Resources

An assortment of useful hillwalking related information and web-resources

Kit Lists

Author: 
Dave Farrow

Personal on the hill:

In addition in winter take:

The following items may be useful if you have them.

Each group should also carry between them:

For the bunkhouse:

Mountain Guidelines

Author: 
Sarah Hammond (revised by Dave Farrow 2010)

Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end. Edward Whymper, "Scrambles amongst the Alps"

Although the possibility of accident when on the hills can never be totally eradicated, it can be reduced. Equally, in the event of an incident, the chances of survival can be improved if everyone is suitably equipped. These safety guidelines set out a basic, mandatory framework within which Club members can operate. It is hoped that many of you are familiar with their content; we do not mean to patronise or discourage anyone.

It must be stressed that it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they follow these guidelines. Any person inadequately equipped endangers not only themselves, but also their companions, and so cannot expect the club to allow them to participate on walks.

Whatever the weather conditions, wherever you are, you should observe the following guidelines.

  1. Carry everything in a rucksack, the contents of which are in a tough, waterproof plastic bag, with room over the top to make a seal. About 25 to 35 litres is adequate for a daysack.
  2. Carry or wear several layers of clothing, including a hat and gloves. Synthetic clothes are best – jogging trousers, fleeces etc.
    • Cotton garments are not advisable, especially next to the skin, as they are not warm when wet.
    • Jeans especially should not be worn; they are uncomfortable and very cold when wet.
  3. It is essential to carry or wear a hooded, waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers even in good conditions.
  4. Wear a supportive walking boot with a decent tread. Waterproof boots are recommended (either leather, or lined fabric). Boots not intended for hillwalking are unsuitable.
  5. Take plenty of carbohydrate (bread) and energy rich food (chocolate).
    • Emergency rations should also be carried and only eaten in an emergency.
    • Plenty of liquid should be carried - water is good and refreshing in summer. In wintry conditions, a flask of hot drink (soup/coffee/tea) is welcome.
  6. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
    • Basic navigation skills are not difficult to pick up; ask a committee member or experienced club member if you wish to acquire some.
  7. Carry a simple first aid kit containing plasters, bandage, tape, safety pins, painkillers, nail scissors/penknife. Also paper and pencil for recording details of an injury. Personal medical details could also be useful e.g. allergies.
  8. Wear a watch. Especially in winter, be aware what time it gets dark and plan your route accordingly.
  9. Carry a torch (with spare batteries).
  10. Each group should have at least one whistle, group shelter and group first aid kit.
  11. Leave note of your intended route, including escape route. Do not feel obliged to follow this religiously if it entails unnecessary discomfort or danger. It is important to know when to turn back.
  12. If at any time, you fell unwell or unhappy, let the others in the group know and take appropriate action. To continue under such circumstances, endangers yourself and the party.
  13. Winter hillwalking involves more potential danger. The basic summer equipment is required, as well as more serious equipment and clothing e.g. a thermal base layer, gaiters, balaclava.
    • An ice axe and crampons should be carried and used if conditions require it - an ice axe is no good strapped to a rucksack when there is snow on the ground. The walker should know how to use both.
    • Most club trips do not require this, although given the period covered by the academic year, everyone should be aware of the dangers.

If you have any queries on the above, please contact a member of the committee for further advice. These guidelines are not intended to alarm anyone, but to safeguard club members in the event of the worst happening. By sticking to the above, the likelihood of this is very much reduced. An adequately equipped person will find their hillwalking far more enjoyable.

This document is a designed to be read along with the Safety Policy and Emergency Procedures (External link to MCofS website).

Other Clubs and Organisations

Author: 
Toby Speight

Please note: the resources listed here are outside our control, so links will occasionally be inoperative, despite regular checks. Please help by reporting broken links to the webmaster. Any additions would also be greatly appreciated.

Cambridge University clubs

For a full list, see the University Computing Service's list. Of particular interest to hillwalkers will be

In addition to the outdoor clubs, members may be interested in the CU First Aid Society.

Cambridge city clubs

Also in Cambridge are the Cambridge Climbing and Caving Club.

The "Old Duffers"

The Old Duffers is where people from CUHWC can keep in touch after they've graduated; it also includes some extant Club members, and one or two friends, siblings, &c.

Mountaineers' associations

Walkers' associations

Fell-runners' associations

The Fell Runners Association represents fellrunners in England.

Training

Mountain Leader Training UK is a UK-wide body setting standards and awards for leaders of outdoor activities. Most courses are organized through the national bodies MLT England, MLT Wales, MLT Scotland and MLT Northern Ireland (neither of which appear to have their own websites, but details are on the UK site).

Mountain Rescue

Accommodation

Transport

National Trusts

Government Conservation bodies

Natural England exists to advise Government and others on how they can contribute to the conservation of the English countryside, and people's enjoyment of it.

Conservation charities

Weather

Please note: the resources listed here are outside our control, so links will occasionally be inoperative, despite regular checks. Please help by reporting broken links to the webmaster. Any additions would also be greatly appreciated.

UK mountain weather

UK snow conditions

General UK and worldwide weather

Satellite images

Forecasts on Radio and Television

Telephone forecast for the Lake District

General weather indexes