From the promise of an ice cream to a dip in the sea, there’s always something to look forward to on a summer walk. With more daylight and fewer layers, we can also venture out more often and for longer. And, with a little planning, we can enjoy the heat and sunshine safely. 
 
But in 2024, not a day went by without Mountain Rescue being called out somewhere in England or Wales. Meanwhile, heatwaves in southern Europe and the US led to an increase in heat-related illnesses and fatalities among hikers.  

Venturing out in hot weather can bring risks even for experienced ramblers, so follow our Walking Experience Team’s summer travel safety tips to help you stay safe on summer walks, whether solo or in a group, at home or abroad.  

 

Be prepared for walking in summer heat  

Before you head out...  

Seek out shade. In summer, consider an early morning or evening walk to avoid the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm. Extend the timings of the walk to allow for more frequent rest and water stops. If doing a group walk recce, locate areas of shade to stop in or choose naturally shaded routes such as woodlands.  

Choose suitable summer walking gear. Check the weather forecast and plan your clothing accordingly. For sunny walks, take a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose, lightweight clothes that provide plenty of coverage. Be prepared for weather changes, too, however unlikely that may seem. A lightweight waterproof jacket is handy both for unexpected showers and walks in the hills where temperatures are generally cooler. 

Plan for emergencies. Walking is a low-risk activity, but it’s wise to be prepared. Carry a first-aid kit, as well as a warm layer, torch and whistle in case you need to signal for help. In areas of poor mobile signal, a text message is more likely to get through than a phone call.  

Set yourself up with the emergency SMS service so you can text rather than call 999. To register, simply text ‘Register’ to 999 and follow the instructions in the reply.  

Store an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact and essential medical information on your smartphone, as walking companions or first responders will be able to access these in an emergency, even on a locked phone. To find out how to do this for your phone, search online for ‘Set up ICE on [model of phone]’. If you ever need to access someone else’s ICE details, swipe up on their phone’s lock screen.  

If walking on your own, make sure someone knows where you’ve gone and when you’ll be back. And call or message them when you’re safely home or if your plans change. It’s worth setting a phone reminder to check in with them – rescue services are often called unnecessarily to search for a missing walker who’s gone to the pub!  

 

Summer safety tips for hiking in hot weather 

Hydrate. Carry plenty of water with you – experts recommend drinking one litre per hour when you’re hiking in hot conditions. Consider using a water bladder to make it easy to access. Sip regularly to avoid becoming dehydrated; don’t wait until you feel thirsty. On a longer hike, take water purifying tablets or a purification filter in case you need extra fluid.  

Use sun protection. Put on plenty of sun cream (SPF 30+) before your walk and reapply regularly – the NHS recommends every two hours. Your forehead, scalp and ears are particularly vulnerable, so wear a hat, even on overcast days. Choose one with a wide brim and/or neck flap to protect your face, head and neck. In the heat it’s a natural impulse to remove clothing, but you’ll be better protected if you wear lightweight items that cover your arms and legs but don’t make you overheat. Fabrics with a tight weave offer the best protection. If you do remove a piece of clothing, apply sun cream to any newly exposed skin. 

Protect your phone. A mobile phone can be a great navigation aid, but in the summer phone batteries tend to lose charge more quickly and your device may become very hot. Keep your phone out of direct sunlight, carry a battery power pack so you can charge on the go, and take a paper map and compass as back-up.  

In an emergency, your smartphone can be a lifeline, helping rescuers to locate you and give instructions. Don’t turn your phone off to save the battery, but instead switch it to low-power mode, turn down the screen brightness and disable functions such as vibrate, data roaming and Bluetooth to conserve power. A geolocation app such as OS Locate or What3words (both free) can help first responders pinpoint your location if you’re lost or injured in a remote place.  

Look out for each other. When walking in a group, keep an eye on your fellow walkers in the heat. As well as sunburn, look out for signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.  

It’s natural for the group to spread out as those who cope well in the heat are less affected. Use landmarks and rest stops to regroup, and make sure everyone knows who the walk leader and back-marker are so the whole group comes together at each stopping point.  

