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The mountains of Snowdonia are an enjoyable place for walking, however to
enjoy them safely takes care whilst out as well as some planning before
hand.
Equipment
Whether you are walking alone or walking with a group you should always
carry some basic equipment. I recommend that you take the following (most
equipment can be bought from any good outdoor shop):
Map and compass (and know how to use them)pass (and know how to use them)
A waterproof coat and over-trousers
Warm clothes (several thin layers is better than one thick layer)
Packed lunch (remember small bits during the day is better than a lot at once)
Water, and possibly a hot drink
Survival bag (for use in an emergency)
Whistle (the international distress signal is 6 blasts repeated each minute.
The reply is 3 blasts)
A torch with spare battery and bulb (particularly if attempting a long walk in
winter)
Wooly hat and gloves (especially in winter)
Hat, suncream and sunglasses (in summer)
Camera
Small first aid kit
As far as trousers are concerned, jeans should be avoided, since these
loose insulating properties when wet, and will quickly ruin the day.
Boots should be worn when walking in the hills, since these will give ankle
protection. There is a wide range availible on the market ranging from leather
boots to fabric boots and gore-tex waterproof fabric boots. A pair of
light-weight fabric boots is best for walking in the Summer and Autumn,
however the flexibility of these boots does not allow a crampon to be attached
and thus limits winter activities. A good pair of boots can be bought for
£50, however if you plan to do a large amount of walking it may be worth
while investing in a more expensive pair. It is worth wearing a boot in before
using it on the hill to minimize the risk of blisters.
Waterproofs
Waterproofs again vary incredibly in price. A cheap one will not be
breathable, but if you do not plan to do a lot of walking it will be quite
adequate. If you intent to go out more often then it is likely to be worth
investing in a more expensive one. These will usually be breatheable but will
cost over £120.
If you intend to do any serious winter walking further equipment will be
needed. This may include an ice-axe and crampons. Again outdoor shops should
be able to advise on these.
Finally it is important to realise that the above list is from my
experience, and you may want to adapt it to suit yourself.
Route planning
It is important to plan a walk before hand. This will ensure that you have
the most enjoyable day possible. It is important not to underestimate the
difficulty of a walk- do a short walk the first time, and build up to the
longer walks.
Make sure that you leave a copy of your route with a friend, and that they
know when to expect you back and that they should call the police if you are
more than 2 hours overdue. Please make sure that you let your contact know
when you return or if you are delayed so that mountain rescue are not called
out un-necessarily.
Weather
The weather in the mountains if fickle. It can change very rapidly, and be
the make or break factor in a day. I have started walks in heavy rain, and
finished them in bright sunshine, and vice-versa. Just because there is cloud
at the start of the day does not mean that it will be a poor day- you may get
above it. Alternatly just because the start of the day is sunny doesn't
mean that you won't need a waterproof.
There are several sources of information on the weather. There are link to
the FHC weather station and 5-day forecast from the links page of this site.
There is also the mountain call forecast. This gives a detailed forecast for
the region, including wind speed, temperature, cloud base, and expected
weather. Its number is 0891 500449, and calls are charged at 50 pence per
minute. This forecast is also posted at Plas-y-Brenin, Cotswold in Betws y
Coed and at the Pen y Pass car park. It is recommended to get a forecast
before going out.
The photos at the top of the page are here to show the varied weather in
the hills, and some of the spectacular effects which it can create.
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