common routes

The Important Stuff (But Not Too Formal)

We want everyone to have a safe, fun, and relaxing time on our walks. To keep things running smoothly, here are a few gentle reminders about how we look after each other:

Staying Safe Outside

Common Routes is a friendly, community-led social group, rather than a professional guiding service. Because of this, everyone who joins us takes responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

By coming along, you agree that:

You are healthy and fit enough to participate in the walk.

You’ll wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for the British weather and terrain.

You’ll look after any children or four-legged friends you bring with you (we love having them, but please keep dogs under control!).

Common Routes and its volunteer walk leaders cannot be held liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage during our strolls.

Photos & Staying Connected

We love capturing the joy of getting outside together! We occasionally take photos during our walks to share on our website and social media to show others what we're all about.

Your Choice matters: We completely respect your privacy. If you would prefer not to be in any photos, just let the walk leader know before we head off. We will happily make sure you are stepped out of the frame!

Change your mind? If we ever post a photo that you'd rather we take down, just drop us a line at hello@commonroutes.org and we will remove it immediately.

Common Routes is an informal, volunteer-led community walking group, not a professional guiding service or medical provider. While we pick pleasant, accessible routes in and around Welwyn Garden City, every participant is responsible for their own health, safety, and physical well-being.

When joining us for a walk, you agree to the following:

Know Your Limits:

You are responsible for deciding whether a walk is suitable for your current fitness level and health condition. If you have any medical concerns, please consult a doctor before attending.

Weather & Gear:

You are responsible for wearing appropriate attire—including weather-ready clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for unpaved, uneven, or muddy terrain (e.g., woodland paths).

Self-Care on the Route:

Please bring your own water, necessary medication, snacks, and sun protection. If you feel unwell, tired, or need to leave the group early at any point, please notify the walk leader immediately.

Accidents & Liability:

You attend all Common Routes activities entirely at your own risk. Volunteer walk leaders and organizers cannot be held liable for any personal injury, illness, loss, or property damage sustained during or traveling to/from our events.

All attendees must be over 18, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Accompanied

“Accompanied” means a parent or legal guardian is present with the under 18 attendee for the full duration of the event, and remains responsible for their supervision throughout. A guardian dropping a minor off and leaving does not meet this condition.

Alcohol

This event is subject to local PSPO restrictions. Alcohol may only be consumed where and when permitted under the relevant order, and must not be supplied to or consumed by anyone under 18. Organisers reserve the right to ask attendees to stop drinking or leave if this condition is not met.

Photography and Safeguarding

Photographs and video may be taken during this event for use in Common Routes’ promotional materials, social media, and website. Parents or guardians of attendees under 18 should inform an organiser on arrival if they do not wish their child to be photographed. No images of unaccompanied minors will be taken or used.

Common Routes exists to bring people together in a safe, pressure-free environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy for abusive, discriminatory, aggressive, or harassing behaviour of any kind.

Respect for Everyone: We expect all participants to treat fellow walkers, volunteers, and members of the public with kindness and respect—regardless of background, age, or opinions.

Zero Tolerance: Anyone engaging in abusive language, unwanted physical contact, or disruptive behaviour will be asked to leave the walk immediately and will be removed from future events and group communications.

This is an outdoor event and will generally proceed in most weather conditions. In the case of severe weather, organisers reserve the right to cancel or postpone at short notice.

Updates will be shared via the Common Routes WhatsApp community.

Last Updated: July 2026

At Common Routes, we are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This notice explains how we collect and manage your information when you interact with our website.

1. Information We Collect

We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us via our "Get in Touch" form, which includes:

 * Name (First and Last)

 * Email address

 * Phone number

 * Any details or context you provide in your message

2. How and Why We Use Your Data

We process your information based on a legitimate interest to manage our community group. Specifically, we use it to:

 * Respond to your questions or messages.

 * Send you updates about upcoming walks and events.

 * Ensure the safety and smooth running of our community walks.

3. Data Storage and Retention

We store your data securely and only keep it for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above (e.g., answering your query or as long as you remain an active part of our walking community). We will never sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use basic cookies or analytics to ensure the site functions correctly and to understand general visitor traffic. These do not identify you personally. You can manage cookie settings directly in your web browser.

5. Your Legal Rights

Under data protection laws, you have the right to:

 * Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

 * Ask us to correct inaccurate information.

 * Request that we delete your data entirely from our records.

To exercise any of these rights, simply email us at hello@commonroutes.org