With the the clocks about to go back, The Mountaineering Council of Scotland have issued a timely reminder to climbers and walkers urging them to
take simple steps now to keep themselves safe through the autumn and winter.
Days are already getting shorter
and will seem shorter still when the clocks go back an hour this weekend.
“A head torch is a crucial bit of
kit for these shorter days,” says mountain safety expert Heather Morning.
“It can make the difference
between getting home safely and spending the night out on the mountainside,
lost or injured.”
Heather, Mountain Safety Adviser
for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS), said: “Shorter daylight
hours, dropping temperatures and the first dusting of snow on the hills are
obvious indicators for hill walkers to think about extra kit in their
rucksacks.
“A head torch – with a spare
battery – is crucial just in case your chosen route takes a wee bit longer than
expected.
“It’s also well worth considering
putting away those lightweight, bendy summer boots and changing into a more
rigid pair.
“Consider wearing extra layers of
clothing too, with 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.
“And 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.