Walking in the Western Beacons should present no serious problems even for a beginner, provided you follow a few simple rules.

 

Don’t take unnecessary risks by tackling overly long or difficult routes, know where you are going, carry a map and have the ability to read it. On longer walks, be aware of "escape routes" in case you need to cut your walk short for whatever reason. Make sure you have plenty to eat and especially to drink. Make sure to carry a full water bottle when walking, hiking or out and about.

 

Take a sensible approach to the weather, which in South and West Wales is rarely severe but changeable and often wet. Check the forecast before you set out (try the Met Office), always take a waterproof and keep an eye on the sky. Rain, mist or fog and cold are the obvious hazards, but strong winds can be a problem too, especially on exposed hillsides or coastal cliffs.

Make sure someone knows when you expect to be back.

 

In the most mountainous parts of Britain, in North Wales, the Lake District and in particular the Scottish Highlands, be prepared for more challenging weather, especially in winter. Conditions can vary dramatically from valley to mountain top, and even in spring and summer, the Scottish Highlands can rapidly turn cold and windy. "Wind chill", where the combined effects of high winds and cold air dramatically lower the body temperature, is dangerous and potentially fatal. It is therefore especially important to be properly equipped when walking high up on the mountains in bad weather.

 

Warm and waterproof clothing, a map, compass and good navigation skills are essential, and in addition to the standard equipment for country walks, you should also carry:

 

   a survival bag: a heavy-duty bag for body insulation in an emergency,

    a torch and spare batteries

   a whistle

   additional warm clothing, including hat and gloves

   high-energy rations such as mint cake, chocolate, dried fruit

   water purification tablets

   a first aid kit

 

If you are likely to meet heavy snow or ice you should wear a pair of heavy-duty winter walking boots that can be fitted with crampons: these are metal spike attachments that give a better grip in icy conditions and not all boots are suitable for them. Also, you should carry and know how to use an ice axe. You will need to learn how to use axes and crampons properly: in the hands of a novice they can cause rather than prevent accidents.

 

It's especially important to be sensible about not over-reaching yourself: don't push yourself, or your party, beyond your limits, and don't hesitate to cut your walk short if you are tiring, or the weather is worsening and you are not confident of your skills and equipment.

 

Leave a route card or other indication of your likely location with a responsible person, and notify this person immediately of your safe return.

 

If a real emergency occurs, the international distress signal is a group of six loud blasts of a whistle, to be repeated at one minute intervals.