Top tips for safe winter walking 

WITH the change to wintry weather conditions and ever-shortening days, a number of people have been benighted in mountainous areas in recent weeks.

Those who prefer being in the outdoors when the elements are kinder are often surprised at others who seem to relish heading out in rain, snow and, sometimes, ice when the risks of getting into trouble in hostile terrain are much greater. But, such challenges can have a disastrous outcome.

Many people have died on Irish mountains after falling in slippery conditions. The weather can be unpredictable in elevated and inhospitable areas: unexpected fog and mist can come down rapidly and people can easily become disorientated. And it’s in trying to get a sense of direction that they can walk themselves into even more trouble.