Beacon (North) then
taking the first right (East) following the contour back to the road (GR SS904427). This
track is narrow, Red Deer and Exmoor Ponies can sometimes be seen in the combes,
Cloutsham farm faces you to the North. Beyond is Porlock Vale with Wales in the
distance across the Bristol Channel. When you reach the road a 500 meter climb up the
road is needed to reach the coach parking area, watch out for cars, children need
managing here.
Either route is exposed and can be very wet and cold but no more than a mile from the
road at its furthest point. The leader needs to make sure he or she is comfortable to lead
such routes. Advice is available from ENPA 01398323665.
Alderman’s (GR SS837 423). Coach access to Lucott Cross (GR SS845 432), Mini bus
access to Alderman’s. From the Barrow follow the hedge bank and wire fence going
South of East. The track is well defined following the bank. As you curve around the
common after some 800 m and the view opens up to the South East there is a sunken
grassy quarry some 30 metres to your right, defined by some raised humps. This is
great place to have snack and set the scene for the activities. Returning to the hedge
bank, follow it to the corner of the fence and the hollow where the springs are obvious
then turn back north of west on an obvious track that aims right at the standing stones.
These are just visible above the heather…….can you see them? This track will be your
route back to the minibus. Watch out for the Bronze age hut circle over the brow of the
common, your path goes right by it but the appearance is of only ‘low lumps’.
This route is exposed and can be very wet and cold but no more than a mile from the
road at its furthest point. The leader needs to make sure he or she is comfortable to lead
such routes. Advice is available from ENPA 01398323665
Simonsbath (GR SS774 393). Facilities in Ashcombe and access for all, coach parking
limited to one site on roadside opposite sawmill. Children need careful managing from
parking to start of route due to the road.
The simplest linear walk is down the river to Cow Castle and back. Starting from the
road opposite the lowest cottage in the village, follow the bottom edge of Birch Cleave
along the sign posted path with the river in the field below you. The ‘muddy’ path will
take you firstly to Flexbarrow, then Wheel Eliza (1 km) and a further 1 km to Cowcastle.
This is gradually downhill, follows the river and is a spectacular walk. The return can
involve retracing your steps with the inclusion of following the river around Flexbarrow,
or diverting up White Water on the West side and meeting the bridleway back to
Simonsbath. This is a gradual climb and, whilst parallel to the river valley, crosses fields
with open moorland views. Following the signs to Simonsbath Birch Cleave is entered at
7
the top before dropping back down to the road. This route is exposed and can be very
wet and cold.
Pinkery (GR SS723 411). Back up facilities and access for the all at the centre. Coach
parking to Goat Hill Bridge only (GR SS724 405). Route: Pinkery, Pinkery Pond (GR
SS723 423), Wood-barrow (GR SS717 424) and return the same way; or turning south
follow the bridleway along the county and forest boundary to Broad Mead, cutting back
west via the ‘mires’ just South of East at (GR SS717 413) crossing stream and aiming at
the wind turbine.
From the main road at Goat Hill Bridge follow the track to Pinkery bearing West at the
sign to the pond just before the centre. Pass the wind turbine and keeping the stream on
your left pass through the gate and follow the small track to the pond. Turn West to
Woodbarrow and follow the signs. If not returning the same way, turn South and follow
the county boundary for 1 km, after passing through a gateway continue South until
beyond the small very wet valley then aim East to Pinkery.
Stories of bronze age barrows, their dead bodies entombed and if the whole class jumps
on Wood Barrow at the same time a slight vibration can be felt. If the teacher has the
confidence the class can be let run and hide, to sneak back to the barrow without being
seen. The winner is the one who gets closest. A ‘10am till 2pm’ good weather activity
day, with preparation, is the exploring the pond tunnel through which the compensation
stream emerges. This can provide hours of fun, though care is needed on the slippery
rocks and the low ceiling of the tunnel. Experienced qualified leader essential but a
great sense of adventure for the group.
This route is very exposed and can be very wet and cold. The leader needs to make
sure he or she is comfortable to lead such routes. Advice is available from ENPA
01398323665.
Allerford (GR SS 906 467). The route starts and finishes at Piles Mill which is on the A39
between Minehead and Porlock. Coach or mini bus drop off and pick up are just off the
main road by the water wheel at Piles Mill. Should the weather be wet the Centre can be
used as a base if booked prior to arrival from the National Trust (NT) at Holnicote house.
