Local guided day walks business

Visitors, locals looking for a social day out, walking groups, and friends or families marking a celebration.

A fee per person for each walk, or a flat fee for private groups. Extras such as picnic lunches or pick-ups can add to the price.

• Confident map reading and navigation
• Good knowledge of your local area
• Friendly group leadership
• First aid and calm decision-making

• Public liability insurance, and check that your policy covers guiding in your type of terrain
• Whether your chosen terrain needs a specific qualification for insurance or for working with some landowners or national parks
• Permission or permits for popular land such as national park, National Trust or private estates, so check with the landowner
• Weather, group safety and having a clear risk assessment and emergency plan
• Guiding for payment may affect how you register with HMRC, so check Self Assessment requirements

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on your kit, insurance and how you promote your walks. These are estimates only, so get real quotes for insurance and equipment before you set a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on group sizes, your prices and how often you lead walks. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit, and the idea assumes at least around 6 hours a week.

Check that your public liability insurance covers your terrain, whether any qualification is needed, and what permission your chosen land requires, such as national parks or National Trust sites. Also prepare a risk assessment and emergency plan, and check HMRC Self Assessment requirements.