Warning for mountain walkers

As the half term holidays approach walkers in Audlem make take the opportunity to go out mountain walking

So mountain rescue workere are reminding walkers to take extra care when venturing into the mountains.

The last two weeks in October are busy in Snowdonia as visitors and residents take advantage of the half term holidays.

However, the days are getting shorter, it gets darker earlier, even before we turn our clocks back on the 27th October.

A recent incident on Snowdon shows the lack of preparation by many walkers.

A group of 30 walkers began their ascent at 2pm from Llanberis, but at 9.30 pm, the Mountain Rescue Team was called out as one of the walkers could not descend any further due to an injured ankle.

Not only had the group had left it too late to start walking up Snowdon, not all in the group had torches, and the walker was injured whilst descending a rocky path in darkness.

Dewi Davies, the National Park Senior Warden said, "Lack of preparation is the reason behind the majority of calls to rescue teams at this time of year. Walkers don't consider the length of their journey before starting and they don't consider that it gets much darker earlier these days. They don't have a torch or a torch that's working and relying on a mobile phone isn't a good idea either."

So, before you venture into the mountains during the next few weeks, Mountainsafe have five important messages for walkers:

• Prepare carefully – make sure that you have the right tools. You will need a map and compass, food and drink, whistle, first aid and a mobile phone with a full battery and a torch with batteries!
• Plan your route – before you start, you need to know where you're going. Find out how long the journey should take to walk and what time does it get dark.
• Check local mountain weather forecast before you start your journey and be prepared to turn back if the weather gets worse – the mountains will still be here for you to enjoy the next time you come here.
• Dress appropriately You will need strong boots, several layers of clothing including warm gloves, hat, and waterproof coat and trousers.
• Be aware of your ability – although you can enjoy walking in the mountains, it can be hard work, even on a sunny day in October.

Therefore, as the days shorten and as the clocks will be turned back soon, it's vital that walkers are thoroughly prepared before going out walking in the mountains.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.