Staying safe on the hills
Every walk carries risk
Walking or hiking in the hills is never risk-free, even on easy paths. Most accidents aren't on scrambles or ridges. They're slips and trips, getting lost in cloud, and running out of daylight, often late in the day when people are tired.
You are responsible for your own safety
Our Fells helps you plan and navigate. Whether to go, which way to go and when to turn back are your decisions. If you're unsure, pick an easier walk, go with someone more experienced or join a guided walk.
How Our Fells helps
Safety areas. We mark dangerous ground on the map at three levels, using advice from Mountain Rescue teams and national parks. It isn't a complete list.
| Level | Label | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| High | Accident black spot. Avoid | A known accident black spot. We never suggest routes through it. |
| Medium | High risk | Exposed or scrambling ground. For experienced walkers only. Best avoided in wet, windy or winter conditions. |
| Low | Proceed with caution | Rough or steep ground where you may need your hands. Not ideal for beginners. |
Warnings on routes. If you create a route that crosses a safety area, we'll warn you. Routes made by other users list the hazards they include.
Weather. We show the forecast along your route.
Off-course alerts. When you follow a route, we tell you if you stray from it.
Regional safety pages. Some areas have their own known hotspots and advice. Check the safety page for the area you're visiting.
These features help, but they have limits. Not every dangerous place is marked. Forecasts can be wrong. Many hill areas have no signal, and phones run out of battery. Never rely on your phone to get you out of trouble. Always carry a map and compass.
Before you go
Ask yourself three questions. If the answer to any of them is no, change your plan.
Do I know what the weather will be like? Check the forecast for your route in Our Fells. For summit conditions, cloud base and freezing level, also check the Met Office mountain forecast or MWIS. It gets about 1°C colder for every 150m you climb, and summits are much windier than valleys. Avoid exposed ground if storms or high winds are forecast.
Do I have the right gear?
- Power bank and cable for your phone. This is essential. GPS drains your battery fast, and most accidents happen late in the day when your phone is low.
- Phone charged to full before you set off
- Boots with good grip and ankle support
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, spare clothes, hat and gloves, even in summer
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Watch
- Plenty of food and water
- Whistle, first aid kit and any medication you need
- Survival bag or group shelter
- Helmet for scrambles
- In snow or ice: ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them
Do I have the knowledge and skills for the day? Be honest about your experience and fitness, and everyone else's in your group. Plan for the slowest walker. Start early and know when it gets dark. Plan to be off the hill well before nightfall, and allow extra time in winter.
Check for local restrictions. Some areas are military firing ranges, so check firing times before you go. Coastal routes may depend on the tides.
Register for emergencySMS. If you can't make voice calls, you can text 999, but only if you've registered first. Text "register" to 999 and follow the instructions.
Tell someone your plan
Tell someone your route, start and finish points, when you'll be back and your phone number. Tell them if your plans change, and when you're safely down. If you walk alone, be aware of the extra risk and stick to your plan.
On the hill
Keep the group together. Let the slowest person set the pace. Look after the youngest, least fit and least experienced on difficult ground.
Watch for hypothermia. Signs include shivering, confusion, tiredness, pale skin, and numb hands or feet. Children and older people are most at risk. Stop, get them sheltered and warm, and get help if they don't improve. In hot weather, watch for heat exhaustion and drink plenty.
Turn back. If the weather turns, someone is struggling or you're running late, turn back. The hill will still be there.
Know the hazards
- Weather. Mist, gales, rain and snow can arrive quickly and be worse than forecast.
- Steep ground. Crags, loose boulders and scree, and very steep grass, especially when wet or frozen.
- Water. After even moderate rain, streams and rivers can become impassable. Never walk down gills or stream beds. Lakes and tarns are cold all year. Don't drink from streams without treating the water.
- Bogs. Peat bogs and deep wet ground are common on moorland, especially in poor visibility.
- Winter. Higher hills can have arctic conditions, with ice on paths, hard snow slopes, cornices and avalanche risk. Learn the skills on a winter skills course first.
- Coasts. Cliff edges can be unstable. Incoming tides can cut you off.
- Old mines and quarries. Hidden shafts and unstable ground. Stay out.
- Livestock. Follow the Countryside Code around cattle, especially with a dog.
- Ticks. Check yourself after walking through bracken or long grass. Ticks can carry Lyme disease.
- Adders. Britain's only venomous snake. Bites are rare.
In an emergency
- Write down your location (an OS grid reference if possible), the names, ages and injuries of anyone hurt, how many of you there are and your phone number.
- Call 999 or 112. In the hills, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. On the coast, ask for the Coastguard.
- Give your details. Stay where you are until the rescue team contacts you. Keep warm and save your phone battery.
- If you have to call again, go through the whole procedure again.
- If you can't call, blow six long whistle blasts over a minute, stop for a minute and repeat. At night, use six torch flashes. Keep going even if you hear a reply, because it helps rescuers find you.
If you've registered for emergencySMS, text 999 with the service you need, what has happened and your location.
Mountain Rescue
Mountain Rescue across the UK is free and run by trained volunteers. Many callouts could have been avoided with better preparation. If you'd like to support them, you can donate to your local team.