More Brits are putting on walking boots and hitting the road than ever before - and it's no wonder given the many health benefits walking provides for both body and mind. Combined with the sights and sounds of nature, walking reduces stress and improves both mental and physical health. And once you've invested in a good pair of walking boots and a waterproof jacket, walking is virtually free too.
With the summer holidays on the horizon, Britain's national parks will be busier than ever - with the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia the most popular walking destinations in summer 2023, according to Ordnance Survey. And many hikers are also heading abroad, choosing the Alps, Pyrenees and beyond for their summer holidays, as ski resorts capitalize on the popularity of hiking and expand their range of trails.
But with Britain's mountain rescue teams busier than ever, it's worth knowing how to prepare for a hike and what to do if something goes wrong.
Ben Dyson is a mountain guide and team leader for Assynt Mountain Rescue in Scotland, the most northerly mountain rescue team in Britain. He says, "Prepare for the what-ifs. Plan before you go, from planning the route to checking the weather, packing the right gear and organizing your phone."
Nick Parks, a British mountain guide now living in Switzerland, adds: "No one expects a full risk assessment, but accidents can happen at any time, especially if you're complacent. It's useful to think about what could go wrong, have a plan B and never be afraid to change course."
8 top tips to stay safe while walking
1. Prepare your phone
Charge your phone before you go and consider taking a spare battery with you. Sign up to 999's emergency text service, which allows you to text 999 when the signal is too poor to make calls. This also allows your phone to use all available mobile networks if you need to call 999. Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and closing unnecessary apps will also save battery power.
"We all like to leave our phones behind and fully connect at that moment, but you can leave it switched off in your bag, in case of an emergency," says Nick.
2. Research the route
Whether you're planning a few miles through unfamiliar countryside, a walk along the South West Coast Path or a strenuous hike in the Scottish Highlands, research your route before you go.
"Make sure you have the skills and experience for what you want to try, know your limitations and have a backup plan," says Dyson. "A good walking app is Outdoor Active, which rescue crews use a lot, but you should also be able to fall back on old-fashioned paper maps and compasses in case you can't use your phone or become disoriented when visibility is poor. drops."
3. Check the weather
Check the weather carefully before you go and keep an eye on it while you're away - including the tides as you walk along the coast.
"It is especially important to look at the wind speed," says Ben. "If the wind blows faster than 60 km/h, it will be unpleasant and difficult to get up." Watch for signs of heat stroke or hypothermia.
Hot and cold temperatures pose a risk, especially if your chosen hiking route is without shade or shelter. Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to temperature changes.
Parks has been responsible for the safety of film crews on location around the world and says: "It's critical to recognize early signs that it's getting too hot or too cold before you reach the point where it becomes cognitively more difficult to do anything about it. to do."
4. Pack food and drinks
Staying hydrated and eating well before and during a walk is also important to keep your energy levels up so you can get the most out of your day. Recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia (hunger, fatigue, shakiness and even anxiety) and bring foods that provide quick access to sugar. "Jelly babies are a team favorite," says Dyson. 'And always take water with you. Even in cold weather you can easily dehydrate."
5. Wear decent footwear and waterproof clothing
Good, sturdy footwear that is waterproof and has a tread sole suitable for walking is essential. Soft-soled sneakers do not provide support on rougher terrain and can put unnecessary strain on the joints. Even if the sun is shining when you head out, bring a waterproof layer, as well as hats and gloves.
"It could be sunny in the car park but snowing at 3,000 feet, especially in Scotland," Dyson warns. "So bring spare layers, instead of thick sweaters."
6. Bring a whistle, flashlight and first aid kit
Both of the former can be used to signal help - six long blasts per minute on a whistle is the signal. If your hike is more adventurous, an emergency shelter is also a useful addition to your backpack.
"Having some first aid knowledge and carrying a basic first aid kit is invaluable," says Parks.
7. Tell someone where you are going
"Tell someone exactly where you're going and when you'll be back, and check in regularly," says Dyson. "When I'm away, I occasionally send my wife a screenshot of the GPS map on my phone screen, which gives her a time stamp of where I am. Even taking pictures helps."
8. Ask for help early
Above all, Parks and Dyson urge hikers not to be afraid to turn around or call for help before a situation becomes critical.
"Mountain Rescue teams are often told that people are afraid of being alerted due to wasting time," says Dyson, "but I'd much rather have a conversation with someone who thinks they're lost than have to call my team out. I can send a text to someone's phone and if they respond, it tells me where they are so I can track them without even putting on my boots.
"Whether you're lost or someone you're waiting for hasn't arrived: Call it early."
Emergency Contacts
British emergencies
Call 101 if you start to suspect signs of a problem - you get lost or need advice - or 999 in an emergency. Ask for 'police' and then 'mountain rescue' instead of 'ambulance'.
Emergencies abroad
The EU emergency number is 112 and in the US you call 911. In Australia you call 000 and in New Zealand 111.
