Prepare better for your mountain adventure

So, you want to head out to the mountains for an adventure?

AWESOME IDEA! Getting out for a day in the mountains, or out in any wild spaces is so rewarding. The feeling of chasing a sunrise, bagging a collection of summits, or getting out for your very first mountain adventure is an exciting prospect.

The mountains are calling!

But before you jump into your wagon or hop on a train, here are a few preparation considerations which will enhance your mountain experience, and help you to stay safe if you run into problems.

They are in no particular order, but are all equally valuable in your plans to get out into nature.

I will caveat this and say that there is more detail to be found in each of these points, and will likely end up in individual pieces of their own! But for now, I hope this general overview helps you get started on your mountain journey!

1. Make a plan

It may seem obvious, but come up with a plan that is both challenging and achievable. Are you trying hill walking for the first time and have a specific mountain in mind to tackle? Or are you hoping to bag all the Wainwrights and want to tick off several in one day? Either way, get yourself into some route research, with a Plan B option, just in case!

Planning your route is a great starting point to getting out for a hilly excursion

You can use hard copy maps or apps to plan your route - I use the OS map app a lot to experiment with different route ideas, and gain inspiration from lots of different places…blogs, apps (OS, Komoot, AllTrails are all good UK options), along with magazines and books, for collecting route ideas.

2. Check the mountain weather forecast

This may also seem obvious, but it can be so frequently overlooked. Mountain weather, particularly in the UK, can be incredibly changeable. A beautifully clear and sunny morning can rapidly descend into howling winds and pouring rain, leaving you feeling woefully unprepared and potentially in danger if you’ve picked a challenging route.

So once you’ve made your plan, get yourself on to the Mountain Weather Information Service (or MWIS) website, and check the forecast for where you are going. It’s a simple to use service with detailed downloadable pdfs, and with a simple bit of interpretation, this can help you to tailor your route, and to assist with point #3, which is…

Example of an MWIS pdf for Eryri www.mwis.org.uk

3. Pack accordingly: ask yourself “What if” to prepare better for your mountain adventure

Now you have a plan and the forecast, it’s time to pack your rucksack! If the forecast is colder/breezier, pack extra layers and plenty of waterproofs. If it’s looking hot and sunny, remember your sun cream and cap. This is obviously a huge generalisation, but I could honestly talk about kit for days, so for now at least, I’ll keep it light!

I like to live by a general rule of “What if” when I consider what to take. For example… “What if I roll my ankle? Do I have enough clothing, food, drink and first aid equipment to look after myself whilst I make a plan to descend the mountain safely”? The last thing I want is to be a burden on the Mountain Rescue Service, so I try to be as prepared as possible.

Fashions finest 😅 Packed and dressed according to the planned day out!

It may feel like you’re carrying lots of things with you, and that it feels too much and a bit over the top, but if the “what if” actually does happen, you will be mightily grateful for having carried all those extra things which could ultimately save your life.

4. TELL SOMEONE

You’ve planned your route, packed your pack, and checked the weather. NOW TELL SOMEONE!!

Whether you’re flying solo or going out with a group, it is so important to tell someone (ideally someone reliable!) your plans. Include the following information:

• Where you will park

• Start time

• Intended route (and direction of travel if it’s circular)

• Approximate finish time

• Who you are going with

And finally let them know when you are finished and safely at your end point.

It may seem a little excessive, but should something go wrong, this information will help the Mountain Rescue Team who could get called out to come and find you.

By preparing well for a trip into the hills, we can enjoy them to the full, and learn to keep ourselves safe in demanding environments.

So get out there with some more information under your belt, and prepare better for your next great mountain adventure!

Go and chase that sunrise | Crib Goch, Eryri