Mountain rescue teams warn 'easy' Munros have become 'injury hotspots'

A warning has been issued to people planning to climb Scotland’s so-called “easy” Munro’s that have become injury “hotspots”.

Police Scotland Tayside Mount Rescue Team and Tayside Mountain Rescue volunteers have shared their experiences of being regularly called to “tourist hills” due to hillwalkers being injured.

Hills like Ben Chonzie near Comrie, The Ben Lawers range near Loch Tay, Mayar and Driesh at Glen Doll/Glen Prosen and Mount Keen at Glen Esk are among the places known as “hotspots”.

The force added that although other areas produce repeat calls the hills that are popular with tourists have an increased chance of injury.

Constable Morgan, team leader of the Police MRT, shared his experience dealing with rescuing people in the area saying that “very often” he hears people say they read online it was “supposed to be an easy Munro”.

“Every time we rescue someone, I make contact with them in the days that follow and chat to them about their ordeal.

“Very often, when the incident has involved the likes of Ben Chonzie or Mount Keen for example, people tell me that they read online before heading out, that it was supposed to be an ‘easy Munro’, or someone had recommended it to them.”

The constable added that while the information is well-intended it can lead people to having a false sense of security and suddenly finding themselves in trouble.

“In reality, a hill is only as easy as you make it. Without good planning, preparation and self-awareness, any walk can be made significantly harder than it should have been, which is a great shame as we simply want folk to have a great day out with lots of fun.

In a message to hillwalkers, he said: “If the visibility was suddenly reduced on a hill and failed to clear, would you know exactly where you are and what to do next?

“If not, what steps could you take before you venture out to give yourself confidence around your navigation ability?”.