Winter warning to take care on the hills
A Perthshire organisation is warning people to be aware if they head for the hills this winter.
While there has been no shortage of snow in the mountains – ideal conditions for winter walkers, climbers and skiers – COVID-19 restrictions on travel have meant that for most people access to the high mountains is either limited or totally out of reach.
However, many people are venturing out to explore and enjoy what their local area has to offer.
Perth-based Mountaineering Scotland has teamed up with Scottish Mountain Rescue to remind people to keep within their limits, be aware of the extra challenges of winter conditions, and to remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies in winter too.
Stuart Younie, chief executive officer of Mountaineering Scotland, said:“There are fewer people about in the hills and mountains because most are adhering to the travel guidelines and tending to choose less busy areas, meaning climbers, walkers and skiers need to be far more dependent on their own skills and resources.
“The unusually cold start to this year has also brought full winter conditions to the lower hills and paths, which means we have seen skiing and winter walking taking place in areas where we wouldn’t normally see so much activity, especially in the hills accessible from the central belt.
“The basics of heading to the hills in winter are explained on our website at www. mountaineering.scot/ thinkwinter - and that’s free advice available for both members and non- members.”
Some recent incidents have highlighted the situation where hill goers have travelled further than the travel restrictions allow and have then required assistance to get off the hill safely, resulting in charges and fines for the breach of travel regulations.
Support from mountain rescue volunteers is available 24/7 for anyone getting into difficulties in the hills by calling 999 and asking for police, then mountain rescue.
Damon Powell, chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, added:“Despite the challenges the current situation is putting on our volunteer members, Scottish Mountain Rescue teams remain ready to respond to anyone who gets into difficulty in the outdoors, wherever that may be. If you are lost or injured and can’t get off the hill call 999, ask for police then ask for mountain rescue.”