It’s International Mountain Day, and Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Mountain Rescue are amongst a group of partner organisations launching the 2020 #ThinkWINTER campaign to encourage and help people to be safer in the outdoors and the mountains this winter.
This summer saw a noticeable increase in the number of people heading for the outdoors and, with foreign travel opportunities still limited due to coronavirus, it’s likely that many will carry on their new hobby through the winter, domestic COVID restrictions permitting.
The core messages from Mountaineering Scotland are:
• Check the COVID protection measures where you live and where you plan to go. Note that restrictions may differ between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
• Plan your route and check the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts before you go.
• Take appropriate winter clothing, footwear and equipment including torch, map and compass and
plenty of food and drink.
• Build up your confidence and practice navigation and winter skills on simpler routes before taking on
more complex and longer days.
• Be prepared to alter your plans or turn back if the weather or conditions change.
• Let someone know where you are going, what time you will be back and what to do if you do not
return as expected.
• If you are lost or injured and can’t get off the hill call 999, ask for Police then ask for Mountain Rescue.
Be sure to also check out our Winter Skills and Safety page.