Don't get left in the dark!

Mountain safety experts have underlined the importance of hillwalkers carrying a headtorch as the days get much shorter.

And autumn weather makes both careful planning and proper clothing essential.

Mountaineering Scotland’s Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, said: “Autumn is a cracking time of year to get out and enjoy the hills and mountains of Scotland, in all their dramatic colours and moods.

“But it’s easy to get caught out as the weather cools and the nights draw in.”

Already this autumn people have ended up unable to find their way in the dark when their hike took longer than expected. And with wind and rain more likely, there’s less leeway for ‘getting away with it’ if you misjudge anything in your plan for the day.

Typical autumn weather conditions also underline the importance of being able to navigate in poor visibility.

Heather said: “You should make a point of carrying a fully charged headtorch – and a spare if possible.

“A careful look at the mountain weather forecast will help to plan an appropriate route for the weather conditions. Autumn brings colder, wetter and windy conditions, which may mean a lower route is the best option.

“But in any case, as well as your waterproofs, an additional warm layer, hat and gloves will make your adventures a lot more enjoyable and safer.”