Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Offer Advice To Hikers.

Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue revealed that they responded to seven call-outs from August 17th to September 17th.

Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue revealed that they responded to seven call-outs from August 17th to September 17th.

It has been a busy month for Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue, who have noted a ‘busy period’ in the past four weeks as autumn rolled in.

According to the mountain rescue team, 60% of their call-outs over the past four weeks have been in relation to lost and/or disorientated hikers that were either travelling individually or in groups. They believe that this is due to the days becoming darker and daylight dying faster.

They took to social media this week to write “Even for the most seasoned hikers, darkness brings a sense of disorientation. Distance perception & walking times become impacted. Things simply look different out on the hill when darkness falls.”

The mountain rescue teams have offered advice to hikers as the autumn rolls on, including:

• Planning your route and deciding on whether or not it suits your ability.
• Always carry a fully-charged phone.
• Always pack warm clothing and a hot flask of liquid (tea, coffee, etc.)
• Always let a family member of friend know your intended route and when you expect to be back.