Winter hillwalking — essential advice to digest before you even look out your fleece
24 November 2017
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced walker, if you’re heading to the hills it’s important to be prepared when winter arrives.
Mountaineering Scotland has said that people should have the , as well as the right equipment.
Mountain guide Mike Pescod took Landward presenter Dougie Vipond through .
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p01mw7vd.jpg)
Winter Walking safety
Dougie finds out about the latest safety advice for winter walkers.
Items to pack in or attach to your rucksack
Heather Morning from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland :-
- ice axe
- crampons
- pole
- dry bag with spare gloves, hats, face protection and goggles
- mobile in a waterproof bag
- personal locator beacon
- first aid kit
-
Take the Out of Doors team on your adventure.
-
Check the forecast before you go.
How to prepare for avalanches
-
Why walkers and climbers must do their homework before heading to the hills.
-
Identifying avalanche conditions, with Mark Diggins of the Avalanche Information Service.
-
Even skilled mountaineers can be caught out by the conditions.
-
Check the latest news from the peaks when you plan your trip.
Latest features from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scotland
-
'Wild swimming helps me process the grief of losing my son'
The benefits of cold water therapy.
-
Winter adventures are appealing, but an expert advises caution
Trips in winter require particular knowledge and skills.
-
The rescuers: Why volunteers risk their lives in mountain emergencies
Landward meets members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
-
‘Look for the light’ – practical tips to help you through another winter with SAD
Useful advice and tips to combat low moods at this time of year.
-
How you could be a binge drinker without even knowing
Binge drinking is classed as fewer units than many people may realise.
-
How chocolate biscuits and drama classes helped one man leave prison behind
The healing power of creativity.
-
'When people believe in you, it’s life-changing'
Author Graeme Armstrong revisits the man who helped turn his life around.
-
The 'breath-taking' display of US birds swept on to British soil
Recent storms have brought rare birds to our shores.
-
Six things we learned about Alan Cumming on Take the Floor (Spoiler: includes accordions)
The actor spoke to Take the Floor's Gary Innes.
-
How street gangs trap young men in a dangerous cycle of violence
The almost inescapable pull of life in a gang.
-
Why stylist Gok Wan believes there's no such thing as bad fashion
The fashion expert says we should stop following rules and do what feels right.
-
Is sending a CV still the right way to apply for a job?
They've been central to job applications for years, but are they worth it?