Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

Charity Commission Registration 518928

Check the weather when planning your route and check again before you leave.

Click on the Met Office logo above for the latest forecast.

Footwear
Footwear should provide good ankle support and have a firm sole with a secure grip. Hill walking boots are recommended.

Clothing
Warm, wind and waterproof clothing is essential. This should include gloves, hat, fully waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers and spare clothing. Jeans should be avoided.

Equipment
Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Carry equipment for use in an emergency such as torch, First Aid Kit, whistle and emergency shelter such as a polythene survival bag.

Food and Drink
Take ample food for each member of your group. Always take reserve supplies. Simple high energy foods are best such as chocolate,dried fruit,cheese and biscuits,as are hot drinks in cold wet weather.

Global Positioning Systems(GPS) are fantastic pieces of technology but they can fail, never rely on it entirely always have a map and compass just in case.


Do not rely on mobile phones to get you out of trouble, signal coverage in mountainous areas is unreliable. If you are able to summon help using your phone leave it on so you can be contacted.

• Choose a walk which is appropriate to you or your group's experience, fitness, navigation skills, knowledge of the area and prevailing weather conditions.
• Work out a realistic timescale for your planned route, identify possible escape routes in case of a change in the weather or the condition of your party.
• Leave details of your intended route and estimated time of return. Remember to inform them you have arrived, or if you change route or your time of return changes.

Ring 999 and ask for the Police and provide as much information as possible:
• Location, or last known position, preferably with grid reference.
• Details of any casualties, injuries/symptoms and how it happened.
• Number and experience of any other members of the group.

• Keep calm.
• Stay together if in a group.
• If possible find shelter from the weather.
• Use your spare clothing and survival bag.
• Eat food and try to keep morale high.
• Keep a look out for search parties and be ready to attract their attention.
• Emergency signals 6 long blasts on a whistle or six long flashes on a torch, stop for one minute repeat.