Strong winds

Strong wind makes walking harder, chills you quickly and can bring down trees and loose objects. Recognising when it's too windy to carry on, and finding shelter early, keep you safe.

How wind affects you

• Balance. Strong gusts can knock you off your feet, especially on ridges, edges and uneven ground.
• Cold. Wind strips heat from your body, making it feel much colder than the temperature suggests.
• Energy. Walking into wind is tiring and slow. Allow far more time than usual.
• Communication. Wind drowns out voices, making it hard to stay together.

On the move

1. Get off exposed ridges, summits and cliff edges. Choose sheltered valleys and the side of hills away from the wind.
2. Lower your centre of gravity: bend your knees, widen your stance and use walking poles.
3. Brace before gusts. Stop and crouch if one is coming.
4. Keep well away from edges. A sudden gust can push you over.
5. Stay close together and agree simple hand signals.
6. If you can't stand up safely, it's time to turn back or shelter.

Trees and debris

• Avoid woodland in very strong winds. Branches and whole trees can fall without warning, sometimes a day after the wind drops.
• Watch for flying debris such as roof tiles, branches and signs.
• Don't shelter under trees, power lines or loose walls.
• Stay away from fallen power lines. Assume they're live.

Finding shelter

• Use solid walls, boulders, banks or hollows on the side away from the wind.
• In a storm, a sturdy building is safest. Stay away from windows.

Camping in wind

• Pitch in a sheltered spot, behind a wall, bank or dense bushes — but not under trees.
• Point the narrow end, or the low end, of your tent into the wind.
• Use every guy line and peg. Add rocks on pegs if the ground is soft.
• Pack loose items away before you go to sleep.

Stay warm

Put on a windproof layer before you get cold. Cover your head, face and hands. Eat and drink regularly to keep your energy up. Watch for signs of cold injury in yourself and others.

Near water

Wind makes waves larger and more dangerous. Stay back from the edge of lakes, rivers and coasts, especially on rocks and harbour walls. Don't attempt water crossings or boat trips in strong winds.

In towns and villages

The same rules apply away from the hills: stay indoors if you can, keep away from trees and loose structures, and drive only if you must.

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