Route Grades and Specific Hazards

Back to Route Book

Following is a summary of the grading system I have devised and used, plus a note for those with children and some information on the hazards of hypothermia, dehydration and sunburn (and I reckon it's possible to get all three in one day!).  Also, the grades apply to the walks in the conditions I did them in.  This means that some of the routes get M+ as it was winter conditions, but without the snow and ice would warrant M.  There is also a list of specific hazards to consider - but please not that there are plenty not on this list.  It simply covers the most common ones.

Route Grades

These walks are all at low level, and don't usually require any special clothing or equipment, though footwear should be stout and comfortable.  They could be done in any weather (though low level snow will make everywhere very slippery) and are generally quite short and within the capability of most active adults.

These walks may not be longer than the valley walks but are at a higher level.  You should have suitable footwear and waterproofs, and be reasonably fit.  Good weather is recommended, so check the forecast before setting out - a beautiful morning can degenerate into a nasty wet afternoon.  Navigation may be difficult if mist or fog close in.  Also, if the ground is very wet or dry heavy rain can cause little streams to turn into raging torrents in a very short time, making crossing them difficult and possibly dangerous.  A map and compass are advisable.

Scottish mountain walks deserve respect, especially on the west coast.  The weather can change quickly and you should be well equipped and also be able to use the map and compass you will be carrying to plot a route in the poorest of weather.  If you have no previous hill-walking experience these are not the routes to start with.  Some of these walks also include scrambling and/or large drops.  There can also be hazards from loose rock.  M+ routes are either long, or more hazardous, or require winter skills.

These routes are either extra strenuous, more hazardous, or require winter skills.  Some routes which have this grade were done in Winter conditions, and would rate M in summer conditions.

These routes all involve scrambles and climbs listed in the rock climbing guides.  For experienced climbers they will all be straightforward, but someone with no previous experience of this nature could have a rather 'epic' experience.  As a rough guide, Striding Edge on Hellvellyn is easier than any of these routes.

Specific Hazards

Whatever your level of experience please take extra care if you have children in the group.  Children can get tired suddenly, and are much more prone to both cold and heat than adults.  There are also lots of interesting things in the area which can tempt children into dangerous activities such as frozen Lochs and colourful berries.

This nasty condition can creep up on anyone if they are out walking all day in warm conditions, or are overdressed leading to heavy sweating.  You might expect thirst to be a symptom, but this is often only the case initially.  The clearest indication is passing small amounts of dark urine.  Other symptoms include nausea and headaches.  If you have any doubts drink plain water (NOT tea, coffee, soft drinks or alcohol) until plenty of almost colourless urine has been passed.

We all know the area round Fort William has some of the highest rainfall in the UK, but it can be hard to imagine what heavy rain can do to what is normally an innocuous steam which is easy to cross.  Streams and rivers rise and fall quickly, and when in spate it can require a long upstream detour to find a safe crossing place.  Walking poles help crossing rivers and streams, but if you have difficulty finding a suitable crossing place please consider the weather forecast.  If more rain is on the way a difficult crossing can turn into a dangerous or even impossible one.  Also, what can be not to hard for an adult can be very dangerous for a child.

There are lots of posters with pictures of things to take on the hills, and the item which I most often think is omitted is sun barrier and a pair of good sun glasses.  The air in Scotland is very clean, and combined with a cool temperature and a breeze can make it hard to realise the strength of the sun.  If you are out on water or snow it is possible for someone with a fair complexion to get burnt in almost any month of the year.  Children are more at risk, and their chance of skin cancer later in life is increased if they get burnt at a young age.  So please get some high-factor sun cream and use it - if you are lucky enough to have a lovely sunny day!

It's easy to suddenly find you are cold and not able to warm up, especially on cold, windy, rainy days.  This happens to many people each year and most of them get safely off the hills back to food, rest and warmth where they recover naturally.  Modern outdoor clothing (breathable waterproofs, fleeces and high-tech underwear) makes it much easier to avoid hypothermia.  If you are cold (or hot) stop and adjust the amount you are wearing.  When you arrive at the top of a hill put an extra layer or windproof on immediately - this is where lots of heat can be lost very quickly.  Eat a good breakfast before a day on the hill (forget low-fat diets in this instance!) and carry high-energy food.  Eat the food you are carrying earlier rather than later in the day, and try to eat little and often.  Always carry a hat and gloves - an astonishing amount of heat is lost through the head, especially for children.  Don't be ashamed to turn back if conditions are poor (windy and wet especially).  If any member of the party starts showing signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, loss of co-ordination) get them out of any wind and rain, make sure they are wearing a windproof, hat and gloves and give them something to eat.  If a sitmat is available use it - lots of heat can be lost to the ground.  Hopefully their condition will soon start to improve and the party can then accompany them off the hill to civilisation, warmth and food.  Don't give them alcohol or hot drinks - this dilates the blood vessels in the skin and increase the rate of heat loss.  Also even if they improve don't continue the walk - return to base ASAP.  If they fail to improve after a short rest and some food, get outside help.

Accidents do happen from time to time.  Mostly the injuries are slight and don't affect the victims ability to get themselves of the hill.  However sometimes this is not possible - a leg is broken or a joint badly sprained (which can be more painful than a break).  If this should happen to someone you are with, treat them as for hypothermia as this very often follows an injury, and get outside help.

Getting Help

The obvious form of outside help is the Mountain Rescue.  However, remember that anyone you come across or whose attention you can attract when in need of help might also be able to help.

Always treat any casualty as if they have hypothermia, and if they are unconcious remember to protect their airway.  If there are possibly spinal injuries this complicates matters, but remember the ABC of first aid - Airway, Breathing and Circulation.  Also remember that the purpose of First Aid is to preserve, life, prevent further injury and promote healing.  Even a very basic course is well worth taking, though most courses do not cover specific details of the likely mountain injuries.  If you are feeling very motivated there are some specfic courses run my the MRC.  Also remember that anyone staying with the casualty might also be prone to hypothermia - they will not be on the move, and might have a degree of shock depending on the situation.

Providing accurate information to the MR is vital if they are to be able to help as soon as possible.  Once any casualties have received first aid, take note of the position as exactly as possible - a 6-figure OS Grid reference is ideal.  If you have pen and paper write it down, along with a short message detailing the members of the party and their status - for example 'John Smith and Fred Jones - head injuries following a fall. Jane Doe - unharmed, with casualties'.  Also make note of anyone left with the casualty.

Send the fastest member of the party to call out the Mountain Rescue, with the precious note you have made.  Remember to check the map first - there are a few places (such as the CIC hut) from where it is possible to call the MR.  Otherwise you need to find a public phone, a signal box, a house, shop or pub, anywhere that has a phone.  Ideally the victim is not left alone, and more than one person goes to call for help, but this requires a party of at least 4.  If there are three in the party send the fastest for help and leave the other member with the casualty.  If there are only two of you it is especially important to get help from anyone you meet en-route, so that someone can get back to the casualty as soon as possible.

Mobile phone coverage has increased a great deal in recent years, but there are still many places where there is no reception.  If you are lucky (!) you might find that you have reception where the casualty is, in which case the whole party can stay togeather and help to look after the casualty and each other.  However, there is no reception and there are two mobile phones in the party leave one with the rescuee, and put the other with the party going for help.  Remember to include the phone numbers in the written note.  It is worth keeping an eye on the reception and making the call as soon as it is available.  If there is only one phone you need to consider if it would be better for the party going for help to take it, or if it should be left with the casualty.  If you find you have reception dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.

Back to Route Book