British mountains can be killers without proper care. The following points cover the minimum precautions you should take if you want to avoid getting hurt or lost or, in the event of an accident, minimise further harm.
Planning and Preparation
- Plan before setting out! A route that is suitable for the forecasted weather (but expect it to be worse) and suitable for the weakest member of your party. Tell someone responsible what that route is. Have an escape plan.
- Consider the equipment, experience, capabilities and enthusiasm of the party members.
- Check the weather forecast and local conditions. The weather in the Beacons can change quickly. It gets colder the higher you go and wind-chill will have a significant effect on your body - don't under estimate its effect.
- Learn first aid
- Many accidents occur towards the latter part of the day when both your energy levels and those of your phone battery will be run down. Did you remember to charge your battery before setting out?
- Use these links to check out you safety essentials
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- Safety and skills for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers from the British Mountaineering Council
- Navigation and map reading for walkers from the Ramblers
- More hill navigation skills from a popular UK walkers' site, plus a plethora of related topics
Footwear and Clothing
- Wear suitable boots with a treaded sole which provide support for ankles
- Clothing should be colourful, warm, windproof and waterproof
- Take spare warm clothing and perhaps a hat and gloves; it is always colder on the tops
- Several thin layers of clothing are more effective than one big thick layer
Food and Drink
- In addition to the usual sandwiches take chocolate, dates, or similar sweet things, which restore energy quickly. You may not need them yourself, but someone else may.
- Snack frequently throughout the walk to deliver a regular supply of energy
- Streams on hills are drinkable if fast-running over stony beds.
Equipment and its Use
- A map (covering your route) compass (and the ability to use them), and at least one reliable watch in the party should always be carried
- If you carry a GPS, at least know how to read your current position. It could save a lot of hassle in an emergency when speaking to the Mountain rescue Team. Never rely upon them to the exclusion of a compass and the knowledge to use it. They are fantastic pieces of technology until the battery goes flat! A GPS is an aid to compass navigation, not a replacement for it.
- In all conditions, it is wise to carry a whistle, torch, spare batteries and bulbs; but in winter conditions, an ice-axe, crampons and survival bag are essential.
- Climbers and mountain bikers are all urged to wear helmets at all times.
- Take a first aid kit with you.
- If you intend to carry things (and best you do) have a rucksack that is comfortable and large enough to carry everything -place items in plastic bag.
- If the terrain is rough or remote you may even think of getting or taking a good walking/trekking pole.
Party Size
- If in groups, make sure party leaders are experienced; do not let the party become separated.
- Take special care of the youngest and weakest in dangerous places.
- If you prefer, to go alone, be aware of the additional task. Let people know your route before you start, stick to it as far as you can and notify them of any changes.
Mobile Phones
- Do not rely on a mobile phone to get you out of trouble. Signal coverage in mountainous areas is very unreliable. Mountain Rescue Teams have many years of experience in calls from mobile telephones and, whilst they are excellent when they work, there are many things that can go wrong. Even moving a few feet in the mountains can mean losing the signal. You will be advised of best practice when contacted. If you are able to summon help using your mobile phone KEEP IT SWITCHED ON SO YOU CAN BE RE-CONTACTED.
Danger - all can be avoided
- Precipices
- Slopes of ice or steep snow
- Very steep grass slopes, especially if frozen or wet
- Unstable boulders
- Gullies, gorges and stream beds
- Streams in spate
- Snow cornices on ridges or gully tops
- Exceeding your experience and abilities
- Loss of concentration, especially towards the end of a long day
Danger - require constant monitoring
- Weather changes - these can be sudden and more extreme than forecast
- Ice on path (carry an ice-axe and crampons - and know how to use them)
- Excessive cold or heat (dress appropriately)
- Incipient exhaustion (know the signs; rest and keep warm)
- Accident or illness (don't panic - if you send for help, make sure you stay put and the rescuers know exactly where to come)
- Passage of Time - especially true when under pressure - allow extra time in winter conditions.
Pride
- It is no disgrace to turn back if you are not certain. A party must be governed by the capabilities of the weakest member.