Walkers warned of spring snow dangers

HILL WALKERS are being urged to treat long-lying snow patches with caution.

Although it is spring on lower ground, the high mountains of Scotland are still hanging onto winter, and there are still substantial snowfields and snow patches lying across the routes up many popular hills.

Temperatures in recent weeks have been unseasonably low, with new snow falling on some of the higher mountain tops, and much of the old snow people encounter may be hard and icy, posing a significant threat to anyone not properly equipped. Heather Morning safety adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: ‘Every year at this time, folk get into difficulties when encountering old snow patches.

‘Sadly, a slip and subsequent slide in the wrong place does sometimes result in fatalities.’

She added: ‘My advice, if you don’t have the kit or knowledge to deal with hard snow, is to adjust your plan and enjoy a day out on one of our fabulous lower hills or glens where there is no chance of encountering old snow patches.’