Safety Advice for the Scottish Mountains

Most accidents that occur in the Mountains and Hills of Scotland are due to one or more of the following reasons:

Ø      Carelessness

Ø      Over-estimation of physical stamina or technical ability

Ø      Lack of observation

Ø      Lack of knowledge

Ø      Failure to act together as a group

Ø      Failure to check the weather forecast

Ø      Failure to assess the risk factors

Safety precautions should always be taken whether your outdoor activity involves a short ramble in the summer or a serious winter climbing expedition. The number of serious injuries or deaths on the mountainside has increased over recent years, so it is important that you take the steps to ensure you do not end up a casualty yourself.

Equipment

There are a number of important items of equipment that must be carried when venturing out into the Scottish Hills.

Ø      Be equipped with waterproof clothing & strong footwear

Ø      Spare, dry inner clothing

Ø      Map and compass (make sure you know how to use them)

Ø      Whistle

Ø      Torch

Ø      Survival bag for emergencies & a first aid kit

Ø      Reserve food

In winter you should also have the following:

Ø      Ice axe

Ø      Crampon

Ø      Specialised winter gear

You must know how to use your equipment and when to use it. There is no point in loading them into the boot of the car and leaving them behind when you arrive at the car park and see that the top of the hill is clouded over, thinking that there is no need for this equipment as it will only slow you down. You never know when you might need it.

It is important that you are aware of your surroundings and any changes that are likely to take place when you are on the hill. Know the weather forecast and understand how it works. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and plan escape routes for such events. The Scottish Mountains can be sunny and fine one moment and then be in Arctic conditions similar to those found in the higher European Mountains.

Making a route card -Why should you bother?

In spite of the advice offered above, most experienced hillwalkers don't spend time on making out full route cards for their walks. So, is it a waste of time?

Ø       30% of recent incidents were due largely to 'Bad Planning' and 'No Route Plan'.

Ø       Preparing a route card enables you to work out the distance you will cover and the height you will ascend during your walk, as well as being able to estimate the time it will take; adjusting your plans if necessary according to your ability and experience and the prevailing conditions.

Ø       During this preparation, you will become more familiar with the map and the features to be met on the ground while walking.

Ø       You will find it easier to work out the details of the route in a warm room at home or other base than on a cold and windy hillside.

Ø       It is possible to consider a variety of possible 'escape routes' without stress and before you may need them.

Ø       You will be able to leave a detailed outline of your plans with a responsible person, who could take action in case of emergency.

Ø       Yes, when you are inexperienced, it is worthwhile to spend a good deal of time studying your map prior to a walk and preparing a 'route card'.

In spite of not always preparing full route cards, all experienced and wise hillwalkers study their maps at length, plan and navigate with great care, anticipate and avoid emergencies before they happen and make sure that someone knows where they are going. If you wish to make out a full 'route card', a sample is shown on the link and can be printed off for future use. To print off a printable Route Card in Adobe format click here.

Above all make sure you tell someone where you are going, your plans for the day and when to expect you back.

A Word of Caution

With the advancement of mobile telephones, Mountain Rescue Teams in Scotland are experiencing difficulties when they are not used properly.

Recent publicised incidents have highlighted lost hillwalkers phoning a Mountain Rescue Team and reporting themselves lost, only to later report that they have got off the hills safely or have made their way off without telling the relevant authorities. In addition lost hillwalkers have provided the wrong Grid Reference to Mountain Rescue members during a search - this highlights the need to be proficient at map and compass reading.

Mountain Rescue Teams do NOT provide a service to replace spent batteries for mobile phones or torches.

Above all you must be proficient at reading a map and compass, know your limits and be able to get out of difficulties yourself without relying on others.

Conclusion

The key to your safety in the Scottish Mountains is better awareness of the risk. A recent study of Mountain Rescue Incidents in Scotland found that over 70% of casualties were not aware that they were at risk.

Assessment of risk comes through experience and training.

This advice is general and further more detailed advice can be sought from publications, magazines, books and pamphlets. You should also consider training at a recognised out-door training centre.

If you are new to the sport, make sure you enjoy it for a long time by following this simple advice.

SAFE WALKING FROM THE OCHILS MRT

Last updated on 23/01/07 TL