Mountain safety
High ground asks more of you
Hills and mountains can change from pleasant to hazardous within an hour. Low cloud, wind, rain and fading daylight affect experienced walkers as much as beginners.
Emergency? Call 112 or 999
Website information is for general awareness and does not replace official emergency instructions, professional training, or assistance from emergency services. This website is not an emergency reporting or dispatch service.
01
Before you go
- Check a reliable mountain or regional forecast, including wind at height
- Choose a route that matches the weakest member of your group
- Carry a map and compass and know how to use them — phones can fail
- Pack waterproofs, warm layers, a head torch, food, water and a basic first aid kit
- Tell someone your route and expected return time
02
On the hill
- Keep checking the weather and your progress against the plan
- Stay together and agree on turn-back times
- Take extra care on steep, wet or loose ground and in poor visibility
03
Turning back is a skill
The summit will still be there another day. Deciding to retreat early, while you are warm and have daylight, is one of the most important safety decisions you can make.