Walking Guide - essential kit and preparation for the great outdoors,

Look after yourself and those accompanying you when you are out on the mountains. Try to follow these points to minimise your risks.

Planning
• Plan your route before you set out.
• Tell someone responsible where you are going, and what time you expect to return.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly – remember weather conditions can worsen very quickly on the mountains.
• Make sure you have [fully charged] batteries for your mobile phone and torch.

Clothing
• Wear suitable robust boots which are comfortable and preferably waterproof.
• Wear warm, colourful clothing so you’re more easily spotted.
• Take extra layers in case you have to stop unexpectedly.
• Always take a hat and gloves – it gets really cold on the tops, even in the summer!

Provisions
• Take lunch, plus some energy-rich snacks, such as dried fruit, chocolate or mint cake.
• Carry drinking water.
• Streams on hills are drinkable if fast-running over stony beds.

Emergency Procedures
• Be prepared to turn back if conditions are against you; even if this upsets your plan.
• If you have a serious problem, get a message to the Police (999) for help as soon as possible and keep injured/exhausted people safe and warm until help reaches you. If you cannot contact anyone, use six whistle blasts or torch flashes, repeated at minute intervals, to signal an emergency. Report changes of route or timetable to someone who is expecting you.

Remember: a party must be governed by the capabilities of the weakest member. If you are concerned, it is always more prudent to turn back.