If taking your dog on a walk, take water for them, too, and let them have a lie-down in the shade when they’re looking tired. A waterside route will give your dog a chance to have a dip and keep cool.  

Be flexible. In warm weather you may need more rest stops to encourage everyone to stay hydrated, or you might need to change a planned route to a shadier location. In recent years, extreme heat and drought have increased the risk of grass fires and wildfires, so keep an eye out and use plan B routes if necessary.  

Look out for livestock. In summer, livestock are generally out in the fields, so close gates behind you. Follow the Countryside Code in England and Wales or Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and keep dogs on leads around livestock.  

 

At the end of the walk  

The homeward leg. If travelling by car, stash a snack and drink for a post-walk pick-me-up, along with an extra layer of clothing. If using public transport, aim to have a few travel options and not be reliant on one last bus or train home.  

All back, all safe. Before heading home, make sure everyone in your group is back, feeling OK and not suffering from heat exhaustion, and has a plan to get home. If walking on your own, don’t forget to tell your emergency contact you are back safe.  

Report any problems. On a Ramblers group walk, it’s important that the walk leader reports any incidents or near misses. This helps us plan and lead safe walks for everyone. If there were any issues with the paths you used – such as being overgrown or inaccessible – report these to the local highway authority.  

 

Walking holidays overseas: summer travel safety tips 

Hiking on holiday is a wonderful way to explore another country, but even experienced ramblers can be caught out by an unfamiliar climate and terrain. TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley was one of several tourists who died while out walking in the Greek islands during a summer 2004 heatwave.  

Studies have shown extreme heat may impair our ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. So, as well as following our advice for warm-weather walking (see above and right), prepare thoroughly to ensure you stay safe.  

Do your research. Before you set off, plan your route, familiarise yourself with any signage you’ll be following and find out the emergency services phone number in the country you’re visiting. In the UK, we take OS maps and signed rights of way for granted, but bear in mind that other countries may not have equivalents.  

Consider the conditions. Check temperature and humidity forecasts, and plan appropriately. In hot environments, the most common issues are getting lost, overheating and running out of water. In mountainous areas, remember that temperatures can drop significantly as you climb. You’ll also be exposed to more UV, making sun protection even more vital.  

Be altitude aware. The higher you are above sea level, the lower the air pressure and the less oxygen you take in with each breath. Your heart rate and respiration increase as your body works harder to get oxygen. You’re likely to tire more quickly and need more water, and you might feel headachy, dizzy or nauseous. Pace yourself, don’t push yourself, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. 

Ask for advice. If you aren’t 100% sure of your route, ask for directions. Even if there’s a language barrier, you can communicate using smartphone maps and translation apps, drawings or gesticulation. It’s worth asking more than one person to get a consensus.  

 

Safety in summer heat: warm weather walking essentials  

 

• Sun cream: The NHS advises an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UVB rays, and at least four-star UVA protection.  
• Sunhat: A style with a wide brim, or peak and neck flap, gives the best protection.  
• Sunglasses: As well as protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses will help keep dust, pollen and wayward branches out of your eyes. Choose a pair with a close, comfortable fit and lenses that protect against both glare and UV.  
• Water bladder/hydration reservoir: A water bladder allows you to carry larger quantities of water in your rucksack more comfortably than bottles and to easily rehydrate while you walk.  
• Water purifier: Pack a micro-filtration device (such as a LifeStraw or Lifesystems purifier) or water purification tablets so you can safely drink water from any source.  
• Bug basics: Make sure your summer first-aid kit includes a tick-removal tool and cream for insect bites and stings. You might also want insect repellent and a mosquito head net.  
• A warm layer: A hot day can quickly become chilly if you head into the hills or as evening falls, so pack a lightweight jacket or fleece.   

 

ICE cards 

ICE cards let you record essential medical information and emergency contact details in a format that is easily accessible should something happen to you on your walk. The new, improved Ramblers ICE cards (right) are credit card-sized and made from waterproof material, so they’re more durable and easier to carry. Ramblers walk leaders can order packs of cards from us free of charge to distribute to their group. Follow your walk leader’s instructions for storing your ICE card. If walking solo, place the card somewhere easy to find, such as in a mobile phone case.