A POLICE mountain rescue team has issued a warning for walkers to plan their hikes in Dumfries and Galloway ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

Sgt Peter Lorain-Smith of Police Scotland's Mountain Rescue Team, said: “If you are thinking of heading to the hills and mountains, it's important to be prepared by planning the route and having suitable equipment and clothing, as the weather up in the hills can change quickly.

"We have come across examples of walkers not being prepared for the walks that they are undertaking, including people being on the hills without maps, torches or basic survival gear, or the skills to use them.

"The message is come to the hills and enjoy them, but be prepared for all eventualities and don't go beyond your ability.

“We ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider if it's safe to climb a particular route.

"The environment of the mountains are by their very nature unpredictable, if you need assistance phone 999 and ask for police then mountain rescue, you will be helped, however, because of the covid-19 restrictions and volume of calls, it may take longer than normal for us to get to you.”

For information: www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot