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Moving safely at night

Travelling in the dark is slower and riskier, so it's usually best to stop and wait for daylight. Sometimes, though, you need to keep going, and a few simple habits make it much safer.

Should you move at all?

Consider staying put if the ground is steep, rocky, icy or unfamiliar, or if there's no path. Many injuries happen at night from trips and falls. If you're sheltered, warm and not in danger, waiting a few hours is often the wisest choice.

Light

A head torch keeps your hands free. Carry spare batteries or a power bank.
Use the lowest brightness you can. It saves battery and keeps your night vision.
A red light setting helps you read a map without losing your night vision.
Point your light at the ground a few steps ahead, not into the distance.

Night vision

Your eyes take 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark. A bright light ruins this in seconds.

Close one eye when you have to use a bright light, so that eye stays adjusted.
Look slightly to the side of something you're trying to see. Your side vision works better in low light.

Walking safely

Slow down and shorten your steps.
Test each step before putting weight on it, especially near edges or water.
Use a walking pole or stick to feel the ground ahead.
Keep to paths and tracks. Avoid crossing streams, scree or cliffs.
Take regular rests. Tiredness leads to mistakes.

Navigating

Walk on a compass bearing between features you can identify.
Use handrails: follow a wall, fence, stream or path that leads where you want to go.
Count your paces, as distances feel longer in the dark.
Stars can help keep a straight line if you can see them.
The app's dim compass mode points to your next waypoint and uses little battery.

As a group

Keep together. Agree that the slowest person walks near the front.
Stay within sight or voice range of each other at all times.
Check everyone regularly. Count heads at every stop.

Stay warm and seen

Temperatures drop quickly after dark. Put on an extra layer before you get cold. Wear something bright or reflective so others, including drivers on roads, can see you.

If something goes wrong

If you lose your way or someone is hurt, stop. Shelter, keep warm and wait for daylight unless you are in immediate danger. Signal for help with six whistle blasts or torch flashes, repeated every minute.

This article is in the Grid Survivor app, searchable with no signal. Get the app · £4.99