Many walks, particularly those on lower ground, require little or no specialist equipment or experience. However, for longer routes and more particularly for any routes on the hills and mountains, preparation is essential and adequate precautions should be taken whilst on your walk. Here are some simple guidelines for your enjoyment and safety. They are designed to help both inexperienced and regular summer hillwalkers to get the most out of a walk.
The Weather
Before setting out on ANY trip, check a weather forecast. Changeable is the best way to describe the weather here - and it can change quickly! If the weather does change for the worse, consider revising your plans. 5-day and Mountain weather forecasts can be accessed from the weather links page of this site as well additional weather websites that may be out there.
Planning
Choose a walk which is appropriate to you or your group's abilities and the prevailing weather conditions. As a general rule, take children only on routes which allow for a safe and easy retreat and don't take them on long walks. Leave word of where you are going and remember to advise of your return. Consider turning back if someone in your group is tiring or getting cold.
What to Take
Clothing - warm, wind and waterproof clothing is essential for most parts of your body depending on the time of year. Remember, it will get colder and windier higher up.
Sun Care - in the summer months, protect your body from the effects of the sun, by wearing high factor sun-screen and a hat. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Equipment - for hillwalking, always carry a map and compass and know how to use them (Ordnance Survey maps scale 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 are recommended). Carry equipment for use in an emergency such as a torch, whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. The emergency signal is six blasts on a whistle or six flashes with a torch.
Footwear - your footwear should provide good ankle support and have a firm sole with a secure grip. For rough terrain hillwalking boots are strongly recommended.
Food and Drink - take ample food and drink for your group. Always take reserve supplies. Simple high energy foods are best as are hot drinks in cold wet weather.
On the Walk
This part of Wales can be rather remote, especially when you’re up in the hills. This can be a great experience and provides fantastic views of spectacular landscape. Many pathways however are not signposted and tracks become your main reference. Remember to use your map and check you location frequently to help keep track of where you are.
The terrain can be rather interesting, especially over moorland, which can make walking slow and exhausting. Consider this before setting out Hillwalking in winter is a very different experience to summer walking. Make sure you’re prepared, have experience and remember the daylight hours are much shorter and weather conditions can be more varied.
Mobile Phones
Visitors are reminded that because of mountainous terrain and patchy network coverage, mobile phones do not operate in some areas of Mid Wales.
In an Emergency
If one of your party has an accident and cannot be moved:
1. treat any injuries as best you can.
2. calculate your exact position on the map.
3. if possible, leave somebody to care for the casualty whilst others safely get help.
4. on reaching a telephone, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the police.
5. report the map grid reference where you left the casualty and details of their condition.