Assessing Mountain Hazards & Risks in the UK: Safe Practices for Hill Walkers and Climbers
- Chris Cowdrey
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 minutes ago
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Mountains and hills in the UK offer some of the best walks up and climbing experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From the rugged peaks of Snowdon and Scafell Pike to the challenging crags of Tryfan, the appeal is undeniable. Yet, these adventures come with mountain hazards & risks that demand respect and preparation. Understanding how to assess these risks can make the difference between a memorable trip and a dangerous situation.
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team is the busiest Team in the UK. In 2025, they responded to over 350 call outs! Many of which could have been avoided. With the rise of social media and so called 'influencers' populating our feeds, more and more people are accessing the mountains. This is fantastic, don't get me wrong, but how many of these being influenced have the knowledge and skills to stay safe in the mountains? Very few by all accounts.
If you want something to watch in the evening, and to learn from others mistakes, check out SOS: Extreme Rescues on BBC Iplayer. It's based around Snowdonia and Tryfan features HEAVILY! Watch it, and learn!
This guide focuses on key safety principles for hill and mountain walkers, rock climbers (single and multipitch), scramblers and mountaineers. It covers the essentials of being a safe person, choosing a safe place, using safe equipment, and following safe practices. The goal is simple: come home alive, come home friends, climb the route—in that order.
Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
The saying Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance (the 6 Ps) is a cornerstone of safe mountain activity. Before setting out on any hike, climb, or scramble, thorough planning is essential.
Research the route: Know the terrain, distance, expected time, and difficulty. For example, Snowdon's paths vary from straightforward walks to exposed ridge scrambles.
Check weather forecasts: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Pen Y Fan's summit often experiences fog and rain, which can reduce visibility and increase risk.
Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member know your route and expected return time.
Prepare for emergencies: Carry a map, compass, and know how to use them. GPS devices and mobile apps are helpful but should not replace traditional navigation skills.
Failing to plan is a plan to fail. Many accidents happen because walkers or climbers underestimate the mountain environment or overestimate their abilities. Having a simple plan can help you make decisions whilst in the mountains!
Mountain Hazards: Be Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse
Risk awareness means understanding hazards and managing them without avoiding adventure altogether. Being risk averse can limit your experience and growth, but ignoring risks leads to accidents.
Assess conditions continuously: On Ben Nevis, conditions can shift from clear to snowy in hours. It may be 20 degrees in the valley, but it could be just 10 degrees on the summit. Add wind chill and the temperature could feel like 5 degrees! Adjust your plans accordingly.
Know your limits: If you are new to rock climbing, start with easily accessed single-pitch routes before attempting multipitch climbs or sea cliffs. If you are new to mountain walking, develop your skills on easier mountain walks before trying scrambling.
Use the ALARP principle: Keep risks As Low As Reasonably Possible. This means taking sensible precautions without overcomplicating your activity.
For example, when scrambling on Tryfan, don't start up a rocky step if you don't think you could down climb safely. If you are unfamiliar with the mountain and the summit is in cloud, maybe change your plan and come back another day.
Before setting off on a mountain walk or climb, ask yourself these 4 questions:
Am I a safe person?
Am I going to a safe place?
Do I have safe equipment?
Can I demonstrate safe practices?
Continue reading to find out more about these questions!
Safe Person: Skills, Fitness, and Mindset
Your safety starts with you. Being a safe person means having the right skills, fitness, and mindset for the activity.
Skills: Take courses in navigation, first aid, and climbing techniques. Knowing how to give your location and administer emergency procedures can save lives!
Fitness: Mountain activities demand stamina and strength. Training improves endurance and reduces injury risk.
Mindset: Stay calm and make decisions based on facts, not emotions. If conditions worsen, be ready to turn back. Don't be driven by ego!
Safe Place: Choosing and Respecting Your Environment
Choosing a safe place means understanding the specific risks of each mountain or climbing area. Being able to identify features on a map can help with your planning from home.
Pen y Fan: Popular for hill walking, but can be crowded and slippery after rain/snow. Stick to marked paths to avoid erosion. Be aware of the steep drops off the summit.
Snowdon: Offers multiple routes with varying difficulty. The Llanberis Path is easier, while Crib Goch requires scrambling skills.
Scafell Pike: England’s highest peak has sudden weather changes and steep slopes. Many mountain rescue call outs are because people have followed a 'path' into Piers Ghyll due to lack of navigation skills.
Ben Nevis: Scotland’s highest mountain is challenging year-round. Navigation off the summit is not easy in poor visibility as you have to avoid the top of Gardyloo Gully.
Tryfan: Known for scrambling and rock climbing. An Ogwen MR hotspot! Difficult route finding on ascent and descent. Can be slippery in the wet too!
Check the local weather in the days leading up to your planned adventure, as well as in the morning.
Identify any hazards on your route. Examples would include; any rivers and streams, steep ground, cliff tops and edges, technical terrain requiring specialist skills and equipment, featureless and/or boggy terrain.
Identify any navigational problems and decision making points. An example being junctions in paths. It's been known for people to miss the path junctions coming off Pen Y Fan and Snowdon and either walking off the wrong side of the mountain into a different valley, or setting off on more technical, serious terrain!
Safe Equipment: Gear That Protects and Performs
Using the right equipment is vital for safety and comfort.
Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for sudden weather changes. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential.
Footwear: Sturdy footwear with good grip for hiking and scrambling. Not a street shoe! Rock climbing shoes for technical climbs.
Navigation tools: Map, compass and GPS device
Climbing gear: Helmet, harness, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, and protection gear like cams and nuts.
Seasonal Gear: Micro spikes, crampons, ice axe, goggles
Emergency kit: First aid kit, whistle, headlamp, and emergency shelter. Have an Emergency Action Plan!
Regularly inspect your gear for wear and tear. Replace damaged items promptly and refill your first aid kit if you have used it.
Safe Practice: Habits That Save Lives
Safe practice means adopting habits that reduce risk every time you head outdoors.
Buddy system: Partners can assist in emergencies. Only hike or scramble alone if you're an experienced hiker/mountaineer and you have planned accordingly!
Communication: Carry a fully charged phone with a battery pack. Know how to call for mountain rescue.
Pace yourself: Avoid rushing. Fatigue leads to mistakes. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Slow down on technical terrain.
Stay on route: Straying off paths increases risk of falls or getting lost.
Respect the weather: If conditions deteriorate, seek shelter or turn back.
Wild camping safety: Choose flat, sheltered spots away from watercourses. Follow fire safety rules and Leave No Trace.
Final Thoughts on Assessing Mountain Risks in the UK
Mountain activities in the UK offer incredible experiences but come with real risks. The key to enjoying these adventures safely lies in preparation, awareness, and respect for the environment and your own limits. Remember the principles:
Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
Be Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse
Keep risks As Low As Reasonably Possible (ALARP)
Failing to plan is a plan to fail
Come home alive, come home friends, climb the route—in that order
Whether you are hiking up Pen y Fan, scrambling on Tryfan, or tackling multipitch rock climbs on mountain routes, use this advice to make smart decisions. Your best walks and climbs will be the ones where safety comes first.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the mountains safely.
Head to my RESOURCES page for links to weather apps and other useful mountain resources!
If you want to develop your skills, head to my website and check out the courses I have to offer!
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