Heavy snow forecast for Scotland this weekend
- Thursday 4th February 2021
The latest weather forecasts are predicting heavy snow to hit the north-east of the UK over the next few days.
The Glenshee area of Scotland appears at the very top of the list with over 100cms of snow forecast. The Lecht comes in second with 93cms then Cairngorm 43cm, Glencoe 18cms and finally Nevis Range 14cms.
Mountaineering Scotland recently issued further advice for anyone venturing into the hills. Accepting that the current ongoing Covid lockdown is restricting most people from accessing the high mountains the advice has been offered for those venturing out to enjoy their local areas.
A summary of the current travel guidelines for outdoor recreation and exercise in Scotland is available on the Mountaineering Scotland website (www.mountaineering.scot/coronavirus) along with further guidance for walkers and climbers which highlights the additional considerations to be aware of in the presence of COVID when taking part in outdoor activities.
Stuart Younie, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland said: “There are fewer people about in the hills and mountains because most are adhering to the travel guidelines and tending to choose less busy areas, meaning climbers, walkers and skiers need to be far more dependent on their own skills and resources. The unusually cold start to this year has also brought full winter conditions to the lower hills and paths, which means we have seen skiing and winter walking taking place in areas where we wouldn’t normally see so much activity, especially in the hills accessible from the central belt.
“The basics of heading to the hills in winter are explained on our website at www.mountaineering.scot/thinkwinter - and that’s free advice available for both members and non-members.”
Some recent incidents have highlighted the situation where hill goers have travelled further than the travel restrictions allow and have then required assistance to get off the hill safely, resulting in charges and fines for the breach of travel regulations. It is important to stress that support from mountain rescue volunteers is available 24/7 for anyone getting into difficulties in the hills by calling 999 and asking for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Damon Powell, Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, added: “Despite the challenges the current situation is putting on our volunteer members, Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams remain ready to respond to anyone who gets into difficulty in the outdoors, wherever that may be. If you are lost or injured and can’t get off the hill call 999, ask for Police then ask for Mountain Rescue.”