Walking Safely in Winter

Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team have given brilliant advice about how to stay safe when going out on Bennachie in winter. We know lots of you reading this come from all across the country and particularly at this time of year you do need to prepare when having an outdoors expedition elsewhere.

For those who don't have much experience here’s what you might pack in your rucksack:

Things you should pack in your rucksack for an outdoors expedition:

• Water
• Flask with a hot drink
• Food (dried fruit, nuts or sweeties will be more sustaining than a cucumber stick!)
• A spare layer (like an extra fleece)
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Waterproof trousers, if you’ve got them – if not, steer clear of jeans, because once they’re wet, they’ll be staying wet till you’re back home and they’re draped over a radiator!
• First aid kit (know what’s in it and how to use it)
• Torch (plus spare batteries) – it gets dark very quickly and very early at this time of year, especially amongst trees. Headtorches are great because they leave your hands free!
• Depending on how far afield you’re roaming, a map and a compass are essential – but they’re only useful if you know how to use them!
• Mobile phone and a written-down note of important numbers
• Some money, a face mask and hand sanitiser are all worth having about your person too!

And make sure you’ve got good walking shoes on, suitable for the conditions.

As ever on an expedition, make sure somebody knows where you’re going, and what time to expect you back.

Be prepared, and have a great time!