Mountain Safety
The Scottish hills and mountains contain some of the best scenery in the world, and offer a whole range of outdoor experiences for walkers and climbers alike.
Hazards do however exist. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk.
The Scottish wilderness is purposefully left as it is, and paths and tracks are rarely signposted, and some tracks marked on maps may even be difficult to find.
The information provided on this website is provided in good faith, but it is your responsibility to check it that you are happy with the nature of the activity and that you are able to navigate using a map and compass where appropriate.
Where at all possible, let your accommodation know your plans for the day out and your expected time of return.
You can find lots of useful information on Walk Highlands and Mountaineering Scotland is great resource too and their access statement is one that we should all bear in mind when planning a day in the hills: –
“Mountaineering Scotland recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.”
The Weather
The Scottish weather can be highly changeable and can change significantly within a very short time. Even on a clear and sunny day, the weather can catch many people out. It is not unknown for snow to fall on the high mountain tops at any time of the year. MWIS is great for mountain forecast so check out the mountain weather before you go.
In times of heavy rain, rivers can rise rapidly and become impassable so always have a plan B.
Planning
You should consider your own fitness, experience and where appropriate ability to navigate when deciding on any activity to participate in, you should never solely rely on your mobile phone for navigation. And remember to keep a close eye on the weather.
What to Take
Many of the walks listed here are fairly short and within a close distance to the villages in the area. Some however are further into the wilds of the highlands, and so it is important that you carefully consider what you take with you.
Clothing – As the weather can change rapidly, a waterproof jacket and trousers are essential. You should also carry hat, gloves and a warm layer such as a fleece. If you venture high up on the mountains the temperature will get colder.
Your footwear should be appropriate to the activities you are planning on participating in. Whilst some walks may have purpose built paths, others may be over undulating terrain and a hillwalking boot with good grip will be more appropriate
To help you navigate to should always carry a compass and a map. More importantly you should know how to use them
There are some items of emergency equipment that you should also seriously consider taking if venturing out on some of the more remote walks, such as torch (essential in the winter months when the days are very short), whistle, first aid kit and ample food and drink
In an Emergency
In the event of an accident:
Establish your exact position.
Using your mobile, phone 999 and ask for the police, if you are in the hills ask for Mountain Rescue (you should give them your position and the condition of the casualty.
If no mobile signal is available, leave somebody to look after the injured person (if possible) and descend to get help.
Tick Information
The midges are a nuisance which we all curse. The midges don’t leave any lasting effects on our bodies but up to 10% of summer ticks can cause Lyme disease unless we look for ticks and remove them properly.
Lyme disease is easily prevented and treated, with some common sense! You can find everything you need to know about ticks, how to remove them and what the risks are at the links below.
What we can say is that you should check yourself and each other carefully after a hike on a heathery and ferny hill!
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/