Stay safe on the Hills & Moors
Be AdventureSmart — make your good day even better
Heading into the hills, moors or fells is a tremendous way to enjoy nature, but the terrain, weather and isolation bring real risks. Over the years, many avoidable incidents involving walkers, cyclists, and visitors have turned a day out into an emergency. We want to help you come home safe, informed and confident.
As a partner in promoting outdoor safety, SRMRT endorses the AdventureSmart framework.
Below are key principles, tailored for our local terrain, plus guidance you can act on today.
Ask Yourself Three Key Questions:
“Do I have the right skills & knowledge for the day?“
Be honest about your navigation ability, fitness level, and the experience of everyone in your group. In unfamiliar or challenging terrain, consider going with a guide or someone who knows the area.
Carry and know how to use a map and compass — don’t rely solely on a phone.
“Do I know what the weather will be like?“
Conditions in valleys often differ from those on summits or ridges. Check reliable forecasts (e.g. Met Office, local mountain forecasts) and interpret them for your route. Be ready to change plans if the weather turns.
“Do I have the right gear?“
You don’t need the most expensive equipment, but your kit must be appropriate. Think layers, waterproofs, good boots, food, water, navigation tools, first aid, whistle, torch, spare batteries, emergency shelter.
If the answer to any of those is “I’m not sure,” pause, plan further, or select a more modest route.
What to Take: Essential Kit Checklist
Below is a starter checklist specifically for hills and moors in the UK. Adapt to the route, season, and group.
Must-Have Items:
Extras: ( Dependant on season / conditions)
Gaiters, crampons or microspikes (snow/ice), map case, poles, sunscreen & sunglasses.
Planning Your Day:
Start early — give yourself buffer time in case of delays.
Use daylight wisely; always check when sunset will be, and carry a torch regardless.
Decide on a fallback (shorter) route in case conditions worsen.
Share your plan: tell someone where you’re going, your intended route and return time.
In areas of limited mobile coverage, identify spots where you may get signal.
Monitor your pace, keep group morale high, and turn back if fatigue or weather makes progress risky.
Dealing with Changing Conditions & Emergencies
Be vigilant: weather can change rapidly in upland terrain. Cloud, rain, or wind can reduce visibility and escalate risk.
If someone is injured, try to insulate them from the ground, administer first aid, and reduce exposure.
If you decide to call for help, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police → Mountain Rescue. Be ready to give:
• your grid reference or GPS coordinates
• number of people and nature of injuries
• your mobile number
• what you were doing and route planned
If there’s no mobile signal, move carefully to a higher or more open location to try and get reception. Preserve battery life, know how to use iPhone emergency satellite SOS feature.
Don’t put yourself at further risk trying to assist — the priority is to keep safe and call in professionals.
Know the universal distress signals: six blasts of a whistle (or torch flashes) repeated every minute.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter & Autumn
Cold, short days, snow, ice and high winds increase risk. You may need extra gear like crampons or ice axes; know how to use them. Be extra cautious with daylight, and maintain a tighter margin for turning back.
Spring & Summer
Snow patches may linger; rivers and streams may be swollen. Bright sun, heat and UV exposure can create their own challenges. Maintain hydration, sun protection, and be aware of ticks.
Useful Links & Resources
AdventureSmart UK & Ireland — full toolkit, guides and key messages Adventure Smart
Downloadable posters, videos, brand resources for use by local groups or event organisers Adventure Smart
Local weather forecasts Met office website
North York moors information North York Moors National Park website