Friday, 30 July 2010

BMC Mountain Code

Each year more and more people visit the countryside for pleasure as hill-walkers, climbers and campers. This guide is intended to help you enjoy the mountain areas safely and in peace, with due regard for conservation and the interests of the local inhabitants.

Be Weatherwise

  • Conditions can change very rapidly. You should be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate. High winds and icing can be serious hazards.
  • Low cloud or mist can slow up most parties. Exercise caution. Walk at a speed which gives a good view of the immediate ground ahead.
  • After heavy rain, the crossing of rivers by stepping stones, and some low bridges, may be impossible. Do not attempt unorthodox methods unless they have been well practiced. Travel up or downstream to the safe crossing point.
  • Summer and Winter weather extremes pose their particular problems. Know the symptoms and treatments of heat exhaustion and mountain exposure.
  • Expeditions to the high craggy mountains and roped rock climbing require specialist skills. Winter mountaineering, particularly in Scotland, can be a most serious undertaking. An understanding of the hazards posed by cornices and avalanche prone slopes is necessary. Daylight hours are less and conditions overall are harsher than anywhere else in Britain. Do remember that winter conditions in Scotland may cover a period between November-May, and whilst summer-type equipment is OK in Wales and Lakes, hill travellers may still require winter equipment in the Scottish Highlands.

Respect the Land

  • Even in National Parks, areas of private land exist. Keep to Public Rights of Way and permitted footpaths in enclosed valley areas and agreed access land. On some large scale maps, certain paths shown are not public paths. If in doubt, seek advice.
  • Avoid crossing fire ranges, game shooting areas and remember the Scottish Deer Stalking Season, August – September. Camp only on official sites or ask permission.

Conserve Wildlife

  • Try not to disturb domestic or wild animals and leave flowers and plants for all to enjoy. Mountaineers have agreed closed seasons for certain crags and nature reserves.
  • Do not pollute mountain streams by dam-building or dish-washing; local farms rely on these streams for a regular water supply.

Consider other People

  • If you dislodge a stone, immediately warn those who might be below you, shouting in a loud voice “BELOW”. Stones falling down a mountainside gather momentum quickly and can set off other stones, these in turn may move large boulders.
  • Many mountaineers leave tents and rucksacks whilst they go off for a rock climb. Do not remove apparently deserted equipment.

Be Prepared

  • Select equipment after asking advice and learn how to use it – Have a knowledge of basic First Aid – Know how to navigate properly – Attain a standard of physical fitness suited to your ambition – Follow the Country Code.
  • It is wise always to carry: Waterproofs, spare fleece, map, compass, whistle and some food. A First Aid Kit with chocolate or sugar and a polythene survival bag for emergencies. In winter, increase clothing and food and carry a good torch, mitts and balaclava.
  • Make sure the expedition or climb you are planning is not beyond your training, experience or fitness. Stay on known routes until you have a good knowledge of an area or become proficient in route-finding skills.
  • For the inexperienced, travelling alone is inadvisable. It is sound practice to leave word of your route and report your return.
  • Check the local weather forecast before you leave your valley base.
  • Remember disused mines and quarries in mountain areas have no safety checks and should not be entered.
  • Only venture onto snow and ice when you have fully mastered the use of ice axe and crampons. Special techniques are required for travel to the Scottish Hills.
  • In the event of injury, carry out immediate First Aid and evacuate the casualty or erect a shelter. Signal your distress, other mountaineers may be nearby and able to assist or telephone Police 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue Assistance. The International Mountain Distress Signal is 6 rapid signals (by whistle, torch, shout, etc.) repeated at one minute intervals until you are located.

Questions

For more advice on the Mountain Code, please contact Neil Munro

 

 

 
 

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