With very wintry weather continuing, Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Mountain Rescue are reminding people to keep within their limits, be aware of the extra challenges of winter conditions, and to remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies in winter too.
While there is no shortage of snow in the mountains – usually ideal conditions for winter walkers, climbers and skiers – COVID-19 restrictions on travel have meant that for most people access to the high mountains is either limited or totally out of reach.
However, many people are being creative and venturing out to explore and enjoy what their local area has to offer, although some are still unsure how far they can travel for outdoor recreation and exercise or what clothing, equipment and skills are needed to enjoy the outdoors safely in the current winter conditions.
Currently, the guidance for outdoor recreation and exercise in Scotland asks people to minimise travel for exercise, and applies an upper limit of travel of upto 5 miles outside your own local authority area to begin.
If you can still access the hills, making thorough preparations and ensuring you have appropriate skills, knowledge and equipment is more important than ever, along with remembering to park responsibly, take litter home and avoid disturbing sheep and other grazing animals.
Stuart Younie, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland said: “There are fewer people about in the hills and mountains because most are adhering to the travel guidelines and tending to choose less busy areas, meaning climbers, walkers and skiers need to be far more dependent on their own skills and resources. The unusually cold start to this year has also brought full winter conditions to the lower hills and paths, which means we have seen skiing and winter walking taking place in areas where we wouldn’t normally see so much activity, especially in the hills accessible from the central belt.
Some recent incidents have highlighted the situation where hill goers have travelled further than the travel restrictions allow and have then required assistance to get off the hill safely, resulting in charges and fines for the breach of travel regulations. It is important to stress that support from mountain rescue volunteers is available 24/7 for anyone getting into difficulties in the hills by calling 999 and asking for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Damon Powell, Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, added: “Despite the challenges the current situation is putting on our volunteer members, Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams remain ready to respond to anyone who gets into difficulty in the outdoors, wherever that may be. If you are lost or injured and can’t get off the hill call 999, ask for Police then ask for Mountain Rescue.”
See the Walkhighlands information on winter safety in the hills.