Nobody wants to get lost when hiking but it happens regularly and it is best to be prepared and know what to do.
If you need the
Emergency Services call
999 or 112
To avoid getting lost, you should:
- Plan your hike and route.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast and sunset times.
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing
- Bring adequate food and drink
- Have a fully charged mobile phone with spare charging unit (fully charged)
- Bring a map and compass and learn how to use them.
- Bring a whistle and torch to draw attention.


Take photos as you go,
and refer to these to help
retrace your steps
While hiking, look around you and note features, stop and look behind you, take photos, stick to trails if possible, use your map and compass even in good visibility and when you know your location. These visual clues should help you if you get lost.

If you do get lost, remain calm, have a snack, put on an extra layer, consider trying to retrace your steps.
If you have to call the emergency services give as much detail as possible. If you have to wait and cannot find shelter try to hunker down in the lee of a rock or bank or even a little depression in the ground, you can always find some type of shelter. Ration out your food and stay positive.