{"id":69,"date":"2013-04-25T08:13:59","date_gmt":"2013-04-25T08:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kyleevans.co.nf\/?page_id=69"},"modified":"2026-05-09T08:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T08:00:33","slug":"staying-safe","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/?page_id=69","title":{"rendered":"Staying Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"69\" class=\"elementor elementor-69\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d98f7a3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2d98f7a3\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d98ed1b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3d98ed1b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking in the Western Beacons <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">area of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can be a rewarding experience for everyone, from first-time walkers to seasoned hikers. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the hills safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Plan Ahead<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a route that matches your experience and fitness level, and don\u2019t take on more than you\u2019re prepared for<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know where you\u2019re going and plan your route in advance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always carry a map and a compass and know how to use them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a head torch with fully charged batteries, even on shorter walks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On longer routes, identify <\/span><b>escape points<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in case you need to cut your walk short<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1093,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/20.0.161.91\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-1093\" src=\"http:\/\/20.0.161.91\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Missing Person Search\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Team-Bonnet-min.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h2><b>Take the Right Kit<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being properly equipped can make all the difference in an emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As well as suitable clothing and navigation tools, you should carry:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm, waterproof clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A map and compass (and the skills to use them)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A survival bag (for body insulation in an emergency)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A torch and spare batteries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A whistle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional warm layers, including a hat and gloves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-energy food such as mint cake, chocolate, or dried fruit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A basic first aid kit<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Winter Conditions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re heading into areas where snow or ice is likely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear sturdy winter walking boots compatible with crampons<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carry an ice axe<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Important:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ice axes and crampons require proper training. Used incorrectly, they can increase the risk of injury rather than prevent it.<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1090,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/20.0.161.91\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-1090\" src=\"http:\/\/20.0.161.91\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Western Beacons Team Leader\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Neil-Solo-min.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">.<b>Take Care of Yourself<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring enough food and water for your walk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration can happen quickly\u2014especially in warm weather<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Check the Weather<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The weather in South and West Wales can change quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the forecast before you set out (for example, via the Met Office)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always carry a waterproof, even if the forecast looks good<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be prepared for rain, mist, fog, and cold conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong winds can be dangerous, especially on exposed hillsides and coastal paths<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Let Someone Know<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you head out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell someone where you\u2019re going<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let them know when you expect to be back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agree on what they should do if you don\u2019t return<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>In an Emergency<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a real emergency occurs, always call 999 or 112 and ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The international distress signal is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Six loud blasts on a whistle, repeated at one-minute intervals.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This signal helps rescuers locate you more quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying safe in the mountains is about making good decisions before and during your walk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything the Western Beacons have to offer safely and confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0If things do go wrong, our volunteers are ready, thanks to your support. We are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, saving lives. <a href=\"https:\/\/donate.justgiving.com\/charity\/westernbeacons\/donation-amount\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Please donate today.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|vivid-red\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"vivid-red\",\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} --><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Walking in the Western Beacons area of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park can be a rewarding experience for everyone, from first-time walkers to seasoned hikers. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the hills safely. Plan Ahead Choose a route that matches your experience and fitness level, and don\u2019t take on more &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/?page_id=69\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Staying Safe&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-69","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=69"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1300,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69\/revisions\/1300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernbeacons.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=69"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}