Expert advice
Ensure you’re carrying the right kit for summer adventures in UK mountains.
Kit you need for summer; when to call Mountain Rescue; wild camping, facts on Yr Eifl; cattle and walkers; Scottish rights of way; waterproofing; reporting wild camp fires and antisocial behaviour
Most hillwalkers look forward to the warmer months, since the longer, lighter days bring with them a whole host of new opportunities for exploration and discovery. Of course, these also come with certain risks and dangers that are less relevant during cooler weather.
And talking of weather, just because the calendar says summer’s here, Mother Nature won’t necessarily play ball. You see the main picture? It was taken on Ben Nevis in mid May, and there’s still snow...
Here’s a guide to the kit you’ll need and the concerns to bear in mind when making the most of summer in the mountains.
Sun
Risk You could be out in the sun (fingers crossed) all day with little shelter from burning rays. Sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration are all potential hazards that could ruin an otherwise prefect hill day. Avoidance Cover up to protect your skin from the sun and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
Just because the calendar says summer’s here, Mother Nature won't necessarily play ball
water to keep your body functioning properly.
Kit High-factor sun cream, wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, long-sleeved base layer, extra water or a filter/tablets to treat wild water, rehydration salt tablets.
Don’t forget You’ll need to reapply sun cream throughout the day as it wears off.
Cold
Risk As a rule of thumb, temperature decreases by one degree Celsius for every 100m of altitude gained. So even though it’s T-shirt weather by the beach, it could still be freezing on the summits.
Avoidance Pack extra layers that you can sling on should the temperature decrease, and for snack and rest breaks when your body will begin to cool down rapidly when you stop walking.
Kit Fleece jacket or insulating mid layer, windproof soft shell, gloves, warm hat, buff.
Don’t forget Wind can make it feel far colder than the actual air temperature.
Wet
Risk It’s summer in Britain. Rain is likely and it can come in fast over the hills with little warning. Getting wet can lead to getting cold and hypothermic, even on relatively mild days. Avoidance Avoiding the rain is hard, but stopping it from soaking you to the skin is easily done with the right waterproof apparel. Kit Hard shell jacket, hard shell trousers, spare socks, spare base layer. Don’t forget A top soaked with sweat is just as dangerous as one soaked with rain.
Navigation know-how
Risk Fog, low cloud and the onset of night – which, while delayed during summer, will still occur at some point – can all reduce visibility and mean you can’t just rely on your eyes to find your way.
Avoidance It’s an obvious statement, but the best way to avoid getting lost is to always know where you are. As such, your navigation kit should be pretty much the same throughout the year. Kit Map, compass, GPS, headtorch, guidebook. Don’t forget A clear day might not stay that way – always take a detailed map.
Accidents
Risk Accidents can occur any time of year. Being injured and immobile on the mountain for any amount of time is still far from ideal. And being summer, creatures that bite and sting are out in force.
Avoidance Nobody plans to have an accident, but what’s important is that you’re prepared for such an eventuality – with the ability to treat minor injuries, protect a casualty and summon help if necessary (see pages 72 and 130).
Kit First aid kit, mobile phone, emergency shelter, insect repellent, tick removal tools, bite/sting relief cream.
Don’t forget Include suitable blister treatments (such as Compeed plasters, for pain relief and protection) in your first aid kit.