The voluntary Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) has urged those heading for the hills during the current cold spell to take extra precautions.
They advised people ‘not to head out the door’ before checking the weather forecast first and if they don’t have the appropriate hiking gear.
“If the weather is to be appropriate for a hike, and you have planned your route, be sure to pack warm clothes and extra layers,” a DMRT spokesperson said.
“Also, make sure you have appropriate footwear, food and weather, a head torch and a fully charged phone.”
Walkers should also let someone know of their travel plans, destination and estimated time of return.
The voluntary DMRT had their first callout of the year on New Year’s Day when an injured walker had to be rescued in ‘treacherous’ conditions after falling on their way down Errigal. The person, who was accompanied by another walker, sustained a lower leg injury and was transferred to hospital.
A total of 25 people were involved in the mission to secure the safety of the walkers off the mountain, both of whom suffered mild hypothermia, in some of the worst conditions the team has experienced in a long time.
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