Guided walks and outdoor days

Individuals, friends and walking groups, plus workplaces, hen and birthday groups, and visitors looking for a local guide.

A ticket price per person for open events, or a fixed fee for private group bookings. Add-ons such as a picnic or a pub lunch stop can raise the value.

• Confident navigation and route planning
• Friendly group leadership
• First aid knowledge
• Organising bookings and timings

• Public liability insurance that covers guided activities, and check what it says about terrain and group size
• Written risk assessments and a plan for weather, injuries and emergencies
• Landowner permission, national park or National Trust rules, and any fees for commercial use, so check before charging
• Check whether your activity falls under any licensing or regulation, and whether working with under 18s needs extra checks
• Demand is seasonal and weather can force cancellations, so have a clear refund policy

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on your setup. These are estimates. Your costs will vary with the insurance, first aid training and kit you choose, and how you plan to find customers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on group sizes, prices and how many walks you run. These are estimates. Demand is seasonal and weather can force cancellations, so plan for at least 6 hours a week.

Check that your public liability insurance covers guided activities, terrain and group size. Prepare written risk assessments, and check landowner permission, national park or National Trust rules and fees. Also check whether any licensing applies and whether working with under 18s needs extra checks.