Hillwalkers need to gear up for winter

Walkers need to gear up for winter, according to mountain experts.

The advice came as snow and blizzards were forecast for the northern Highlands today, with the approach of a cold front from the North, accompanied by arctic winds.

And in less than a fortnight, the clocks will go back, meaning darkness will fall one hour earlier in the evening.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland warned that the onset of winter conditions dictate a change of frame of mind from hillwalkers and mountaineers for whom the summer of 2010 is now becoming a distant memory.

MCofS safety adviser Heather Morning said: “Shorter daylight hours, dropping temperatures and the first dusting of snow on the hill are obvious indicators for hillwalkers to think about some extra pieces of kit in their rucksacks.

“A headtorch, and spare battery, are crucial just in case your chosen route takes a wee bit longer than expected and it is wise to check that your walking partners are carrying their torches as well.

“It’s also well worth considering putting away those lightweight, bendy summer boots and changing into a more rigid pair.

Heather Morning: 'put away those bendy boots'

“Extra layers should be considered, with the addition of a synthetic duvet jacket and emergency shelter stored in the bottom of your rucksack just in case you are stationary on the hill for any length of time.

“Hats, gloves – I recommend at least two pairs – and face protection, such as a Buff, will all add to your comfort on the hill as we move towards the winter season.

“Finally, you will probably need to carry a bigger rucksack in winter in order to have space for those extra pieces of kit.”

Last week three separate incidents in the Lake District sparked warnings from mountain rescue teams that headtorches need to be carried as daylight hours shorten. The teams had to go out to rescue benighted walkers without torches.