Mountain Rescue Teams Share Essential Advice as Clocks Go Back

As the clocks go back on the last Sunday in October, Mountain Rescue England and Wales are marking Mountain Rescue Awareness Day by urging walkers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay prepared, especially as darker evenings set in across Cornwall and beyond.

Why Mountain Rescue Awareness Day Falls on Clock-Change Weekend

This awareness day is purposefully held on the day the UK clocks change, leading to earlier sunsets. Tonight, with the time change, darkness could fall as early as 4pm, particularly under overcast skies—a timing that catches many walkers off guard each year. To avoid the potential risks of being stranded or losing visibility, Mountain Rescue is advising all walkers to start their treks as early as possible.

The Importance of Carrying a Torch

Mountain Rescue teams emphasise that every walker should carry not only a reliable torch but also a spare one in case of delays. A head torch, particularly an LED version, is recommended as it’s lightweight and highly effective on challenging terrain. According to Mountain Rescue, relying on a phone torch is not ideal, as it drains phone battery quickly—battery power that may be crucial for contacting the Police or Mountain Rescue in an emergency.

Share the Message

While today’s advice may be coming late for those already outdoors, Mountain Rescue is encouraging everyone to share the reminder for the coming weeks and months. As shorter days settle in, the advice to carry proper lighting on every outdoor adventure could make a vital difference.