I've done it before to get some kino (before I even knew what 'kino' was) and it's always felt akward. Holding hands hasn't always been easy from certain positions/walk speeds/whatever so I've gone for this instead.

I've got a little date coming up and plan on including a walk at some point. I've held hands before in the past and I think it works well to build comfort but my worry is it will make it seem too romantic? I'm not after a girlfriend

Should I:
a. put my arm round her/on her back to guide her
b. hold hands
c. something else
d. don't touch her as we walk

I wouldn't put my arm around a girl before starting kino, because, as you said, it feels awkward. Do some kino either before or even during the walk: you can start with playful touching when you/ her say(s) a joke.
I'm not saying that putting your arm around her won't work, but I wouldn't risk it.

Lol... putting your arm around a girl is cringe worthy. It's worse than the age old sneaky arm stretch in the cinema.

It's basically saying "You're mine." Probably says more to the girl about being in a relationship than simple hand holding.

Just hold her damn hand or put your hand in your pocket and have her link with you. The only way she'll be your girlfriend is if you ask her to be your girlfriend. If she brings it up you've 101 options to deflect it. "I'm no at that point in my life." "I don't know yet." "I like you but I need a bit more time before I make that decision." Blah, blah, blah. Don't be a pussy about it. Be confident enough to say "No."

Thanks dudes, solid advice.

I'll just take her hand and lead her like a man

That's so uncomfortable. How can you walk with her right on your body? Whenever I see that in public, it just screams, "I'm an overly clingy AFC."

Agreed, now that I think about it it does look super clingy. 'This is my woman everyone!!'

Cheers fellas. Never again lol

You're so concerned about what to do on this walk... You're gonna forget to fuck her.