Hillwalking Guidelines

Never underestimate any mountain, big or small. Always be prepared and expect the unexpected.

1. Have a Compass and Map and be able to use them.
2. Check weather forecast before you go.
3. Plan ahead and leave your route plan with somebody (route card or copy of map with route highlighted, bad weather alternatives, escape route in case things go wrong) or at least tell somebody where you are going, especially if you are hiking on your own.
4. Never go alone if you can't navigate or are unsure. Solo hiking is only for very experienced.
5. Consider the ability of the group when route planning.
6. Make sure you have good hiking boots (remember to break them in before taking them for a hike) and possibly walking socks. Do not bring runners. 
7. Do not wear jeans or cotton clothes they get very heavy when wet and stay wet when you sweat. 
8. Wear quick-drying sports fabrics and hiking trousers (running trousers or shorts are good option on warm summer days, but always have a waterproof option in your backpack)
9. Always bring your waterproofs even on sunny days.
10. Have a spare warm fleece and socks with you.
11. Hiking poles are handy, especially for going downhill.
12. Bring plenty of water, food and snacks.
13. A hiking backpack with with a waist belt and chest strap for all your gear.
14. Have a fully charged phone with you. A battery power pack is handy. If you have a Smart Phone or IPhone, a hiking app is very useful for recording your route for future reference and as a positioning and navigation help, but NEVER FULLY RELY ON IT. Your basic navigation tool should always be a compass and map. And first of all remember to save your battery for an emergency call.
15. A Good Trick - Put your Mobile Phone on Airplane Mode as this will increase the battery usage time span which could be very helpful in times of emergency and despite the Airplane Mode being on the GPS on your phone will still work which is vital if you are using an app to track or gude yourself.
16. Always know the time and allocate enough time to return, especially in the winter when days are short.
17. Bring a small torch or head torch, hi-visibility vest and a whistle with
18. A survival bag just in case you get caught out.
19. Bring First Aid Kit (bandages, blister packs, pain relief medication)
20. Have a change of clothes, shoes and a towel for after in your car.
21. Always Wash your Boots after your Walk because of the Acid Water that you will have walked through will wreck your boots.

For more information and some professional advice visit http://www.mountaineering.ie/hillwalking

"Mountains are not fair or unfair, they are just dangerous" - Reinhold Messner