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In Scotland, many walks - particularly those on lower ground - follow well-constructed, clearly marked paths that call for little or no specialist equipment or experience to enjoy them to the full.

However, for long distance walks and more essentially for any of the routes on Scotland’s hills and mountains, good pre-planning and preparation is essential and competent precautions MUST be taken whilst on your walk.

Here are some simple guidelines designed for the enjoyment and safety of both inexperienced and regular summer hill walkers.

Planning

Before setting out on ANY trip, get a weather forecast from the Internet, national and local radio, television, newspapers or one of the dedicated mountain weather forecast telephone services.

Choose a walk that is appropriate to you or your group's experience, fitness, ability to navigate, knowledge of the area and for the prevailing weather conditions. Work it out on a map and make notes of anything you think will be important, e.g. gradients, rivers, etc. As a general rule, children should only be taken on routes that have an easy and safe means of escape. Throughout Scotland there are walks to suit all levels of ability. It is best not take children on long walks. Consider turning back if anyone in your group shows signs of tiring or getting cold.

Route Card

Complete a Route Card or detailed note of where you propose going before you set off and leave it with a responsible person who is aware of your intentions and will take appropriate action if you fail to return - and remember and go where you said you were proposing to go!
 

What to take

• It will get colder and windier the higher you climb, so warm, wind and waterproof clothing is essential. This should include gloves, hat, fully waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers and spare clothing such as a fleece or warm sweater and a dry pair of socks (these can be used as gloves in an emergency).

• Always carry a map and compass - and it is vitally important that you know how to use them. Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 or Explorer 1:25,000 scale maps are recommended. Carry equipment for emergency use, e.g. a torch, whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. These items are relatively inexpensive and readily available from all outdoor shops. The emergency signal is six blasts on the whistle or six flashes with the torch. Know some basic first aid.

• Footwear should provide ankle support and have a firm sole with a good tread – just like a car. Hillwalking boots are strongly recommended.

• It is surprising how good an appetite you will have when outside enjoying the clean fresh air, so take a good supply of food and drink and always take reserve supplies. If you come home with nothing left – you didn’t take enough in the first place! Simple high energy foods are best, e.g. chocolate, dried fruits, cheese and biscuits, as are hot drinks in cold, wet weather.

On your walk

Part of Scotland's attraction is the wilderness of its countryside. Mountain paths are not signposted and even those marked on maps may sometimes be difficult to trace. Some may not even appear on a map. It's very easy to follow a sheep or deer track that leads to nowhere! Use your map and keep a check on your position at all times.

Scotland's varied terrain, its heather and peat bogs, its rocky paths, makes walking in the Scottish hills more interesting; however, it can make walking slow and exhausting. Rivers and burns can rise surprisingly quickly and become impassable. Consider these points when planning your walk, for it will affect the distance you can cover in the time available.

Do not assume you will find emergency shelter on the Scottish hills as even those marked on maps may not be suitable. Always ensure that you are properly equipped.
Even during the summer months there may be patches of snow. Avoid these areas unless you have the skills to cope with the extra hazard. Remember, many mountain accidents result from a simple slip. It can snow during any month of the year in the Scottish hills.

Hillwalking in winter should be regarded as mountaineering and requires extra precautions. Daylight hours are shorter and weather conditions are more severe. Gain experience in summer conditions before venturing out in winter.

The Weather

The Scottish weather can best be described as changeable - and it can change with frightening speed. Don’t be lulled into a sense of false security - even on warm, sunny days – as a change in the weather might well be on the way. If the wind should begin to strengthen, the clouds thicken, visibility decrease or the temperature fall, consider the need to revise your plans. The hills and glens will always be there to explore another day – ignore the signs and you might just become another mountain rescue statistic! Don’t think that you will ‘lose face’ by abandoning a walk and making a hasty escape to safer surroundings.

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What to do in an Emergency

Should it happen that one of your party has an accident and cannot be moved or you come across someone who has had an accident:

Treat any injuries as best you can

Calculate your exact position on the map and, if possible, ensure someone remains with the casualty whilst others are sent, with a map and information regarding location and injuries thought to have been sustained, to get help

• Mobile telephones don’t always work in the Scottish hills so don’t rely on them too much. If you are lucky enough to obtain a signal, or on reaching a telephone, dial 999 and ask for the police

• Give a report of the map grid reference where the casualty is, or was, left and details of their injuries and condition

• There are a number of courses available – some run by local councils - that will teach essential skills such as route planning, risk assessment and safety, navigation, first-aid, winter skills, avalanche awareness and even the use of new technology like GPS (Global Positioning Systems).

Walk Safely and Enjoy …

 

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