Compass Companion's Essential Gear
Poetry
Trail
"Outside the hut mist moved thickly
and the wind came over the top of Snowdon to an eerie moan. There was
a little man stamping his feet and swinging his arms like a frozen cabman.
He wore a thin, grey overcoat, a cap, and spectacles on which the mist
had condensed. "Rot, I call it, coming up 'ere,' he said, petulantly.
"Catch your death of cold....you can have it". "Have what?" I asked. He
waved his arm round at the mist. "The whole blooming mountain-Snowdon.
It's yours! You can 'ave it".
H. V. Morton, "In Search of Wales"
follow the poetry trail
Snowdon, North Wales, (Dragon Country)
Courtesy Julian Clegg, Conwy Camera Club
- Remember - you may have to spend an enforced night up this mountain - and in weather like this!
- Don't think that because you are only going out in good weather, or not going high up, that you are immune from an accident (many potentially fatal accidents have occurred in country parks).
- Never wear jeans when outdoor walking - they rapidly lose heat when wet
- Check the weather :-( www.met-office.gov.uk Snowdon Weather Webcam.
- See Guidelines and Planning for Walk Group Leaders
- Please also read the notes below on risk factors
- Mountain Bikers, please see notes below.
- Click here to learn the International Distress Signal
Good weather | Bad weather | Bikers Notes | Risk Factors | Expose youth to risks says Duke of Edinburgh,
Always take appropriate action if you hear the Distress Signal - you may be the only person to hear it.
In Good Weather you'll need these:
- Map and Compass - you must also know how to use them (see Compass Direction Finder and Buying and Looking after your compass)
- Loud Whistle (and learn the International Distress Signal). Remember mobile phones may break in an accident, batteries may fail or reception be impossible. Note: the Rescue services now prefer you not to reply to a Distress Signal as it causes more trouble for them than benefit for the victim. Help them by always carrying either a Emergency Action or Accident Procedures card tied to your rucksack drawcord (to assist anyone who finds you - you may be unconscious).
- Torch and spare batteries and bulb
- Survival bag or Refuge (bivi). Again, you must learn the correct method of using them! (see Emergency Action or Accident Procedures card)
- A pencil (try writing a casualties details or Grid Ref. etc. without one!)
- A small knife (for sharpening your pencil etc.)
- Spare socks (doubles as a pair of gloves)
- Small First Aid kit
- Ample food and drink rations. Take extra for emergency
use only.
If travelling abroad ensure you know the emergency telephone number(s) of the country you're going to (most numbers are on our 'Accident Procedure' card).
Tip: keep your equipment in a rucksack liner or polybag inside your rucksack and keep water containers etc. in between the liner and the rucksack. This prevents the contents of the rucksack liner becoming soaked if the bottle should break.
Think carefully before using a mobile phone (more) to call for help. Take a few minutes to assess the situation and to allow yourself to think calmly. If you then consider the situation serious then follow the guidelines on your Accident Procedure card or Emergency Action Card Please don't call out the Rescue Services unless the situation is life threatening - be prepared before an accident happens (learn some First Aid and basic outdoor skills).
Please ensure your Mobile Phone keypad is 'locked' before venturing out. The Police receive thousands of false alarms due to accidental pressing of keys. It seems that in a large majority of cases the owners were not even aware of pressing any keys. more...
In wintery or bad conditions you MUST take these, forget them at your peril.....
- Crampons
- Ice axe (effective use of an ice axe requires training)
- Extra clothing (several thin layers trap warm air and are better than one thick layer). Note: wet clothing loses 97% of insulation value
- Good waterproof gloves are essential (try opening a zip with wet and cold hands)
- Thermal blanket (foil type are good and lightweight), better still, a sleeping bag!
- Extra food for emergency use only is essential (i.e. chocolate bars)
- Warm hat to prevent heat loss
- Consider taking a rope
- A great idea is to carry a 'Sitmat'. It insulates your bum from the cold rocks!
