When the clocks go back, plan ahead: stay safe on Scotland’s hills

When the clocks go back, plan ahead: stay safe on Scotland’s hills

As the clocks go back this weekend, Scottish Mountain Rescue is marking Mountain and Cave Rescue Awareness Day – a timely reminder to plan ahead and stay safe on the hills this autumn and winter.

Mountain Rescue Awareness Day – Sunday 26 October

Image: Torridon MRT

Why now?

With the clocks going back, we all enjoy that extra hour in bed – but it also means darkness falls much earlier. Combine that with changeable weather and school holidays, and it’s easy to see why this time of year often brings a spike in callouts.

Our volunteer teams are already seeing incidents involving hillwalkers who’ve been caught out by the dark and needed rescue after losing their way.

Don’t be one of them.

Image: Arran MRT

Plan ahead and be prepared

A few simple steps can make all the difference between a great day out and an unexpected night on the hill:

• Carry a torch – and a spare. LED headtorches are inexpensive and far more reliable than your phone light. Keep your phone battery for emergencies, or even better – letting your friends and family know you are safely off the hill at the end of the day.
• Know when it gets dark. Plan to be off the hill before dusk. By late October, it can be dark by 5pm across much of Scotland.
• Check the weather forecast before you go. Wind, rain, and cold temperatures can slow you down – and cloud cover makes it darker, faster.
• Leave your route plan with someone you trust, and let them know when you’re back.
• Carry extra layers and an emergency shelter in case of accidents. You will cool down faster than you think when stationary on the hill.

Image: Dundonnell MRT

Why ‘awareness’?

Mountain Rescue Awareness Day is about more than just one weekend – it’s about understanding what keeps you safe in the outdoors and the role of our volunteer teams.

Our 26 member teams across Scotland are made up of trained volunteers who give their time freely to respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They do it because they care deeply about helping others and bringing people home safely from Scotland’s mountains.

Image: Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation

But every callout carries a cost for the volunteers – missing work, sleep and time spent with family and friends.

Our teams will always be there when they’re needed, ready to respond at any hour. Yet each of us can play a part in helping to reduce avoidable callouts by planning ahead, staying informed, and taking sensible precautions.

Ask yourself three simple questions before every trip:

• Do I know what the weather will be like? (on the tops as well as in the glens)
• Do I have the right gear? (including warm clothing, a map and compass, torch, and spare batteries)
• Do I have the knowledge and skills for the day? (including navigation and knowing when to turn back)

These are the principles behind the #BeAdventureSmart campaign, which encourages everyone to be informed, prepared, and ready for the conditions they’ll face.

Image: Arrochar MRT

Stay safe this autumn

As winter approaches, shorter days, colder temperatures, and changeable weather mean extra considerations when heading to Scotland’s hills and mountains.

Be aware, be prepared, and help our volunteer rescuers spend more time at home with their loved ones, and less time responding to preventable incidents.

Stay safe, enjoy the hills — and remember that headtorch!

Image: Dundonnell MRT

If you’re ever in need of assistance in Scotland’s mountains or outdoor spaces, call 999, ask for the Police then Mountain Rescue.