International Mountain Leader Fiona Chappell has been guiding groups into the Cairngorms for nearly two decades. Here, she outlines what she has in the mountains during her time as a Glenmore Lodge Instructor delivering Hill and Mountain Skills courses throughout the warmer months
OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS, we can experience a variety of weather on the hills and mountains – sometimes all in a single day! It’s not unheard of to wake after a summer’s night under the stars to hailstones collecting at the base of your tent. Gaining information from the weather forecast in preparation for a journey is the key to a safe and enjoyable outing.
WHICH WEATHER FORECAST?
Looking at different weather forecasts, especially the mountain- related ones, is essential. Whilst the forecasts may all give the same overall picture, there may be timing differences. Taking note of and understanding these possible changes means we can plan accordingly and build in the appropriate kit needed to deal with the expected conditions.
The Met Office (metoffice.gov.uk) provides a weather forecast for the mountainous regions of the UK from the North West Highlands of Scotland south to Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons. detail hour-by-hour and these are available for many major peaks.
Useful weather insights are also provided by the Mountain Weather ) covering similar mountain regions of the UK and offering forecasts at 900m elevation. This is vital during the summer months during which the day appears bright and sunny from the valleys and glens, but can feel decidedly different on the tops.
There are many more weather forecasts – Meteo Blue, Windy, Accuweather to name a few – with apps available for download so we can have ready access to the most up-to-date information to help us route plan and pack accordingly.
The key features of the forecast that are important to consider are wind speed and direction, precipitation, temperature, cloud cover, sunshine and visibility.
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
The wind, both direction and impact on hillwalkers and our safety. Wind speeds from 30-40mph can affect our balance, whilst speeds of over 40mph have the potential to blow a person off their feet. Speeds of above 60mph would make moving about safely seriously challenging. wind speed on reliable sources of mountain are unpredictable and can cause stumbles, especially when moving over uneven terrain around cols or bealachs. Here, conditions may feel windier than expected. Taking note of the direction the wind is forecast In manageable wind speeds, it’s wise to aim to walk with the wind blowing at our backs as walking into the wind can be more strenuous.
CLOUD GAZING
Precipitation can mean anything from drizzle to persistent heavy ra
