Safety

• Register your phone with the emergency services so you can make contact by text if you have a limited mobile signal: Text “Register” to 999.
• Ensure you can give a Grid Reference to emergency services.  If you use a mapping app, know how to see the grid reference for your location. Note: the OS locate app is being withdrawn from app stores but remains available to OS map app users and those who have previously downloaded it.
• Add Challenge Control contact numbers to your phone and give them to your emergency contacts
• Ensure you have access to Ordnance Survey maps, either physical or digital, during your crossing with a minimum of 10km either side of your route downloaded to your device or printed. All team members should have their own maps and be able to use them.
• Consider carrying a GPS tracker and share the tracker map with Challenge Control via the ICE form or (if already submitted) by email.
• Check both you and your equipment (including your first aid kit) are tried, tested and fit for the Challenge.

• Emergencies – dial 999 or 112.  911 does not work in the UK.  If in difficulty, but not requiring emergency services, contact Challenge Control.
• Phone-in as soon as you are at your Phone-in location.  If behind schedule, phone on the designated day or as soon as possible, if you have no mobile signal.
• Inform Challenge Control of any significant route changes, including use of multiday FWAs, as soon as possible.
• Injury, illness or fitness issues – talk to Challenge Control if you are struggling as they may be able to help simplify your route.
• Personal safety – most people feel less at risk from strangers when in the hills and the camaraderie of the Challenge hopefully reduces this risk further. If you witness, or are a victim of, inappropriate behaviour please speak, in confidence, to Challenge Control. 
• Bothies and other non-commercial accommodation – you need to make your own assessment of risks including the behaviour of others present.

Be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable climate!

• Rain and river crossings – ensure you have the skills, experience and carry out your own risk assessment prior to crossing any watercourse. If in doubt, and certainly if the water comes above your knees, be prepared to divert substantial distances upstream or wait for water levels to drop.
• Snow – accumulations on hills in May is common and fresh snow to lower levels can happen.
• Wind can make walking conditions difficult at times even in the glens.  The Lairig Ghru is a notorious wind funnel which is why it requires an FWA.
• Sub-zero temperatures are common, and wind chill also adds to the risk of hypothermia.  Know the symptoms and how to treat it.
• Prolonged hot weather brings the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
• Lightning, if forecast, is a reason to take your FWA but can also be a risk in the glens.  You should know how to stay safe in such conditions.
• Wildfires are a significant risk after a dry spell of weather.  Please do not light campfires and take care with your stove, particularly in dry and/or windy conditions. Never leave it unattended. Follow Scottish Fire and Rescue on Facebook to receive alerts.

Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) provides detailed 3-day forecasts, and the Met Office gives specific forecasts for some summits. Whilst Challenge Control will circulate extreme weather warnings by text, you should check the relevant forecasts regularly either on-line or by phoning Challenge Control.

• Road walking.  Highland main roads are blighted by fast traffic and large lorries. Try to avoid roads and take care when there is no other option and wear high visibility clothing or a band so traffic can see you. Don’t forget vehicles drive on the left in the UK!
• Ticks & Lyme Disease. Ticks can infect you with Lyme Disease. Have a tick remover in your First Aid Kit and ensure you know how to avoid them, remove them and the signs of Lyme’s disease.
• Animal hazards.  No wild animal in Scotland is likely to harm you but cattle may do.  Avoid entering an enclosure with them if you can or give them as wide a berth as possible.
• Human waste needs to be buried at least 15cm deep and at least 30m from watercourses. Carry out soiled toilet paper and sanitary products and dispose of them appropriately.
• Water-borne infections.  Take care where you source your water and consider using a filter, sterilizing tablets or boiling water before use.  Good hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of becoming ill with gut infections.