Hillwalking Safety - General @ Hillwalking.org.uk
The safety of you and your companions should always be of paramount importance when you are walking on the hills of the UK (and in need further a field). Taking simple precautions like taking a survival bag, leaving a route plan and carrying a compass (yes there are people out there who don't) can stop minor incidents becoming full blown epics.Be aware of your own capabilities, and plan your route accordingly. Ensure that you are properly equipped for the time of year - bear in mind that whilst it may be glorious summer at the foot of a hill in the UK, depending on where you are it be close to zero degrees and a howling gale at the top of the hill.
To get you started we've included some general advice below, some of which is expanded upon on other pages, links to which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Plan Your Route
The length and difficulty of your route should be considered carefully. Be realistic about your own and your groups abilities. Check your timing and make sure that you are aware of the hours of daylight for the time of year you are visiting. Check you have all the appropriate maps (don't simply follow some sketch map in a book - get a proper Ordnance Survey map). Make sure that your group understands and accepts what the route may demand of them. Have an escape route to planned in case things get tricky. Have a look at our page on route cards.
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Check the Weather
Also check the weather before you go out - it may be nice and sunny when you set out, but the forecast might predict a turn that could leave you caught out. As a start you can check out the Met Office web site or the BBC Weather Site.
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In an Emergency
The international distress signal is six steady blasts of your whistle (or six torch flashes at night), wait for one minute, then repeat the signal - keep doing this until you are located. The response is three flashes or blasts of the whistle, a minutes pause then three again. If there are three or more in the party, one should stay with the injured person, while the other plots the exact location, notes the injuries and goes for help. Dial 999 and ask for the police.
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Below are links to safety related topics within the site.
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