List 5 key safety points or actions when hill walking?

Answer 1

1. Plan your route and tell someone where you're going, along which route and when you'll be back. Instruct them to contact the emergency services if you have not returned safely or been in contact after a certain cut off time.
2. Check the weather reports and ensure you are appropriately dressed for the conditions. You should be aware that the weather can change very rapidly in the hills so carry warm and waterproof clothing even if it appears to be a nice day when you set off. Ensure you are wearing suitable foot ware such as a stout pair of walking boots. The RAF and Navy SAR helicopter crews and the Mountain Rescue teams don't necessarily like having to come out to rescue people who have tried to climb a mountain in winter in jeans, a t-shirt and trainers (yes, this has happened).
3. Ensure you choose a route that is suitable for your level of fitness, skill and experience. A walk that is to physically demanding will put you at risk of injury (potentially requiring rescue) but will also feel like a slog and be much less enjoyable.
4. Carry a map and compass and make sure you know how to use them. Otherwise they are useless.
5. Consider carrying a whistle to help attract attention if required, an emergency bivi bag (normally a fluorescent orange plastic water and wind proof bag that can be used as a shelter in an emergency and can be bought for as little as £2), a torch, a mobile phone (even though the signal may be variable, there is a strong probability you will be able to contact the emergency services for help if required).

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Answer 2

(1) TELL someone where you're going (and stick to it) and WHEN you expect to return (and check in afterwards), (2) KNOW your route, (3) BE in shape, (4) BE AWARE of your terrain/obstacles (snakes?), and (5) CARRY a cell phone, just in case.

Answer 3

Here are some; Dress appropriately Food and water

Strong shoes or boots Map reading skills Up to date map Compass Always let someone know your starting and finishing points and the time youexpext to arrive Get an up to date weather forcast Don't go alone Aditional items are a mobile 'phone and a GPS

Answer 4

1) Plan and assess your route first.

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2) Leave information of intended route and possible escape-routes, and estimated time back, with a reliable contact.

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3) Proper footwear and clothing, bearing in mind the weather on British hills can change unexpectedly and not always according to general regional forecasts.

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4) Adequate food and water (the latter can include fruit-juice or a flask of hot beverage, remembering liquids are heavy).

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5) Map and compass - and know the basics of their use! (Electronics are all very well but batteries can run flat or signals be unreliable. Portable telephone coverage can be very patchy in the hills.)

Answer 5

You need to be able to use a map and a compass.

Take a first aid kit and know how to use it.

Make sure you wear warm clothes and have waterproof clothing with you.

Make sure you have planned the route your taking well.

Signal is not good so mobiles are not the best way to communicate..