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Safety in the hills

Bonaly emergency services

Incidents

Walkers occasionally suffer from injuries resulting from a slip or underlying health condition. Please ensure you carry warm, waterproof clothing, carry a torch and map, and know how to use them!

Mountain bikers often fall and suffer injuries. Bikers using the hills in winter should take good lighting, and warm and waterproof clothing in case they become immobilised. Please follow all temporary route diversions created due to seasonal events such as lambing: mountain biking at night has caused distress to lambing ewes in recent years, especially around Maiden's Cleugh, Harbour Hill and Bonaly.

Weather

You should check out the weather forecast before you set off. We recommend the Mountain Weather Information System. Be aware that the weather can change quickly.

Danger at reservoirs

Perhaps the greatest danger in the hills are the 13 reservoirs. Avoid swimming near sluice towers due to undertows, and don't venture onto ice in winter. Blue-green algae can be present in summer. Find out more about reservoir safety.

Fire hazard

Fires that become out of control are one of the most damaging consequences of camping. Read more about how to reduce the risk of out of control fires. Please inform us and the emergency services immediately if you see an unattended fire.

Emergency contact

If you do get into difficulties in the Regional Park, please contact the Regional Park Headquarters on 0131 529 2401, or our Duty Officer on 07798 505301 (office hours). If it is an emergency please contact the emergency service immediately, dialling 999, and giving them your grid reference. You can instantly see your grid reference if you download an app such as OS Locate. Another app becoming more popular is What3Words, although the emergency services have not adopted this in Scotland at present (November 2019).

Weather

Always check out the weather forecast before you set off - click on Southern Uplands

Mountain Weather

Safety

Get the essential skills and knowledge

Safety in the mountains
Old Kirk road

Webcam

Why not have a look at a webcam for an idea of what the weather is doing?

Pentland Hills webcam