Staying Safe while on the Bannau Brycheiniog
Staying Safe while on the Bannau Brycheiniog
Contributed by Dorian Thomas Trigpoint Adventures – Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
A day hiking in the Brecon Beacons is normally a memorable occasion, but sometimes for the wrong reasons. How can you make sure it will always be positive memorable experience rather than a negative one?
Here are a few things we can all do or think about before lacing up our boots and heading out in the Brecon Beacons.
Weather
Do you know what weather conditions you can expect on top of Pen y Fan? Before you head out check a specific mountain weather forecast for the Brecon Beacons like this one from Met Office – Click Here
Don’t just stop at the symbols which will tell you if it will rain or not, scroll down and look at the temperature and windspeed. Windspeed is the one that catches most people out, think twice about heading up if the windspeed is showing above 40mph, wind speeds above this can easily knock you off your feet.
Equipment
Now you know what the weather will be doing have you got the right equipment to keep you warm, dry and comfortable for your hike? Also think about extra equipment for emergency situations like additional layers, spare food, first aid kit and an emergency shelter. These will not take much room in your rucksack and can be a life saver. Reading up, ahead of time, on introductions to hillwalking can help, Click Here
Knowledge & Experience
Have you the right knowledge and experience for the conditions and to navigate your way around your planned route?
What will you use to navigate on your hike?
The preferred answer is map and compass along with the knowledge to use them, that said using phones with “apps” is becoming the norm.
If using your phone with an app to navigate please make sure that you understand how to use it along with its limitations, like map detail. If using your phone make sure it is fully charged, the route along with maps have been downloaded, you have a backup battery and a way of protecting your phone from the elements.
Learn more about navigation skills by taking part on a skills course with a reputable outdoor provider Click Here
Calling for Help
If something goes wrong and you need to call out Mountain Rescue for assistance, dial 999 and ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue, only the police have the authority to deploy Mountain Rescue.
The above is based on the “Be Adventure Smart” principles.
To learn more with Adventure Smart Click Here
In addition, Mountain Training have developed Skills Courses with the sole purpose of teaching people the skills to stay safe in the UK Hills and Mountains, Trigpoint Adventures is an approved provider of these courses – Click Here
Finally, if it does not feel right, don’t be afraid to turn around and head back down, the mountains will always be there for another day.
Looking for something different to do if you cant make the hills?
Look through the Digital Guide for helpful ideas Click Here