The walking route crosses the main road which needs careful management; making this
spot easier is the fact that you are crossing from the outside of the bend and have a
good view both ways. After crossing follow the lane past the cottages and round to
Brandish Street Farm on your left. Note the old barns and lack of nails in any of the
woodwork. Follow the lane past the cottages on your left and proceed down to the ford
and picturesque Pack Horse Bridge. The walking route is actually before the ford on your
right (GR SS 906 469) at an acute angle up the field but with water and ford in sight you
will naturally gravitate towards it. Sitting towards the top of this small field and looking
down the hill towards the back of the National Trust cottages a ‘river terrace’ can be
seen that has been ‘cut’ into the field by the force of the river in a past storm. It is not
parallel to the river but seems to be wider from the left to the right as the river meanders
to the sea.
8
Pass through the small gate at the top of the field, then another 30 paces in front of you,
then after some 10 paces turn up and right. Follow this path, over the stile, cross the
fields, over another stile and into to wood. You should be heading back East and have
views of Dunkery and the Horner valley on your right. If the trees are in leaf note the
different types of oak leaves. After some 400 metres a thatched walker’s shelter should
be in front of you. If your children are hungry this is a great place for lunch. When
finished follow the path below the shelter and into the open wood. Keep going down hill
and cross a wider track aiming at a small path between the trees. Make sure that an
adult is in front here because this emerges onto the main road and a sharp left is needed
and the children kept close to the hedge following the old road for some 40 metres.
Cross the road to Selworthy Church and follow the old road past the National Trust
Cottages before emerging onto the main road. This needs crossing again and the
children need careful management. The view is worst to the West and an adult needs to
walk to the brow of the road for a better view before crossing.
After crossing turn right then left down the lane towards the NT office. Follow the
footpath sign and the lane to the left just before the office; continue to the gate and
footpath sign into the field. Stay near the top of the field roughly keeping the boundary
on your right. Note the old tree with the dated ‘head stone’. Follow the footpath signs,
pass through a hedge keeping the farm boundary on your right and follow the hedge
round aiming down hill looking South towards Dunkery. When you meet the stream there
should be a bridge to cross. Upstream of the bridge is ideal for the river studies. To
complete the walk, cross the bridge and walk across the field in front of you aiming at the
style on the far side. Entering the lane turn right and continue to Piles Mill where the
transport should be waiting.
Winsford Hill (GR SS 877 342) is on the B3223 midway between Dulverton and Exford.
The road through Dulverton is unsuitable for large coaches and the easiest approach is
from the North using the B3224 (from Wheddon Cross to the East or Simonsbath to the
West). The turning for the B3223 is just a mile to the west of Exford. The first parking
spot is a lay-by at the top of Winsford Hill on the left if approaching from the North,
adjacent to the Triangulation Pillar at 877342. This is suitable for large coaches. For
minibuses there is an additional parking area on the left 100 metres further on.
When managing the road crossing with the children please remember that you are on
the crest of a dome and position adults a suitable distance either side of the crossing
place to ensure oncoming traffic has time to stop.
The second parking spot is at the main Tarr Steps car park at 874323. This accessed
down a narrow road from the B3223 (signposted Tarr Steps) about 3km further on from
the initial parking spot. There are toilet facilities at the car park.
Option 1 – Walk from Winsford Hill along the Barle valley to Tarr Steps
Option 2 – Circular walk along the Barle Valley from Tarr Steps
The river side footpath is uneven in places and careful management of children can be
necessary particularly in wet conditions when the rounded stones can be slippery. If the
river is in spate and running a reddish brown colour great care should be taken and
option 2 considered first.
9
Grabbist Hill (GR SS 979 437) is accessed from Dunster which on the A369 just south
of the A39 between Minehead and Williton. From the South approach on the A369 but
be aware that Dunster has some narrow streets. From the West or East use the A39.
Dunster Steep car park is near the junction of the A369 and the A39 and can
accommodate large coaches. There are toilet facilities there and numerous refreshment
opportunities in Dunster itself.
Exit the car park by the toilets and head across the paved area to the Exmoor National
Park Centre. From the centre walk along the side of the road for about 50 meters. This
stretch of road is narrow and busy with traffic and particular care needs to be taken to
ensure that pupils keep well into the left for this short distance and carefully managed as
they cross it. Take the turning on the right marked The Ball/Priory Green. Continue
along this road past the Tithe Barn until Dunster First School is reached opposite the
end of the road. Turn right and then almost immediately left at the Public Bridleway
Grabbist Hill sign. After the main crossing the traffic is much less but adults need to be
placed front and back as there is still traffic. The climb to the top is gentle and the trees
provide shelter from the worse of the elements, whether hot or cold.
10