Hike Safe in Wintery Conditions

The North York Moors are a friendly place; and we welcome visitors from all over the UK; and all around the World as well.

But don't be decieved by the gentle countryside of the lower Dales; Winters on the high Moorland plateau above Rosedale Abbey can be Arctically-harsh.

Snow Storms on the Exposed High Moors Can be Harsh.

And if you've never hill walked in Winter before, adverse cold conditions can be lethal if you're not properly prepared.

Listed below are five common mistakes that walkers can easily make when hiking on the Moors in Winter.

Bad planning

Everything happens for a reason - that' Karma.

But sometime's the reason is that you're stupid, and you make a bad decision!

So just don't!

Prepare properly and you'll reduce the risk of things going wrong.

Plan your route; plan your rest stops and places to eat; plan alternative "escape" routes if things go wrong; plan your timing and allow a good margin for error.

And always be prepared to alter your plan depending on progress and ground conditions.

LOCAL TIP: if you see our Moorland sheep heading down into the Dales off the Moors in Winter, it's because they know there is a big storm coming.  Take the advice of our sheep and stay off the Moors!

Follow their Lead! Stay off the Moors if they're Coming Down!

Lost in the Dark

Short Winter days on the Moors make it easy to run out of daylight if you don't keep a keen eye on the time.

And the higher Moors can be a daunting, wet, cold, and featureless place if you get caught out when darkness falls; especially so if there is snow on the ground, or worse still, falling snow.

The best way to avoid getting lost in the dark is to make an early morning start to maximise your hours of daylight.

So don't have a weekend sleep-in!

Plan your route and perhaps make shorter walks than you would in summer.

Remember, walks on the Moors often take a lot longer under wintery-conditions.

And always remember to bring a torch, even if you’re planning a short walk.

Getting lost

Any navigational error, combined with a wintery change in weather conditions on the Moors can be lethal.

Exposure to prolonged cold is the killer to be avoided.

Take a course in winter navigation.

But, if you get lost, the best advice is to get off the Moors and get down into any of the more sheltered Dales as quickly as possible.

Continue to walk downhill; following streams may be possibe, and you'll eventually reach some inhabited place to seek assistance.

Don't be afraid to knock on the door of any local farmhouse; the people here are freindly enough and will normally assist with telephone or a warm drink.

The North York Moors Are Beautiful in Winter. But be Prepared!

Sudden Weather Changes

Moorland weather is fickle. So be prepared for all eventualities.

Don't get caught out by freezing-rain, fog, or snowfall without appropriate kit.

On the North York Moors, you have to expect the unexpected!

The Wrong Trousers

Arctic conditions may rapidly sweep across the North York Moors; and they will quickly demonstrate any failing in your winter kit.

Forgetting to pack properly can, at best, provide a cold and miserable lesson; at worst, it can kill you.

So make sure your planning involves a consideration of the kit you'll need for the expected (and unexpected) weather you'll face.

Rosedale Abbey in the Snow, February 2014.