Things you should consider when planning your expedition.
The first rule - If in doubt about anything to do with safety - ask!
There are some things you must know about before tackling any expedition into Scotland's
higher mountains:
We have all seen maps at some time or other - if only for navigating the public road
network. The problem with the hils is that there are no roads - often there are only
tracks, faint tracks or no tracks. This is when you need a map, not just any old map but a
large scale map of the area in which you intend to walk.
I usually use:
- Ordnance Survey Landranger series which use 1/50000 scale (2cm = 1 Km)
- Ordnance Survey Explorer series 1/25000 scale (4 cm = 1 Km).
Maps can work out fairly expensive if you walk in lots of different areas but if you
own a computer you can buy a CD with all the maps you need. 'MemoryMap' is a good example;
it costs about £40 for the MemoryMap of south west Scotland, but you can print out
exactly the area you need, and even take a '3D fly through' of the intended route. You can
even laminate the maps to make them waterproof.
Once you have your maps
A good map can tell you most things you need to know about where you intend to walk,
but only if you understand how to interpret and use the symbols and contour lines on the
map. You should learn how to:
- Use your compass and/or landmarks to orientate the map and use it in conjunction with a
suitable compass to determine and follow a bearing to a destination or interim
destination.
- Read grid references from the map
- Determine the direction and gradient of a slope from the contour lines
- Recognise symbols for crags, cliffs and similar hazards
- Determine the terrain conditions underfoot from map symbols
- Recognise the symbols for key landscape features (churches, spires, power lines, etc) to
assist in the above
Once you have your compass and map, make sure you take them - even if skies are clear.
I went out recently on a clear day on a local mountain I know well. At about 2500 feet the
cloud came in, the wind got up and the snow started to become a whiteout with visibility
of less than 5 yards. I had left my compass at home and as the fresh snow covered my
tracks I lost my bearing during my retreat. I was totally disorientated and deviated from
my intended route. It took me 15 minutes to work out where I was and to re-gain my
intended route. I had been only 40 yards from the track! I think this
demonstrates the ease with which you can become lost on unfamiliar territory.
Before leaving:
- Plan your route
- Be certain that you and companions are capable of covering the distance and type of
terrain
- Record 'waypoints' where you make significant changes of direction - your 'routecard'.
- Work out bearings and approximate distances from one waypoint to the next.
- Find 'escape routes' where possible to reduce altitude quickly and safely
- I you need glasses to read the map - make sure you have them!
Your clothes and footwear have two essential functions:
- To keep you warm and dry
- To protect you from the terrain
Clothing:
The season will largely determine what clothes are suitable but essentially you need to
be waterproof, insulated and windproof where necessary. This is often a matter for
personal preference as our bodies are all different. Some people sweat heavily and need
clothes which allow perspiration to escape - the breathable waterproof helps here although
I find that even the best breathable waterproofs get soakes inside with condensation.
Some walkers prefer the 'layer system' which consists of:
- a 'base layer' whose function is to transport mousture away from the skin - wet skin
gets cold!
- an insulating layer or layers - usually a fleece, or fleeces
- a waterproof and windproof layer with a hood as wind chill can make -5c feel like -20c.
Others prefer garments such as 'Buffalo' which is a pertex (breathable) outer with a
shaggy inner lining. This provides good insulation and is wind resistant to about 35 mph
winds. It is not waterproof, but simply gets damp or even wet whilst retaining body heat.
If winds rise or activity ceases then if damp the wearer begins to feel the cold and a
windproof outer layer (lightweight waterproof smock or jacket) has to be added.
There are many variations of the above but all have to perform the same function - to
keep you comfortable and dry.
A warm hat is essential in the Scottish winter as most heat is lost through the top of
your head.
Gloves (I carry 2 pairs, 1 thin pair, the other pair waterproof) as very cold hands
don't function well for simple tasks such as fastening zips or laces.
