Hillwalking can be a great way to keep fit and see the countryside but there are some risks attached. There are three main factors that can cause hillwalking to be risky: weather conditions, the terrain and the fact that you are in the middle of nowhere. The higher up you go, the more the temperature drops, at a ratio of roughly 1 degree Celsius per hundred metres. The wind speeds often increase the higher up you go, and the average rainfall and mist levels rise too. The weather can change more quickly at higher altitudes. So if you’re new to hillwalking, you need to be aware of the dangers and act accordingly:

Before you head out, decide where you’re going and work out how long it’s going to take, and then find out the weather forecast. If bad weather is anticipated then consider a less ambitious walk.

Make sure that you will be finished long before it gets dark.

Unless there are a lot of other walkers around, never head up a hill on your own.

Being stranded up a hill in bad weather can cause people to panic, and make bad decisions regarding their safety.

Wear sturdy boots that support the ankles. Your ankles will bend a lot as you go over different types of terrain, and you don’t want them to bend too far.

Mobile phones can be extremely helpful in emergency situations, or when it comes to letting people know that you will be back later than expected. However, you should never rely on being able to use a mobile phone in the hills, and avoid doing anything that you wouldn’t do if you didn’t have the phone with you.

Join a walking club that offers training in mountain skills for its members, or go on an officially-endorsed mountaineering course. It will greatly improve your ability to enjoy hillwalking in relative safety.

Take your spare clothes and some provisions in a backpack. You might also want to take a torch, a first aid kit, and a whistle up there with you in your rucksack.

In order to avoid getting lost, you will need a map, compass, and the ability to use them effectively in poor visibility.

Let a friend or relative know where you are going and what time you will be back, and if you are not likely to see them, phone them to let them know that you got home safely.