A good day on the hills rarely happens by accident. It usually begins the evening before, with a map on the table, a pot of tea and a little thought about the day ahead. The planning need not be elaborate. Here is a simple checklist that works for most low and mid-level walks in the British uplands.

Choose a walk that fits the group

Start with honesty. A route that suits an experienced walker may be too long or steep for someone newer to the hills. Look at the distance, the amount of climbing and the type of terrain, then add extra time for breaks, photographs and slower stretches. As a rough rule, many walkers allow about an hour for every three miles on flat ground, plus extra time for every few hundred metres of ascent. Your own pace is the best guide, so note how long previous walks took.

If you are just starting, choose a circular route with clear paths and an easy escape down to a lane or village if the weather turns.

Read the weather properly

A town forecast can be misleading when you are walking at height. It is usually colder, windier and wetter on the tops than in the valley. Check a forecast written for hills or mountains, and pay attention to:

Wind speed, which makes a cold day feel far colder and can make exposed ridges difficult.
Cloud base, because low cloud can hide paths and landmarks.
Temperature at height, rather than at the car park.
Rainfall timing, as paths and streams can change quickly.

If conditions look poor, choosing a lower route or another day is a sensible decision, not a failure.

Pack what you actually need

The weather can change quickly, so carry more than you think you will need in sunshine. A sensible day pack includes:

A waterproof jacket and, ideally, waterproof trousers.
A warm layer, a hat and gloves, even in summer.
Plenty of water and food, with a little extra.
A paper map and a compass, and the knowledge to use them.
A torch or head torch, a whistle and a small first aid kit.
A fully charged phone, though signal is often patchy on higher ground.

Good footwear matters too. Boots or sturdy shoes with a decent grip will keep you steadier and happier on wet or uneven ground.

Learn to navigate

A phone app is useful, but batteries run flat and screens can be hard to read in rain. Learning to read a map and use a compass is a skill that brings real peace of mind. Practice on easy, well-marked walks before you need it in poor visibility.

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Agree a turn-back time, a point at which you will head down even if you have not reached the top. Daylight, tiredness and weather all matter, and a summit is not worth getting into difficulty. If you do get into trouble in the UK hills, you can call 999 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue.

Treat the land well

Enjoying the hills includes looking after them. Our guide to the Countryside Code on the footpath covers gates, livestock and litter. And if you plan to visit a protected landscape, you may like our introduction to visiting a national park.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a map and compass if I have a phone? It is wise to carry both. A phone can fail through cold, damp or a flat battery, while a paper map and compass do not.

How much water should I carry? This depends on the weather and the length of the walk, but many walkers carry at least a litre or two for a full day, and more in hot conditions.

What if the weather turns bad mid-walk? Put on your layers early, slow down, and choose the safest route down. If you are unsure, turn back along the path you know.

Steps

Choose a suitable route: Pick a walk that suits the fitness and experience of the slowest member of your group.
Check the forecast: Look at the mountain or hill forecast, paying attention to wind, visibility and temperature.
Pack the essentials: Carry waterproofs, spare layers, food, water, a map and compass, a torch and a charged phone.
Tell someone your plan: Leave your route and expected return time with a friend or family member.
Set a turn-back time: Agree a time or condition at which you will turn round, whatever the summit looks like.