Footwear
Footwear should suit the season and terrain. Sometimes a pair of stout walking shoes
will suffice, sometimes a lightweight suede or canvas combination boot will be enough
whereas in winter you may need heavy boots with a rigid sole suitable for fixing crampons.
The purpose of the footwear in all circumstances is to give you grip, protect you from
injury by sharp rocks or sprained ankles, and to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
If unsure as to what footwear you need for your expedition, go to a reputable outdoor shop
and ask for advice.
Take spare laces with you!
Socks
Socks should be 'walking socks' suitable for wearing in boots. I find the most
comfortable are the type with a fleecy inside and re-enforced sections at heel and the
ball of the foot. Mine are also slightly elasticated round the foot to give support and
improve the fit. Some walkers like to wear a thin inner pair under a thick outer pair but
in the end you need to find out by trial and error what suits you best
Gaiters
If walking in wet or snowy conditions (or in 'seeded' heather) it is always wise to
wear gaiters. Gaiters have the following functions:
- Keep foreign objects like gravel or vegetation out of your boots
- Keep deep snow or mud from getting down your boots and wetting your feet.
- Protect your lower legs from sharp rocks
- Help protect your lower legs and ankles from injury from crampon spikes
Breathable gaiters are best (though most expensive) as they help prevent the lower leg
becoming wet from condensation.
Extras (sometimes essential extras)
- Walking poles:
Useful to reduce the weight on your legs although it does increase the work done by the
trunk and shoulders. Can be of great value to stabilize you on uneven ground or in very
strong and gusty winds.
- Ice axe
A safety item used to assist in ascent of steep frozen snow banks. Also used for
controlled sliding descent or for arresting an accidental slide. Find out how to use your
ice axe correctly.
- Crampons
Another safety item which allows you to walk safely over icy surfaces or to ascent steep
frozen snow slopes.
Most crampons have two forward pointing spikes which can be used in conjunction with ice
axe for tackling very steep frozen slopes - this technique required practice and the
average leisure walker is best advised to avoid the route which makes this necessary.
Crampons must be suitable for your walking boots - take advice.
- A torch - you may be delayed and need to get down in the dark - or get found in the dark
if injured
- A whistle to help rescuers find you
- A windproof survival bag or bivouac bag to retain body heat if stranded.
- Ropes
If you are going to locations where climbing ropes are required then take expert advice -
ropework requires lots of practice and the skills are outside the scope of this article.
- GPS - Global Positioning Systems.
These are hand held route finding devices which must always be considered as an aid to
competent map/compass route finding. A GPS can provide you with a grid reference to give
you your location on an OS map.
They can also record your progress on a route and can provide directions (with an arrow)
to assist you to re-trace your route.
If you have a digital mapping system on your computer - like MemoryMap - then a route
planned on your computer can be transferred to your GPS to guide you along your route..
GPS has drawbacks: Batteries can run out, the geography can block the
satellite signal, and like all electronic gadgets they can go faulty. Use the GPS to make
life easier, but be able to use map and compass if GPS lets you down.
- First aid kit
Accidents will happen! A simple first aid kit with dressings, pain killers and a couple of
triangular bandages should always be part of your kit.
- Spare batteries for torch and GPS
- Are you fit enough for your planned route?
- Have you got time to complete the route in daylight?
- Have you got all the kit listed above, especially map, compass and a routecard?
- Did you get a weather forecast.
Try the mountain weather forecast at: http://www.onlineweather.com/v4/uk/mountain/index.html
- Are your clothes (and spare clothes) suitable for the forecast weather
- Have you got food and drink for the day - in winter a small flask with a warm drink is
useful
- Does someone know where you are going, your intended route and your timescale.
Don't change your mind without telling anyone.
- Leave a message in your car with details of
- how many in the party
- Your route
- Intended return time
- Telephone contact no of family.
And after all those dire warnings
take care and enjoy walking Scotland's mountains in safety!
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