- Remember you may have to spend a night outdoors in bad conditions - so be prepared for it!
- Always let someone know your route, escape route and expected return time; don't forget to tell them you're back safe. Never be afraid to turn back if conditions turn bad - there's always another day!
- The British weather can change rapidly in Autumn or Winter, beautiful when you start out and horrendous later on! Keep an eye on the weather behind you!
- Don't forget to allow more time for your walk (darkness falls much earlier than in summer and an unexpected delay can lead to difficulties in route finding).
- Always try to have a friend accompany you (four is an ideal number) and stay together.
Check the weather:-(www.met-office.gov.uk
Expose youth to risks, says Duke (Nov. 30, 2000)
BY ANDREW PIERCE
Modern society was being over-protective towards young people, the Duke
of Edinburgh said yesterday. He said that youth should not be excluded
from adventure and risk-taking and pointed out that fatal accidents involving
the young in pursuits such as climbing or sailing had to be kept
in
perspective. In a speech to the Association for Outdoor Learning he said:
"We need to get our facts right. There were 3,100 people killed in 1998
on our roads and we still use cars; we have a few admittedly very tragic
accidents in the mountains and we look to banning them from young people's
experience. Are we thinking of banning cars?" The Duke was the principal
speaker at a conference entitled The Question of Balance, which took its
name from a book he published in 1982. It discusses the extent to which
young people should be put at risk in a healthy society. He challenged
people to be more adventurous and realistic about risks. "There is more
danger in not exposing people to risk than in exposing them," he said.
"The downside for society is far greater if it is totally safe than if
it has risk."
The Duke of Edinburgh, who founded an award scheme for young people which
entails community work, physical fitness and orienteering, said adults
had a duty to help young people practise managing risks. "Living is and
will always be a risky business. It is society that is at risk if we do
not get the balance right," he said. "We know that creating a group to
look at risks involves the high possibility it will find those risks."
The keynote speech by the Duke was supported by Ian Lewis, chairman ot
the UK Outdoor Institute, who said: "A life without adventure and no risk
is not a life at all. Adventure and risk are the very source of advancement
in science, sport, the arts, learning and society." Frank Furedi, a writer
and researcher, stated: "The worship of safety represents a profoundly
pessimistic attitude towards human potential."
For the 'A Question of Balance - Risk and Adventure in Society'
Report, contact Ian Lewis at:
Association for Outdoor Learning, 12 St. Andrew's Churchyard, Penrith,
Cumbria UK
tel: +44(0)1768 891065 fax: +44(0)1768 891914, afol@adventure-ed.co.uk
www.adventure-ed.co.uk
SPECIAL
NOTE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS:
It is VITAL you carry
at least a survival bag, whistle, map and
compass. If you have an accident the chances of severe hypothermia are
far greater for you. This is because the lightweight clothing you wear
offers little protection from the wind which can, and does kill. Remember,
in forest areas very few walkers (or anyone else for that matter) are
around to come to your assistance. Be prepared, and ideally carry an Emergency
Action Card as well. These can easily be carried under the saddle
and weight very little. At least then you'll have the right equipment
and the knowledge on how to use it!
Mountain Bike Links
Remember all outdoor pursuits can be dangerous, therefore
it all depends on the situation, time of year, weather, equipment carried
and your fitness level. You may be proficient in all outdoor emergency
situations but always consider the possibility of yourself
having an accident - others with
you may be at risk if their knowledge is limited and your safety will
depend on them!
If one party member is struggling to keep up or is suffering from the
effects of cold weather then all members are advised to return to base
and not struggle on. Remember the party is only as strong as the weakest
member! So please, keep together, after all you went out together so are
therefore committed to helping each other - even if it means cutting your
day short. That way you keep the party safe and you'll keep your friends
longer!
EVERY outdoor activity carries some risk and it is up to every individual to take reasonable precautions before venturing outdoors more info for Group Leaders...