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Date of Incident

18/04/2024

Country

Scotland

Route

WH route in reverse

Activity

Winter walking

When

On the tops

Injury

No injury

Incident

I had been checking and rechecking the weather trying to find a good Munro hill walk after months of dreadful winds. I identified these two Munros wind speed forecast up to 40mph I knew it would be raining. I felt I would manage. I am a solo hillwalker. But I am cautious and careful.
Set off in full waterproofs, map, OS route downloaded and my daughter notified as to my intended route.
Good going until I got onto the tops the wind was horrendous, violent rain and I was soaked to the skin pretty quickly, my map and other things like my waterproof bag for my phone blew away by the time I reached the first summit. Went through three pairs of gloves.
It was blown off course a few times.
My hands were so cold I found it difficult to use my phone as a result got lost
I developed a strategy of putting one hand up into my neck to warm it whilst the other was using my walking pole.
Once I had summited I could have turned back but I felt the worst of the wind was behind me which it was and it was better to move forward.
I followed fence posts which I remembered from my research to get back on track.
I carried on I dare not stop to eat or drink as I felt that would be a mistake
I’ve never been so cold so wet or so tired.
I had a blizzard bag but felt I would be in danger if I stopped I had moments I doubted I would survive to be honest even if that sounds melodramatic.
I carried on reached the 2nd summit just because it was on the way luck rather than judgement at this stage.
The descent seemed interminable I was so cold I began to dither but I knew moving was the best thing to do I was so tired I began to fall The worst was falling in a burn and getting soaked even more
I was also keeping my phone in my bra to keep it dry but it was tricky then to get it out!
I got back eventually a 7 hour walk took me 9 1/2 hours
What kept me going was determination and the riot act my brother who is an air sea rescue pilot read me before I started the Munros about not putting others at risk.
I found out afterwards the forecast was wrong the winds had actually been 60mph! If I had known that I’d never have gone out.

Lessons

I could not have done more research just a bit unlucky the forecast was wrong
However I immediately improved my kit by buying very expensive waterproof gloves and reassessing the old stuff like my trousers and jacket which are perhaps past their sell by date in terms of being waterproof.
I feel I’ve also shown that I can endure and get myself out of situations.

Causes

Adverse Weather

Anonymous?

Yes

Reported By

Participant

Wearing Helmets?

Rescue Services Involved?

None

Author

26 June 2024 at 19:29:54

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All reports are self-submitted and have not been edited by the BMC in any way, so please keep an open mind regarding the lessons and causes of each incident or near-miss. 

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