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Safety on the hill
By Dave Roberts
Published – July 25, 2011
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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.
Dave Roberts
Related Posts
Paths up Snowdon in Order of Difficulty
What to Wear and Carry to Safely Walk up Snowdon
Walking up Snowdon in Winter and Snow
Live Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Conditions
We Recommend…
Recommended Walking Guides: A Pocket Guide to Snowdon: A Guide to the Routes of Ascent, The Ascent of Snowdon: The Six Classic Routes Up Snowdon, Snowdon – The Story of a Welsh Mountain: Biography of a Mountain
Walking Books – Snowdonia Ridges of Snowdonia: The Best Ridge Walking, Mountain Walks: The Finest Mountain Walks in Snowdonia, Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia , Day Walks in Snowdonia, Mountain Walking in Snowdonia
Recommended Maps: OS Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley, MiniMap | Snowdon , Snowdonia BMC (British Mountain Map), Snowdonia North XT25
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