How to stay safe while hiking in the UK

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There are still many remote places in the UK despite it being quite a populated island. especially in places like Snowdonia, the Scottish highlands, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. I personally have hiked many times with the kids that has been out of reach of mobile service or reception and at those times you need to be aware of how to stay safe on the trail especially if you are hiking with younger members of the family. 

So I thought I would share some key tips and things I do to prepare for a hike especially if I know it's going to be fairly remote. 

1. Plan ahead

It goes without saying that you need to have a rough idea of what the trail will look like before setting out, are there any steep inclines, and what equipment is best suited, also take into account the weather, its better to hold off for a dry day than heading out in torrential rain or heavy wind. 

2. Always tell someone where you are going

Regardless if it's just a day hike or an overnight it's always worth telling somewhere where you are going and roughly how long you're going to be, this means if something does happen and you don't return home at the estimated time that the alarm will be raised and they will have a rough idea of the area you were hiking. 

3. Print or Download a photo of the trail map 

Do keep in mind if you are relying on a mobile phone that they can fail so a physical printed copy is always a good idea to have on you. Being able to orientate yourself and locate where you are is key. 

4. Carry extra water, a portable mobile charger and an emergency foil blanket

These three essentials will come in handy should you get lost on the trail or someone has an accident. Extra water is a must, even hiking in winter will make you thirsty so always take more than you need. A mobile charger is a must if you are relying on your phone for map reading, also people tend to call emergency services when their battery is running low so having a portable mobile charger is a game changer. An emergency foil blanket is really light and packs down super small but can keep you warm in times of need and also helps emergency services to spot you. 

4. Carry at least one extra layer 

Especially if you are hiking up a mountain summit, the temperature at lower levels may be drastically different to that at the summit 

5. Consider investing in a GPS tracker 

If you are regularly hiking in remote areas or areas out of mobile reception, then investing in a GPS tracker could bring a real sense of security to loved ones but also many come with an SOS button which you can press should you require help. You can also get a car tracker so your family would at least know which trail you have parked by.

6. Know your limits

If you realise at any time that the trail is beyond your fitness level or skill set, then there is no shame in turning back, especially if you are starting to feel overwhelmed and disorientated as these are times you are likely going to make a mistake that could've costly. 

While I know the UK doesn't have the expanse of places like Canada or mountain ranges like India but we still have some pretty remote and wild spaces that attract a lot of hikers. I stumbled onto someone on a trail a few years back who had just slipped and broken her ankle, she wasn't wearing suitable shoes or clothing and had taken on a harder route than her skill level so it's really important to adhere to common sense while hiking.