Warnings issued for hikers after a spike in Emergency calls to Mountain Rescue

A warning has been issued for young hikers going to the mountains as the number of emergency calls to Mountain Rescue has spiked, mostly due to poor preparations.

Due to the popularity of the North Wales Mountains (and other places in the North West) and its photogenic scenery, many of these people are apparently going because of social media and trying to go viral. If you have the head for heights, it’s understandable since the views are breathtaking; however, if you go with zero preparations, you will soon get yourself in a pickle.

In the mountain environment, one moment it’s sunny and blue sky, and the next it’s hammering down with rain and with it a huge plunge in temperature. Do you have the right equipment? Did you bring a good first aid kit? Enough food and drink for the trip?

One of the things you should be doing when going to the mountains is going as early as you can. This is the simple advice from Mountain Rescue.

Here is a list of things to do to keep yourself extra safe and have one of the greatest moments in your life to share with your followers:

1. Always bring a headlamp, even in summer – People often leave headlamps behind thinking they will be back before dark. But sometimes you might end up off course unintentionally, whether delayed by bad weather or misjudging distance. A small, lightweight Silva headlamp takes up barely any space but can be a game-changer if you’re still on the trail after dusk and means you don’t need to rely on your phone torch during the journey. 
2. Don’t rely solely on your phone – Using your phone for navigation, light, and photos will drain the battery fast — and you may need that battery to make an emergency call. Silva recommends always carrying a compass and physical map alongside your smartphone, so you have essentials that won’t run out of batter when you need them most. 

3. Prepare for changing weather – Even on the most aesthetically pleasing coastal and woodland walks, weather can change quickly. Pack lightweight waterproofs, an extra layer, and sun protection. 

4. Pack food and water – more than you think you’ll need – A quick day hike can easily turn into a longer trek. Dehydration and lack of energy are avoidable risks with just a little extra in your pack, plus a revitalising snack makes for an enjoyable treat when you do get peckish! 

5. Tell someone your route – Always let someone know where you’re going and your expected return time, even for shorter hikes. 

Wherever you go hiking, you must prepare fully before leaving. You can find hiking gear from most places now, from the big brands such as Sprayway, Berghaus, The North Face, and more. Drop into a Go Outdoors for everything you need and the proper advice.

You can also get everything in one place from Silva, who offers great products at good prices, so it’s well worth checking out when planning your next hike.