Hillwalkers have been urged to remember the importance of a map and compass and not put all of their faith in ”totally inadequate” smartphone technology.
The Scottish Mountain Safety Forum (SMSF) said that in the country smartphones were not so smart and apps should only be seen as an extra tool to orienteering skills.
Alfie Ingram, chairman of SMSF, said: ”Everyone should remember that the objective of any outing is safe return to home, and having the correct equipment and appropriate skills are essential in ensuring this is achieved safely and effectively.”
A forum spokesman said: ”Walking and climbing are two activities for which Scotland is particularly well known, be it a gentle low level outing or a serious mountaineering expedition.
”Whichever of these is undertaken, good preparation, and use of the correct equipment are paramount in ensuring the best is achieved in the chosen activity, and most importantly a safe return.”
The forum said preparation and equipment are of major significance the more remote or challenging the terrain or activity and it is essential that prior to an undertaking time is spent learning the necessary skills, as well as obtaining and learning how to use the correct equipment for the trip.
Statistics show poor navigation is a disproportionate reason for mountain rescue call-outs.
The forum said: ”Of particular concern on all occasions was the complete over-reliance on sophisticated technology, ie smartphones, which together with the users’ lack of ability proved to be totally inadequate.
”The simple map and compass remain the essential navigation tools, which every hillgoer should have with them at all times, always ensuring of course that the map covers the area of the planned journey.”
It said smartphone apps should always be viewed as an adjunct to basic map and compass skills and never as the one piece of equipment which has all the answers.
The forum added: ”With the hours of daylight diminishing rapidly and the first snows of winter already on the higher hills it is timely to ensure that skills, planning, and equipment are more than adequate to meet the challenges of the shorter days and colder weather.”