Location: Drake's Trail Cycle Path - Plymbridge Woods
Meeting Point: On the corner of New Road and Station Road, just next to RM Bickleigh
Address: PL6 7AJ
What3Words: ///taped.dirt.safe

Come along for the next K9 Commando Adventure Club hike as we explore Drake’s Trail Cycle Path through Plymbridge Woods. We’ll be meeting at 9:00 on the corner of New Road and Station Road, right next to RM Bickleigh. This will be a dog and human adventure.

What to Bring:

• Water (for you and your dog)

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Hiking boots or sturdy footwear

• Optional: snacks and mug for drinks

Important Information:

• The route includes some steep and potentially slippery hills, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

• Dartmoor weather can change quickly. Come prepared for all weather conditions just in case.

Membership Requirement:

This event is only open to members of the K9 Commando Adventure Club. To join the club and sign up for future adventures, head over to our Shop page. You can also read more about the club here.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before the day. We can’t wait to get out on the trail with you!

• K9 Commando Adventure Club – Risk Assessment

  Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025
  Time: 9:00 – 10:30
  Location: Drake's Trail Cycle Path - Plymbridge Woods
  Meeting Point: On the corner of New Road and Station Road, just next to RM Bickleigh; PL6 7AJ
  What3Words: ///taped.dirt.safe

  Overview: This is a guided hike involving a mix of terrain and elevation. Open to members and their dogs.

  Identified Hazards & Control Measures

  Hazard | Who Might Be Harmed | Control Measures

  1. Uneven/slippery ground, rocks, mud, or tree roots

     Participants and dogs

     Participants advised to wear sturdy footwear; leaders will guide the safest route. Dogs to be kept under control to prevent injury.

  2. Weather (heat, cold, rain, wind)

     Participants and dogs

     Participants informed to bring weather appropriate clothing and water. Event may be modified or cancelled in extreme weather.

  3. Dehydration or heat-related illness (especially for dogs)

     Participants and dogs

     Regular water breaks encouraged; all advised to bring water. Organizers carry extra water.

  4. Livestock or wildlife interactions

     Dogs, wildlife, livestock, and participants

     Dogs to be kept on leads where required. Participants informed in advance of livestock zones.

  5. Lost participant or dog

     Participants and dogs

     Headcount at start and finish. Group stays together or splits into clearly defined subgroups with leaders. Dogs to remain on lead if prone to wandering. What3Words provided.

  6. Dog fights or aggressive behaviour

     Public, dogs, and participants

     Clear club rules on behaviour. Dogs kept on leads when needed. Organizers trained in canine first aid.

  7. Injury to participant (e.g., fall, sprain)

     Participants and dogs

     First aid kit available. Leaders trained in first aid. Emergency contact info collected. Group leaders have mobile phones for emergency contact.

  8. Medical emergencies (e.g., participant with pre-existing conditions)

     Participants and dogs

     Participants disclose medical info voluntarily via waiver. Organisers will act accordingly in an emergency, using provided emergency contacts and data.

  9. Allergic reaction or stings

     Participants and dogs

     Participants reminded to bring necessary medication (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPens). Emergency procedures in place

  10. Traffic in car park or road crossing

      Public, participants, and dogs

      Meet in a designated car park. Participants briefed on staying alert near traffic. Dogs kept on lead at car park.

  11. Getting lost on trail

      Participants and dogs

      Route is a loop and will be led by experienced staff. What3Words and map link shared in advance. No one left behind policy.

  12. Waste or dog fouling

      Public, livestock, wildlife, dogs, and participants

      Participants instructed to pick up after their dogs and carry waste until proper disposal.

  Emergency Procedures

  • In case of emergency, call 999.

  • Closest hospital: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth (PL6 8DH), which is about a 30 minute car journey.

  • Organizers will carry a first aid kit (human and dog) and have emergency contact info for all participants.

  • Group leader to coordinate emergency response and stay with affected person until help arrives.

  First Aid & Communications

  • Organizers are trained in human and canine first aid.

  • Organisers to carry fully charged mobile phones.

  Review

  • This risk assessment will be reviewed at the start of the event and adjusted if necessary due to conditions on the day.

  Prepared by: K9 Commando
  Date: 1 July 2025