Hillwalkers warned to be prepared

Wintry weather forecast for Scottish peaks this weekend

Walkers and climbers planning to head for the hills are being urged to prepare for the unexpected as wintry conditions get set to hit the north. Experts from Mountaineering Scotland have issued a warning to walkers to “winterise” their rucksacks prior to the shift to fewer daylight hours from Sunday.

Extra layers including a synthetic duvet jacket and an emergency bivi bag in the rucksack are just some of the essentials recommended along with a map and compass, winter hat and gloves; with those venturing to new heights encouraged to check for extreme changes to the forecast.

The warning comes as forecasters predict snowfall this weekend, accompanied by strong wind and gales.

Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: “Especially overnight on Friday and Saturday there is a risk of ice and frost. Across the north half of the country there is a chance of showers falling as snow on high ground and a mix of sleet and hail.”

This stage of winter can make it tricky underfoot – a thin covering of snow over bare rock or scree can make footholds extremely slippery, without giving enough purchase for ice axes to bite well.

Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser for Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Conditions can be very treacherous and just having the right equipment isn’t enough: you have to be able to call on experience to know how to deal with a whole range of conditions.

“Shorter daylight hours, dropping temperatures and the first snow are all good indicators that it is time to think about extra kit in your rucksack. Routes will take longer than expected and many people will end up finishing in the dark. A head torch and spare batteries is crucial.”

The warnings come after several groups of climbers without the basics were rescued from north hills in a matter of weeks.

CAUTION: Outdoors enthusiasts are urged to ‘winterise’ their rucksacks