fleece
hat
gloves
food and liquid
map(s)
compass
whistle
torch
first aid kit
survival bag
mobile phone
pencil and paper.
In summer, add a sun hat and sun cream to the list. Pack insect repellent too. Midges are becoming increasingly prevalent in Angus between May and September and are most commonly encountered during periods of calm warm weather. Lowland moor, grassland and woodland are all potential hot spots for these airborne irritants. A midge forecast for Scotland can be found online (www.midgeforecast.co.uk).
First aid
Walkers should have a basic knowledge of first aid and carry a small first aid kit, available from outdoor shops and pharmacies, including the following items:
waterproof, breathable plasters of various sizes
sterile dressings
triangular bandage
eye pad
crêpe bandage
safety pins (to secure dressings)
pair of disposable latex gloves
antiseptic cream or wipes
small pair of scissors.Other useful items include:
personal medication
painkillers
antihistamine cream
pair of tweezers
cigarette lighter or matches
insect repellent.
The best way to learn the basics of first aid is to take a course: a GP surgery or pharmacy is a good first point of contact. There are many private providers, as well as larger organisations such as the St John Ambulance Association (www.sja.org.uk) and, in Scotland, the St Andrew’s Ambulance Association (www.firstaid.org.uk). A useful pocket guide First Aid and Wilderness Medicine by Drs Jim Duff and Peter Gormly is published by Cicerone.
Three other items of kit will come in useful in the event of an emergency. One of the most important is a survival bag, which will protect a casualty from wind, rain and cold. Keep one at the bottom of the rucksack at all times. Every walker should also carry a whistle and torch for attracting attention. Note that in the Angus glens mobile phone reception ranges from poor to non-existent over much of the low ground, although signal strength is much better on high ground and summits.
Water of Saughs and the brooding crags of Corrie Berran from Tamhilt (Walk 21)
Thankfully accidents in the countryside are rare, and the majority are relatively minor. Blisters, probably the most common affliction among hillwalkers, should be dressed to avoid further rubbing. Relieve sprains and twists by binding tightly with a crêpe bandage to enable the casualty to return, albeit slowly, to civilisation where the injury can be properly treated.
More testing (and thankfully infrequent) conditions such as hypothermia and heat exhaustion are best combatted through good preparation and early recognition. Wearing adequate warm clothing and avoiding long stops in cold weather will prevent hypothermia. Early signs include tiredness, listlessness and irritability. Heat exhaustion can be avoided by regularly taking on fluids. Early symptoms include tiredness, light-headedness and muscle cramps. Rest up in a shady place, drink plenty and, if possible, eat sweet and salty foods.
In the event of serious injury or illness the rescue services may need to be contacted, although making such a call is not a matter to be treated lightly.
The casualty must be made as comfortable as possible, and the injuries assessed. If he cannot be moved, expert help will have to be called. The rescue services will need as much information as possible so make a written note of the casualty’s name, age and the type of injuries; details on the cause of the accident and the time it occurred; the terrain and any potential hazards (prevailing weather conditions, avalanche, rock fall and so on). Record the grid reference and details of the availability of torches, mobile phones, group shelters and medical personnel at the scene.
If there is a mobile phone signal dial 999, ask for police, and explain the situation clearly and concisely. If there is no signal, try climbing to a higher point where one may be found. If this fails, send the most able person in the group for help. If this is not possible – or if you are the casualty and alone – signal for help with a whistle and/or torch.
The International Distress Signal consists of six blasts of the whistle (or flashes of the torch), followed by a minute’s silence, then another six blasts. This drill is repeated every minute. The response is three whistle blasts, followed by a minute’s silence, then another three blasts. Continue giving the signal at regular intervals until help arrives. Make the location of the casualty site as prominent as possible: use brightly coloured clothes and kit, light a fire and make as much noise as possible.
Await rescue and never give up hope. One of the most vital aspects of first aid in such a situation is to maintain individual and/or group morale.
Getting there and where to stay
A wealth of landscape and wildlife information can be found at Glen Doll Ranger Base (Walks 12–16, 27 and 28)
The Angus glens are all accessed by road from the south. For Isla, Prosen and Clova, Kirriemuir, six miles west of the county town of Forfar, is the main gateway. Leave the A90 at Kirriemuir Junction, just north of Forfar. Isla can also be approached from Alyth in Perthshire, to the south, or from Glen Shee, to the west. Lethnot and Esk are accessed from Brechin, also on the A90, via Edzell. The glens are all well signed from the A90.
While accommodation and other services are limited in the glens themselves, a good selection of places to stay and eat and a full range of services can be found in Forfar, Kirriemuir and Brechin. There are campsites in Forfar and Brechin and near Kirriemuir. The nearest city is Dundee, to the south.
Isla has one hotel, at Kirkton of Glenisla (www.glenisla-hotel.com). Accommodation can also be found to the north, outwith the glen, at Spittal of Glenshee where there are two hotels (www.spittalofglenshee.co.uk and www.dalmunzie.com) and a bunkhouse (www.gulabinoutdoors.co.uk).
