{"id":10693,"date":"2014-04-15T14:40:33","date_gmt":"2014-04-15T14:40:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=10693"},"modified":"2014-04-15T14:43:23","modified_gmt":"2014-04-15T14:43:23","slug":"hillwalkers-warned-of-easter-snow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/hillwalkers-warned-of-easter-snow\/","title":{"rendered":"Hillwalkers warned of Easter snow"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is warning hill walkers not to get caught out by weather or late, icy snow patches in the hills.<\/p>\n

With the Easter weekend approaching, many will be planning trips to the Scottish mountains \u2013 for some their first visit of the year. But, while the sun has been shining this week, it\u2019s not yet summer in the mountains. Mountain safety expert Heather Morning warns hill walkers heading out this Easter break that winter is not over.<\/p>\n

Heather, Mountain Safety Adviser with the MCofS, said: \u201cAt this time of year it is really difficult to know what to expect. One day on the hill could be warm, dry and calm with good visibility, the next you could be in a blizzard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe important thing is to be prepared and check out the weather forecast in advance to enable you to make a decision about what kit to take.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"leum-uilleum\"<\/a>A particular risk lies in the underfoot conditions. The Scottish mountains hold snow long into the spring and early summer. These snow patches will often be hard and located high up on the shady, north side of the mountain. Many traditional mountain routes cross through such terrain and are the usual choice for Munro baggers. Hill walkers are advised to treat these old snow patches with caution, particularly if the \u2018run out\u2019 below is over steep ground. <\/p>\n

Heather emphasized: \u201cRoute choice at this time of year is really important and hill walkers should consider a \u2018snow free\u2019 alternative or simply turn around.\u201d<\/p>\n

A classic example of a popular route still affected by snow is Coire na Tulaich on Buachaille Etive Mor<\/a>, near Glen Coe. In summer, Coire na Tulaich provides the trade route up this iconic Munro but the north-facing coire holds snow well after it has disappeared elsewhere and can be extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n

Carey Davies, the British Mountaineering Council\u2019s (BMC) hill walking officer, said: \u201cWhen spring arrives a lot of people feel the pull of the mountains and want to get outdoors again. But sometimes people get caught out at this time of year. While it may feel like spring has sprung at low levels, up on the mountain tops it can be a very different story. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going into the hills remember you may encounter the white stuff \u2013 anything from the odd patch to large areas. So be prepared!\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is warning hill walkers not to get caught out by weather or late, icy snow patches in the hills. With the Easter weekend approaching, many will be planning trips to the Scottish mountains \u2013 for some their first visit of the year. But, while the sun has been shining this week, it\u2019s not yet summer in the mountains. Mountain safety expert Heather Morning warns hill walkers heading out this Easter break that winter is not over. Heather, Mountain Safety Adviser with the MCofS, said: \u201cAt this time of year it is really difficult to know…<\/span> <\/p>\n

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