Winter warning for walkers and climbers visiting Highlands

HILL walkers and climbers are being urged to stay safe as they prepare to enjoy what for many is the most rewarding season.

With winter now starting to bite, many hillwalkers and climbers will be looking out their ice axes, crampons and headtorches. But mountaineering experts have stressed that it takes much more than this to be ready for winter. Mountaineering Scotland has highlighted the high quality of online information which can be easily accessed before heading for the hills.

General advice is also available through Mountaineering Scotland and the organisation is running a free winter safety lecture tour.

Heather Morning said: ‘Folk heading out on to the hills in winter should take advantage of the advice and information on offer to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.

‘As well as making sure you have an ice axe and crampons that fit, remember that winter days are shorter and colder, so a headtorch with spare batteries is essential. A simple bivouac shelter is also a very good addition to the kit you carry in your winter rucksack.’

Kev Mitchell, vice chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, said: ‘Mountain Rescue in Scotland is provided free by world class volunteers on-call at all times and in all weathers. We would encourage hillgoers to ensure that they have left details of their intended route and expected return time.

‘People should also be aware of and use the latest navigation and location technology such as GPS or OS locate and other similar apps to avoid navigation errors.

‘However, it is critical that a paper map and a compass are carried and that people know how to use them. If you require assistance on the hills, dial 999 ask for police the mountain rescue.’

For more essential winter mountaineering advice go to the Mountaineering Scotland website.

For details on the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team go to lochabermrt.co.uk