Mountain Safety Info

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Map Reading & Navigation

Taking A Compass Bearing

Taking A Compass Bearing

What To Look For With Hiking Equipment

Preventing Mountain Incidents

Check out our two-day Mountain Skills Courses

Equipment
Backpack & Liner
Survival Bag
Kissu
Hiking Boots (ankle support)
Mobile Phone
Waterproof Coat & Trousers
Map (Laminated or in Ziploc Bag)
Compass (Silva Type 4)
Hat & Gloves
Spare Hat & Gloves
Food (Sandwiches, Fruit, Chocolate, Nuts)
First Aid Kit (Plasters, Compeed, Gloves, Antiseptic Wipes, Triangular & Sprain Bandages)
Water (1.5 litres min)
Torch & Batteries
Whistle
Sun Cream
Warm Clothing (Layers, No Cotton/Denim)
Hot Drink
Spare Fleeces x 2

Check out the Great Outdoors Store for equipment

Navigation
Map Reading: Colours, Symbols, Contours, Scale, Measurement
Map Setting: Point Map Direction You're Going
Contour Features:
Flat Ground, Steep Ground, Spot Height, Spur, Col, Re-entrant, Change of Slope, Corrie
Navigation Techniques: Handrailing
Distance Estimation: 1 Grid Box is 1km
Timing Estimation: 1km per 15mins approx. Add on extra time for going uphill

Footwork
Small Steps
Edging
Good Balance
Side Stepping

Clothing
Be Organised
Start Cold
Don’t Sweat
Use Zips

Getting Lost
Spread out in a line
Retrace your steps carefully
Blow your whistle
Listen for the lost person blowing their whistle
Get help if you can't find them quickly
If you are lost sit down and wait for help

Mountain Hazards
Mist / Cloud
Loose Rock
Lack of Preparation
Temperature (Cold & Hot)
Uneven Ground
Lack of Knowledge
Wind (Direction, Strength & Wind Chill)
Bog / Wet Ground
Poor Equipment
Rain
Cliffs
Fitness / Illness
Snow & Ice
Streams / Rivers
Lack of Team Awareness
Thunder & Lightning
Vegetation
Lack of Teamwork
Floods
Rock Fall
Poor Decision Making
Frost
Steep / Slippery Ground
Over Confidence