BBC - Cumbria - Weather - Top tips for safer fell walking

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11 July 2009
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WEATHER

Fell walking survival guide

Mountain rescue team take victim down to safety

Members of a mountain rescue team on exercise.

The Langdale/ Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team give us their top tips for staying safe in the fast-changing Cumbrian weather.

LISTEN

	When a mountain rescuer crawls back into bed after searching all night for a walker lost in a blizzard, exactly where does he put those cold feet? Here's Martin Lewes from BBC Radio Cumbria, on married life with a mountain rescuer. Listen »

	In the old days rescues were carried out by local shepherds or indeed, the landlord of the local pub, with whatever equipment came to hand. These days there's a lot more to it, as Martin Lewes, for BBC Radio Cumbria, now reports. Listen »

	A first aid course is essential knowledge if you are a member of the mountain rescue, here's Martin Lewes from BBC Radio Cumbria. Listen »

SEE ALSO

How to call out the mountain rescue service.

WEB LINKS

Mountain rescue teams:

Langdale/Ambleside

Cockermouth

Furness

Keswick

Millom

Patterdale

Penrith

LDSAMRA

Wasdale

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FACTS

On the morning the fells reopened after the foot & mouth outbreak, the Langland/Ambleside team were called out within 3 hours!

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Be prepared, by getting a reliable local weather forecast before you set off.
DO:

	Plan a route that is suitable for the forecast weather conditions (but expect it to be worse) and is also suitable for the weakest member of your party.
	Keep an eye on the weather for changes.

Inform someone responsible about your route.
Leave a route card and details of your return time, return place and where your vehicle is parked.
Leave instructions about what to do if you do not turn up.

Check your equipment before leaving.
Take:

	Appropriate clothing, waterproofs, spare warm clothes, hat and gloves.
	A torch - whether summer or winter.
	Enough food and drink for the planned trip plus a bit extra (for the unplanned part!).
	A survival bag (if you don't have one, get down to you local outdoor shop now, they cost next to nothing and may save your life).

Make sure you have a map covering your route and a compass. Know how to use both.

Do not rely on mobile phones.

If bad weather comes in, try to take a bearing of any features for future reference.

Don’t press on if conditions are against you and don’t be afraid to turn back.

Remember - the temperature changes with height gain and increasing wind-chill.

Learn some first aid, and take a first aid kit with you.

Know basic mountain skills - especially navigation.

What to do in an emergency

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