Safety on the hill

By Dave Roberts   

Published – July 25, 2011

  4/5 (1)

Safety on the hill

You’ll need to ensure that you’ve got the skills to get up and down the mountain without the help of the Mountain Rescue crew! So to help you out this Safety on the hill page is brought to you via expert advice from the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team.

Please consider clicking on the link at the end of the page to support them with any kind donations you wish to make.

Planning

Planning out your walk up Snowdon before setting off will reduce the risk of accidents and dangers whilst out on the mountains. At the very least you’ll need to:

Be aware of the weather

Always make sure you check the weather and local conditions before setting out. This will also help you know what kind of gear and equipment you’ll need to take with you. Read up on mountain weather and Snowdon’s climate here.

Be properly equipped

Depending on the weather, you will need to pack appropriately. Plenty of extra layers, gloves, and hats for colder conditions. Crampons, Ice Axes and Gaiters for snow and ice. Sunscreen, hats, and extra drinking water for hot, sunny days.

Other essentials that should always be with you are; map, compass, waterproof layers, water, snacks, and a mobile phone. Get the full Walk up Snowdon Equipment checklist here.

Possess the right skills

And of course knowing how to use the equipent is essential!

Be aware of party size

If you’re planning to go for a hike with a large group, make sure that the leader is experienced. It’s also important that you know the capability of the other group members before setting out. The experienced leader should consider everyone’s capability and then choose a route that is suitable and safe for everyone. One of the most important things is to never let the party get separated.

If you want to go ahead on your own, always make sure you notify other members of the group and the group leader.

Emergency Procedures

If your walk up Snowdon doesn’t pan out as planned and you get into difficulty you’ll need to follow the emergency procedures.

 

If you find yourself or anyone else in a serious problem, contact the Police on 999 and ask for the Mountain Rescue.

Although it is important to carry a mobile phone with you on hikes, signal can be very unpredictable on mountains so don’t rely on them to get you out of trouble. Though you can still try 999, as it may use a different network.

If able to call for help using your mobile phone KEEP IT SWITCHED ON SO YOU CAN BE RE-CONTACTED.

Always keep injured people warm and safe until help arrives.

If you are having trouble contacting anyone, blow a whistle 6 times or flash your torch on and off 6 times and repeat at one minute intervals to signal an emergency.

Sometimes the weather can change quickly, be prepared to turn back if the conditions are against you.

Please consider helping the great work by the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, who are staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, by making a donation.

 

 

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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