Safety Information

Be Prepared

With a bit of forethought, common sense, the right equipment and knowledge, hill walking can be a fun, sometimes challenging and hugely rewarding experience It is remarkable how many people go out hill and mountain walking, without the proper skills, information, clothing and equipment and preparation. National Outdoor Adventure Centres and rambling or walking clubs will always give advice.

• Whether walking with friends or alone, ensure you plan well and allow plenty of time for your walk. Be realistic in your estimates, allowing ample time for navigating/route finding, stops and breaks etc.
• Check the weather reports before you set off. Take note of extremes, especially heavy rain, high winds and high and low temperatures.
• Let someone know your intended route and when you expect to be back (and let them know when you have returned).
• A change of footwear and dry clothes left back in the car (if that is how you arrived at the start) will always be welcome.
• Don't take on too much and enjoy your day.
• Follow the Countryside Code, "Leave No Trace".

The following items should always be carried.

• A comfortable well fitted rucksack with a waterproof liner will allow you to carry all the basic equipment for a safe and enjoyable day on the hill.
• The straps should be suitably padded and sit on the shoulders without rubbing. It should have a supporting waist belt and chest strap to keep it in place.
  As a general rule of thumb, a 30 litre sack will be plenty for a day walk and 45 - 60 litres should suffice for most multi day camping trips.
• Warm hat and gloves or mittens (sun hat in hot weather) - preferably thermal insulated. Up to 33% of heat is lost through the head. waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, fleece or jumper. Sunglasses may be beneficial during the summer months.
• Thermal Base layer. Quick drying layers worn against the skin which can transport moisture away from the skin are an important addition in all sorts of weather conditions.
• A fleece is a useful thing to carry, either as a "mid layer" between base layer and outer jacket in cold weather or as an outer layer in slightly warmer conditions.
• Dehydration is an issue at any time of year so ensure you take adequate fluids for the day ahead. Consider the forecast temperatures and how strenuous your day is likely to be. For a full day in the hills 1 litre of water should be the minimum.
• Food for the day. Sandwiches are the easiest to prepare and fruit and chocolate are always good additions.
• Emergency survival bag. This is a brightly coloured plastic bag designed to reduce the loss of body heat.
• A compass and suitable map of the area (with waterproof cover) - and know how to use them.
• A small personal first-aid kit including plasters, bandages, dressings, insect lotions or sprays and sun screen lotion or sprays in the summer months.
• A whistle for attracting attention in an emergency (six shorts blast on the whistle is the internationally recognised distress signal).
• Head torch and spare battery and bulb
• A fully-charged mobile phone (signal strength can be weak or non existent in some areas, but better to have it than not). Do not rely on the mobile phone be self sufficient in your planning.
• Tissue/toilet roll for sanitary requirements (and a lighter or matches to burn them afterwards). These can also be buried (away from water supplies) after use but that may require a small spade to be carried.

Footwear.

• Comfortable mountain boots with a suitable sole, and ankle support.
• There are many types available in leather or fabric often with a breathable waterproof membrane.
• Boots also vary in their rigidity. Generally speaking the more technical the terrain the stiffer the boot,.
• To avoid blisters and rubbing they should be laced snugly and broken-in over a series of progressively longer walks.
• To help minimise blisters use medical tape or sticking plasters on the normal rub points - back of the heel and sometimes where the top the top of high ankle boots rub against the leg.
• Do clean and dry them afterwards (slowly - overnight if possible) and waterproof them regularly with a suitable agent.
• Good quality wool mix socks often help avoid blisters especially on warm sweaty days.

Waterproof Clothing.

• Jacket and trousers should be waterproof and preferably breathable. The jacket should have zippered pockets and a roomy hood with draw cord.
• Trousers should not be restrictive and should have lower leg zips to ease fitting over boots.
• Waterproofs act as a barrier against rain and wind/chill.

The following items are not essential but advisable to have them.

If you are intending to camp overnight you will need:

• Tent or Bivy Bag
• Sleeping bag
• Insulating mat (or inflatable mattress)
• Spoon, knife and fork. Bowls and mug.
• Stove, fuel and pans.
• Food (boil-in-the-bag packs are light to carry and provide good hot meals)

Do's and Don'ts - the Countryside Code

Land and its owners.

The Environment

Litter, waste and camping