Guide’s hill warning
Walker shave been advised toWalker shave been advised to be wary of the dangers associated with enjoying the Strath’s stunning scenery.
The advice was issued by local outdoor guide Emily Greaves, of Emily’s Wild Adventures, after a woman had to be rescued on Ben Chonzie.
Emily said:“The summit plateau plateau is over a kilometre andis over a kilometre and it’s really easy to get disorientated if people don’t know where they are or what they are doing, especially in a white-out.
“It is really easy to get into trouble and many people don’t take it seriously.”
More people than ever have been flocking to the Strath’s hills and mountains to experience the spectacular scenery during the pandemic, and Ben Chonzie has proved to be a big draw.
Local outdoor guide Emily Greaves of Emily’s Wild Adventures explained that although it is one of the easiest Munros to bag, it should still be taken seriously.
She told the Herald:“I think Ben Chonzie is one of the most popular Munros in Scotland as it is easily accessible from all the major cities. It’s low - 914 metres, which is exactly 3000 feet so it’s the lowest Munro.
“It’s been very popular all summer and now in winter. People see it as being accessible and easy, and it’s not difficult to climb.
“However in the winter, it is dangerous. The summit plateau is over a kilometre and it’s really easy to get disorientated if people don’t know where they are or what they are doing, especially in a white out, and it is always blowing a hooly up there.
“It is really easy to get into trouble and many people don’t take it seriously.
“Often it won’t be windy at the bottom but the wind is amplified at the top - always.”
The announcement this week that the country is in level four of lockdown should mean that less people will be venturing out.
But for those living locally who do, Emily has some good advice about what to pack.
She added: “For Ben Chonzie in winter, my kit list as a bare minimum would be hat, gloves and buff, plus spare hat and gloves - they are the sort of things that can get dropped or blown away. You also need an extra warm layer (fleece) down jacket, waterproof jacket and bottoms, which also act as a windproof layer.
“A flask of hot drink and food for the day plus spare emergency food should also be packed, as well as a first aid kit and survival bag.
“I would always have a map and compass, and you need to know how to use them.
“I would also take a walking ice-axe and crampons at the moment. With so many people trampling up there it can make it very icy.
“A torch is also important as daylight hours are very short and it may take you longer than you think to climb and get back.”
Always check the mountain weather forecast as conditions can change very quickly, and always tell someone where you are going and what route you are taking.