If you are thinking of going
hill walking in Scotland, then have a read through the text on this page first.
Many of the men and women that
make up the Mountain rescue teams in Scotland are voluntary, These brave Scots risk their
life's to save others in all weather conditions, and 90% of the time they risk their
life's because of the stupidity of others.
Appropriate safety precautions
should always be taken when venturing on to the Scottish hills. The number of serious
injuries and deaths on the mountains has greatly increased in recent years, so it is very
important to ensure that you are properly equipped.
Here is a list of equipment
that is a must for a hill climb in the summer:
Map, Food, Torch,
Waterproofs, Compass, Whistle, Survival Bag, Spare Inner Clothing.
Before you undertake a
climb:
Make sure you have
alerted someone of the route you are taking and always report back when you are
finished.
Remember that the Scottish
winter conditions can often be Arctic, and as severe as those on higher European
mountains. They should therefore be treated with the utmost respect.
Additional equipment
for a winter climb:
Ice Axe, Crampons,
Specialist Winter Clothing.
Additional knowledge
for a winter climb:
The understanding of any
potential dangers such as unpredictable and severe snow conditions, particularly
avalanches and snow cornices.
When planing your outing make
sure to pay attention to the weather forecast, and even if the likelihood is for fine
weather it is important to be prepared for all outcomes, even during the summer months.
Anyone who is climbing the
Scottish mountains should be able to navigate accurately especially as tracks and paths
are rarely signposted and can be difficult to trace on a map.
The mountain weather can be
extremely fickle and change very suddenly from bright sunshine to wicked storms, so
consideration must be given to the possibility of routes becoming difficult or impassable
due to variation of terrain and rising water levels in rivers and burns.
Scottish hill walking and
climbing courses are offered by numerous qualified instructors and guides and there are
many such organisations operating in the Highlands, To obtain information on
mountaineering clubs and means of getting in touch with them you can write to:
| The Hon.
Secretary of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland |
| 4a St Catherines
Road |
| Perth, PH1 5SE. |
************************ |
| The
Scottish Sports Council |
| Caledonia House |
| South Gyle |
| Edinburgh, EH12
9DQ |
