Reminder of winter nights
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) is reminding walkers over the half term holiday to remember the implications of the clocks going back on Sunday morning (25 October).
“We switch from BST to GMT with the clocks going back an hour during the first weekend of half term,” said Team Leader, Martin Cotterell. “This means it’ll be getting dark soon after 4pm – a bit of a shock after the longer days of the early autumn – and we know that it catches some walkers unawares every year.”
The advice from the Team is for walkers to plan ahead, get as early a start in the day as they can and to go out prepared for a possible dark finish to their walk.
“Just having a torch with you can make all the difference,” said Martin, “but it is even better to plan to be down off the mountains and on to safer paths before it gets dark. The sudden change to darker evenings is always a surprise to some and it can be made even more marked if the weather’s not so good.”
“This time of year can be one of the best for walking in Cumbria – the colours and any clear skies can be stunning,” he continued, “so we’re keen to encourage visitors to get out and enjoy the best of our area. We just want to remind them to be prepared and to stay safe.”