on almost every walk in this guide, but the large amount of livestock found in most areas means that water collected during a walk may well be contaminated, so it is essential for enough water (1–1.5 litres is as an initial guide for an average-length walk) to be carried and consumed throughout a walk, with the principle of drinking ‘small amounts often’ to avoid the effects of dehydration.
Essential Equipment
Appropriate clothing for the conditions likely to be experienced is key to an enjoyable and safe day's walking. Scotland is subject to the fickle nature of our climate more so than many other areas of Britain, so even in summer, clothing needs to be able to adapt to sudden changes in weather. Despite recent innovations in the use of single, multipurpose garments, the most reliable method of combating changeable conditions is the layering principle, allowing the walker to achieve insulation and warmth, as well as protection from the elements, by combining different layers of clothing for specific purposes.
An excellent viewpoint along Endrick Water from Dunmore (Walk 26)
For the base layer, next to the skin, synthetic material such as polypropylene provides good insulation while transferring or ‘wicking’ perspiration away from the skin through to the layers of the outer garments. (Cotton t-shirts have the opposite effect – of storing moisture – and are thus unsuitable for colder conditions where they chill the body easily.) On top of the base layer, thicker, insulating garments, such as a fleece or woollen jumper, should be worn for heat retention, after which the outer layer or ‘shell’ should be a waterproof and windproof fabric that is also breathable, allowing moisture to escape to the outside.
The layering principle is relevant for both summer and winter conditions, as layers are added or removed to adapt to the work-rate (and heat generation) while walking, and the external weather conditions experienced. Other items to be carried year-round are a warm hat and gloves, while in summer a wide-brimmed hat is essential to protect against the sun. In addition to the clothing worn on the day, it is advisable to carry a warm, lightweight fleece inside a waterproof bag in the rucksack.
Choice of footwear generally comes down to personal preference, but the mixed terrain encountered on these walks means that proper hillwalking boots rather than shoes or trainers are required. Assuming non-winter walking conditions apply, the boots should be reasonably flexible, waterproof with a bellowed tongue, have good ankle support but allow for enough movement over different gradients, and have a sole with grips that are thick enough for moving over rocky ground. To avoid blisters, new boots should be ‘broken in’ gradually before being used on long walks.
Personal equipment should be carried in a well-fitting rucksack, with items that need to be kept dry stored in a waterproof liner, such as a plastic bin bag. Amongst the essential items to be carried on any of these walks are:
a survival bag
torch
whistle
map
compass
waterproof map case
first aid kit
mobile phone
pencil and paper
food and water
spare fleece.
Walking in larger groups or more testing conditions may also require a group shelter to be carried, but as with any walk, a balance should be struck between necessity and the weight of items carried. A particularly useful piece of equipment is adjustable walking poles, which can not only be used to reduce the strain on legs and knees while walking, but are also very handy for judging the conditions of soft and boggy terrain ahead.
Hillcraft
Despite being relatively low compared to the larger ranges in the Scottish Highlands, the hills covered in this guide present challenges that require similar levels of skills and experience – or ‘hillcraft’ – to those that would be needed in more mountainous regions. Typical characteristics such as high areas of featureless terrain, steep slopes and occasional large crags, will at times require confidence in personal ability, and good judgement.
Navigation
Competent navigation is the primary skill required for anyone wishing to enjoy safe hillwalking. While navigational skills will take time to master and maintain, familiarity with map reading undoubtedly helps in selecting walks, and enhances confidence, enjoyment and safety on the hills. The route descriptions in this guide assume a basic level of navigational understanding (detailed in the How to Use This Guide section). Courses, books and spending time on the hills with competent friends are all good ways to begin learning navigation.
Sickness and Injury
Common sense, planning and good navigation should mean most difficult situations on the hill are avoided. However, in situations where an individual hillwalker or a member of a hillwalking party are immobilised due to sickness or injury, some basic procedures will ensure circumstances do not get out of control.
Firstly, find some shelter in the immediate vicinity (which in these hills may be difficult). Even the most minimal cover from wind and rain, such as a peat hag or drystone dyke, will help.
Maintain body heat by adding any extra clothes and climbing inside a survival bag (and then the group shelter if one is available).
Treat medical conditions or injuries as well as you can using the first aid kit, considering these as an ongoing concern. Focus also on maintaining personal and group morale.
If a signal is available on a mobile phone, call for help from the Mountain Rescue services by first dialling 999 and asking for the police. Be ready to inform Mountain Rescue of your location, ideally by giving a six-figure grid reference. Mountain Rescue may also need to know details such as the number of walkers in the party, any medical conditions or injuries sustained, a description of the surrounding area, and the time and location at which the walk began. If no phone or signal is available, the above details should be written down and given to the most able person if they are in a position to seek help. The importance of leaving a route card is obvious (in particular for the individual walker) when emergency situations arise.
Once help has been requested it is important to stay at the exact location. Signal for help using the recognised rescue code of six long blasts with a whistle and/or six flashes of a torch every minute, listening out for three whistles or flashes as a response from the rescuers. Continue using the code until you have been reached by Mountain Rescue.
First Aid
An appropriate first aid kit and a basic knowledge of first aid will help to relieve some uncomfortable minor injuries. Blisters are perhaps the most common problem experienced by hillwalkers, but can be avoided by wearing well-fitting boots that have been broken in over a period of time. If blisters occur it is best to treat them as soon as possible. In the early stages of a blister, applying Vaseline will help reduce the friction that creates sore points on the soft tissue of the foot. Alternatively, rather than bursting any swelling it is preferable to simply cover the blister with a plaster or other dressing to avoid further rubbing.
Other common complaints such as sprains are also largely preventable with appropriate footwear and careful placement of the feet while walking. Inevitably, when sprains do
