Walk Safely

Many walks in Scotland, particularly those on lower ground, follow built and well-marked trails where little or no specialist equipment or experience is required. However, for longer routes and more particularly for walks on the Scottish hills and mountains, preparation is essential and adequate precautions should be taken whilst on your walk.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (M C of S) provides useful information on Mountain Safety on their website which are designed to help both inexperienced and regular hillwalkers get the most out of their walk. In addition, if you're planning to head for Scotland's wintery hills, take a look at the M C of S's winter safety pages.  

The Weather
Before setting out on ANY trip, check a weather forecast. Changeable is the best way to describe the weather in Scotland - and it can change quickly! If the weather does change for the worse, consider revising your plans. Detailed mountain forecasts can be found at the Mountain Weather Information Service website. You can also access Met Office weather forecasts here. 

Planning
Choose a walk which is appropriate to you or your group's abilities and the prevailing weather conditions. As a general rule, take children only on routes which allow for a safe and easy retreat and don't take them on long walks. Leave word of where you are going and remember to advise of your return. Most areas of Scotland have walks to suit all levels of ability. Consider turning back if someone in your group is tiring or getting cold.

What to Take
Clothing - warm, wind and waterproof clothing is essential for most parts of your body depending on the time of year. Remember, it will get colder and windier higher up.
Equipment - for hillwalking, always carry a map and compass and know how to use them (Ordnance Survey maps scale 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 are recommended). Carry equipment for use in an emergency such as a torch, whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. The emergency signal is six blasts on a whistle or six flashes with a torch.
Footwear - your footwear should provide good ankle support and have a firm sole with a secure grip. For rough terrain hillwalking boots are strongly recommended.
Food and Drink - take ample food and drink for your group. Always take reserve supplies. Simple high energy foods are best as are hot drinks in cold wet weather.
First Aid Kit -  The First Aid kit that you carry on the hill should be capable of dealing with a variety of situations. Remember that in most incidents where first aid is required the need is for simple and relatively straight forward treatment. The items listed below should form the basis of your kit:

-Two Triangular Bandages - can be used for slings, dressings, bandages.
-Two Wound dressings (medium and large) - for stopping bleeding.
-Crepe Bandages - for holding on dressings (bleeding), support and/or  immobilisation of fractures, strains and sprains.
-A roll of general purpose medical tape.
-A selection of Sticky Plasters - a long strip which can be cut to suit is good (NB some people are allergic to some makes).
-Pain Killers. If you are at all unsure about administering pain killers - DON'T.
-Sharp scissors - useful for trimming bandages and cutting away clothing.
-A supply of various sized safety pins.
-A few pairs of rubber or plastic gloves - must be used every time you deal with loss of body fluids.

More information on the size and contents for a first aid kit can be found here.

On Your Walk
Tracks and Paths - part of Scotland's attraction is the wild nature of its countryside. Mountain paths are not signposted and even those marked on maps can be difficult to trace. Use your map and check your location at all times.
Scotland's Varied Terrain - the varied terrain you cover, makes walking in the Scottish hills exciting; however, it can make walking slow and exhausting. Rivers and burns can rise rapidly and become impassable. Consider these points when planning your walk.
Navigation - Every year, tourists, walkers and climbers get into trouble in the Scottish Hills due to errors of navigation. If you intend to go into the Scottish hills even low ones, it is essential that you plan the walk using appropriate maps of the area. Get instruction and learn how to use a map and your compass, starting in easy situations in good weather and practising until you are competent in poor weather. If you become unsure of your position, either retrace your tracks to the last known position, or, after working out roughly where you are and if the terrain is safe, head in the direction that will take you back on course. For more useful tips on navigation click here.
Shelter - do not assume you will find emergency shelter on the Scottish hills. Ensure that you are properly equipped.
Snow - you should avoid patches of snow unless you have the skills to cope with them. Many accidents result from a simple slip. Hillwalking in winter should be regarded as mountaineering. Daylight hours are shorter and weather conditions more severe. Gain experience in summer before venturing out in winter. If venturing out onto winter hills, refer to the M C of S's Winter Safety pages before you go. If you're looking for information about predicting snowfall, have a look at this page.

In an Emergency
If one of your party has an accident and cannot be moved:

1. treat any injuries as best you can;
2. calculate your exact position on the map;
3. if possible, leave somebody to care for the casualty whilst others safely get help;
4. on reaching a telephone, dial 999 and ask for the police;
5. report the map grid reference where you left the casualty and details of their condition.

All those who are injured and immobile are at risk from hypothermia. As a priority add any extra layers of clothing you have available to the casualty  and ensure they are insulated from the ground. If you have a group shelter, ensure the casualty and the rest of the group are under the shelter.

Printable copy of the MCofS Emergency Procedures card.

Further information is available at www.mcofs.org.uk