At Glasgow Ramblers, we believe walking in the outdoors is for everyone.
We welcome people of all abilities, including those with a visual impairment, and will support individuals to join our walks whenever we can do so safely.
Of course not every walk is suitable for every walker. That’s why our leaders carry out risk assessments and tell everyone in advance what the walk involves, for example if there are sections of tricky terrain or steep ascents. If anyone with a visual impairment requests to come on a walk, the leader will advise on whether, based on all the identified risks, they consider it is safe for them. If a leader decides the group cannot safely support a person with a visual impairment on that particular walk, we’ll always help people find alternatives.
We don’t require visually-impaired walkers to bring their own guides, although they are very welcome to do so and their guide need not be a member of the Ramblers.
We are currently compiling a list of our members who are happy to act as guides. Leaders will, as part of their wider assessment, gauge whether they have enough willing volunteers to support a visually impaired person on their walk.
There is a lot of practical advice and a video about including visually-impaired people on walks on the Ramblers’ website. We use these materials to support any members willing to act as guides.
You can also watch a video of visually impaired Ramblers member Terry Robinson on a Bearsden & Milngavie Ramblers walk.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email