Helpful advice for mountain walkers

The Costa Blanca mountain walkers group describe themselves as a ‘friendly and informal group of walking enthusiasts’.

As well as offering an exciting programme of walks around Alicante province and further afield – which can be found in this newspaper and on their website at cbmwalkers.org – they also have some helpful advice for walkers which can be applied in most situations to improve their security in the countryside.

These are:

1. Do not leave valuables in your car.

2. Always wear strong-soled shoes or boots suitable for mountain walking.

3. Take a packed lunch and/or other energy snacks and plenty of water, especially in hot weather.

4. Always carry your own first aid kit and a whistle.

5. Carry adequate clothing and always waterproofs as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.

Remember that there is always the possibility of having to remain on the mountain during the night in an emergency.

6. (If in a group) Stay in contact with the people ahead of you and behind you particularly at junctions and if too large a gap opens up signal to the leader for a stop so that the gap can be closed.

7. Take all rubbish home with you including orange and banana skins.

8. Do not pick fruit.

9. Walking poles when not in use should be carried with the points facing forwards and down.

10. If a dog is brought along the owner should ensure that the walk is one where dogs are allowed and at all times keep the dog on a lead.

11. Check the weather forecast for the area you are walking in via www.aemet.es

Full details of the new season’s walks are on the Autumn Programme and can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.cbmwalkers.org.

The website also includes a wealth of information on mountain walking including walk grades, length, duration and start points which may be of particular interest for those considering participating in the exhilarating and healthy pastime.