Safety
‘Walking responsibly’ includes thinking about yourself, the emergency services, other people, and the countryside.
In an emergency, the international distress signal is a group of six loud blasts of a whistle or torch flashes at night, to be repeated at one-minute intervals. The emergency number in the UK is 999 and you should ask for mountain rescue.
In Hayfield village there are Defibrillators outside the Hayfield Parish Council building, The George Hotel, The Sportsman Inn. There is also one at Sett Valley cafe, Birch Vale. And another outside the Lantern Pike Inn, Little Hayfield.
Keep yourself safe
Photo by Fredrik Solli Wandem on Unsplash
PLAN your walk carefully and carry a MAP and compass as well as your phone.
If possible, walk in pairs or small groups.
Check the WEATHER forecast and remember that the weather can change quickly particularly in winter.
Wear suitable CLOTHING and, in particular, boots appropriate for hill walking.
Carry FOOD & DRINK and additional warm and waterproof clothing (including hat and gloves). If you have to stop walking, you will cool quickly.
TELL SOMEONE where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Carry a FIRST AID KIT including a survival bag that will keep you warm in an emergency.
Remember that mobile phones may not have a signal in the hills so do not rely on them for making contact or route finding. They can also fail in extreme cold.
Protect the countryside
Leave no trace of your visit. TAKE RUBBISH HOME. (Why not be generous and pick up other people’s
litter and take that home too, if you see any.)
Do not pick flowers, damage hedges or walls, or disturb wildlife.
STAY ON THE PATH and avoid eroding the edge of paths and extending them.
LEAVE GATES AS YOU FIND THEM
Use stiles and gates rather than climbing over fences and walls so as not to cause damage.
Remember short cuts can damage wildlife habitat and change water courses.
DON’T HAVE BBQs or fires.
Be considerate to other people
Photo by Benjamin Sander Bergum on Unsplash
Use local shops, restaurants and B&Bs
Arrive by public transport
Use the car parks or park carefully so access to gateways and driveways is clear.
Respect farmland and livestock. Read the signs telling you what to do around cattle.
Give way to others if a path is narrow
Ensure that your dog is under effective control particularly around people, livestock, and crops.
Keep your dog on a short lead around sheep.
Always bag and bin your dog’s poo wherever you are and take it home.