Safety in the Mountains

www.donegalmrt.ie

"Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence, and that momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end".

Edward Whymper, first ascensionist of the Matterhorn, 1865.

"The consciousness of self-dependence is one of the lures to adventure which will always take men of spirit to dangerous and far-off places, but with it goes the duty for a man to be equal to the occasion if a mishap should strike, whether to himself or others. He should know what precautions to take to reduce risks, how to give aid on the spot, what equipment and facilities are close at hand and where to seek help. He should give his share of help too"

Mountain Rescue Committee Booklet, 1964.

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The mountains of Donegal are not high by international standards, and severe snow and ice conditions are rare, but nevertheless they should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced and well-prepared walkers. Severe weather conditions can set in in minutes (particularly given the proximity of the area to the Atlantic seaboard) and navigation can be difficult at the best of times due to a scarcity of obvious paths and tracks.

Do not venture into the mountains unless you are fully equipped and prepared!

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Most people will spent a lifetime in the mountains and never be involved in an accident. Do try and take on some of the points contained in this section however. Knowledge might not fit into a rucksack but it is the most important thing carried by any of us in the mountains - and what's more it doesn't weigh a thing!

Happy Hillwalking!

For comprehensive information covering all aspects of hillwalking and mountaineering, refer to "Mountaincraft and Leadership" by Eric Langmuir, published jointly by the Mountain Leader Training Board and the Scottish Sports Council.

This is a book that no hillwalker should be without!

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