Читать книгу Trail and Fell Running in the Yorkshire Dales. 40 runs in the National Park, including the Three Peaks онлайн

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Maps and navigation aids: a map in a polypocket is simple and effective

Safety and mountain rescue

A runner is responsible for their own safety as they move through the mountains. There are a few precautions that should always be taken to minimise the chance of a small slip or slight navigational error escalating into a larger incident.

First, always carry the appropriate level of kit for the run. It is also important to recognise when you should put on that waterproof jacket or hat and gloves. Many runners on longer runs find that they can keep going the extra distance, while all the time their bodies may be cooling down if the weather conditions are poor. Runners need to be aware of the causes and effects of hypothermia and how to prevent it.

Running regularly inevitably means you are likely to have a small slip or take a tumble at some point. How you respond to these incidents is important in preventing the situation getting worse. To begin with, check you are ok to carry on. Do you need to take a shorter route back to the start? Consider walking for a few minutes to give your body time to settle down; or, if need be, walk all the way back. Consider putting on extra clothing. If the injury is serious and you cannot continue, then consider calling mountain rescue. Call 999, ask for the police and inform them that you need mountain rescue. They will ask you to provide some basic information: current location – preferably a description with place names and a six-figure grid reference; the nature of the injury; and your details. Although phone coverage in the Dales has improved over the years, you are not guaranteed to get a good signal. If your phone reads ‘emergency calls only’, your 999 call will ‘roam’ to another network, enabling you to reach the Police; however, please be aware that no one will be able to ring you back. In this situation call 999 again ten minutes later, so that someone with local area knowledge may be able to clarify your initial information. Also consider sending a text message (which is more likely to work than a voice call) to someone who is able to help.