Hill safety
Enjoy the hills, come home safe
Most mountain incidents in the UK are slips, trips and people getting lost or caught out by darkness. A little planning prevents almost all of them.
Before you go
- Check a mountain forecast (MWIS or the Met Office), not just the town forecast. Wind and temperature at the summit can be very different.
- Pick a route that suits the weakest member of the group and the shortest daylight you might have.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back. Our printable route card makes this easy.
- In Scottish winter, read the SAIS avalanche forecast.
Navigation
- Carry a paper map and compass and know how to use them. Phones run out of battery and signal.
- Download offline maps before you leave; signal is patchy in most UK mountains.
- Set a turnaround time and stick to it. The summit is optional; getting down isn't.
Kit
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, hat and gloves in every season.
- Food, water, a head torch, a basic first aid kit and a survival bag or group shelter.
- Sturdy boots with good grip. In winter: ice axe and crampons, and the skills to use them.
In an emergency
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
- Register for emergency SMS before you need it by texting 'register' to 999. You can then text 999 when there isn't enough signal to call.
- Give your location as a grid reference if you can, and stay together.