Читать книгу Walking on Rum and the Small Isles. Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll and Tiree онлайн

19 страница из 49

Gaiters are indispensable on terrain that can be very boggy in places. Telescopic walking poles are very useful, especially when carrying a heavy pack on multi-day walks. A warm hat and gloves should find a place in your rucksack, even in summer. Sun cream, a sun hat and sunglasses should also be carried from spring through to autumn. Always carry plenty of food, including high-energy snacks, and plenty of water. With the exceptions of Tiree and Muck, there are frequent opportunities to fill up from the islands’ many burns. The water is generally safe to drink; however, take water-purifying tablets if you are worried about contamination.

A basic medical kit and a survival bag should always be carried and a mobile phone is useful in case of misadventure. A head torch is invaluable if you are benighted and can help to attract attention in an emergency; carrying a whistle is useful for the same purpose. From late spring until late autumn it is worth carrying some serious insect repellent (some swear by Avon ‘Skin So Soft’) and a midge/mosquito hat – or net to place over a hat – are useful lines of defence against Culicoides impunctatus. The O'Tom tick removing fork is the best tool for this delicate job. Lightweight binoculars are worth their weight for admiring the islands’ splendid wildlife.