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Safety & Equipment
IntroductionOutdoor adventure activities, by their nature, have a risk factor. This risk can be reduced by proper preparation and carrying the correct equipment. As well as being suitable, the equipment must fit properly as it is vital for your safety and your wellbeing in the outdoors. On this page I will try and give you some advice on this subject.
PreparationThe first thing you need to do is to select the area you wish to visit for this trekking or walking experience. This is followed by what you actually want to achieve. Is it a low level walk, walking up a hill or climbing to the summit of one of the 284 Munros in Scotland? This decision must be made bearing in mind your fitness, ability and mountain skills.
FitnessA reasonable level of fitness is required for walking in Scotland. It is something that you need to work on well in advance of any outdoor adventure trip. If you get breathless walking round the block it is not going to be any easier in the fresh air walking round a loch. In fact due to the terrain you will be out of breath earlier. You need to get fit and the only way to do this is to gradually increase your exercise regime and stamina. I am not qualified in this field but my suggestions are to go out for a walk round your neighbourhood regularly, slowly increasing the distance and the speed you walk at. Another idea would be to go out for a jog, slowly increasing the distance and pace as described above. A gym is also a good idea, but a bit expensive compared to the walking or jogging options, but here the services of a fitness instructor are normally included. Remember all you are looking for is a reasonable level of fitness not to the extent that you can run up and down Ben Nevis in around one and a half hours.
AbilityI will now say that after a few months off training you are fit enough to venture out onto the hills. However you need to plan a route whether it is low level or a hill walk. This requires the use of a map and compass and you must know how to use them both. Bad weather can affect Scotland at any time of the year and cloud bases can lower to near sea level. This may cause disorientation hence you need to know where you are at any given time. Your options are either, learn how to use a map and compass, go with a competent friend, or hire a guide like myself. In the latter two options I would suggest that you make use of these individuals skills while out on your trekking adventure. Get them to show you how to use a map and compass. Don't expect to learn this skill overnight but once you get the gist of navigation you can practice it around your local park. In winter, additional skills are needed, and winter skills courses will help you to learn how to use an ice axe and crampons. If you suffer from any illness or ailment, which could affect you on your hill walking trip, you should notify your companion or guide prior to the walk so that he/she has some warning if something untoward occurs.
WeatherBefore venturing out onto the hills you should check the weather forecast. I know that they aren't always accurate but they do give you several clues as to what to expect on your day out on the hill. BBC1 television have forecasts at lunchtime and in the evening on weekdays and Radio Scotland do hill forecasts but times of the broadcasts seem to vary. The following weather related web sites can be checked for up to date weather forecasts: Mountain Weather Information Service run by Geoff Monk - it can also be accessed from the home page of my web site. BBC Weather - various choices when you log onto this site. In winter you should also check out the following web site which covers avalanche risk in certain parts of Scotland. It is limited to a few areas of the country but if you watch what has happened with the weather the previous few days and read this avalanche report it should assist you in planning your trip. If you are interested in studying the weather in more detail the following site is for you.
EquipmentEquipment is a matter of choice and there is a large selection of gear from expensive to relatively cheap. It is up to you as an individual what you want to spend but I would probably go down the middle of the road line. Most major towns and cities have outdoor shops. Don't go to the employee whose only interest is a sale. Seek out the assistant with the knowledge and experience. If you can't find one try another shop. There are also various companies on the web that sell equipment direct but before making a purchase do some research. One good source is Outdoors Magic where you can check out gear or join the forum and ask their members for advice. In addition to clothing and footwear you should ensure that you have a personal first aid kit and a survival bag. Survival bags are large plastic sacks and are purchased cheaply from your local outdoor specialist shop. Due to the importance of having the correct equipment, Caledonia Hilltreks do not supply equipment to their clients. However I will give you, on request, a list of equipment required for any trip booked with me.
Additional ReadingMoffat Mountain Rescue Team - select 'Challenge' then 'Safety' for some additional information.
FinallyConsider taking out insurance. If you become a member of The Mountaineering Council of Scotland you automatically get civil liability insurance and access to the insurance policies offered by British Mountaineering Council.
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