How to Stay Safe in the Hills and using Your GPS unit properly
One of the biggest misconceptions we still see on GPS Training courses is this:
“I’ve got a GPS… so I’ll be fine.”
In reality, Mountain Rescue incidents rarely happen because people don’t own equipment. They happen because the equipment wasn’t prepared, understood or used properly.
Mountain Rescue England & Wales repeatedly emphasises that accidents are usually preventable with simple preparation and decision-making.
A GPS unit is an incredibly powerful safety tool.
But only when used as part of a wider system of planning, awareness and backup thinking.
Before You Leave Home – The 3 Most Important GPS Safety Steps
1. Charge Your GPS Unit (and phone)
Many incidents occur towards the end of the day when energy levels drop, and devices run out of battery.
That means:
- Fully charge your GPS unit
- Fully charge your phone
- Carry a power bank in winter
- Reduce backlight brightness
- Use expedition battery mode where available if your GPS battery is running low
A flat GPS at 4pm in December is not a navigation tool… it’s just extra weight.
2. Plan Your Route AND Escape Routes
Planning a route is good.
Planning how to abandon it safely is better.
Mountain Rescue guidance highlights considering terrain, time of year and darkness before heading out.
With a GPS you should always:
- Create the planned track
- Identify exit points
- Mark parking location
- Mark shelters / valleys / roads
- Identify safe descent lines
This turns your GPS from a tracker into a decision-making tool.
3. Transfer the Route Onto Your Outdoor GPS Unit
This sounds obvious… but it’s a very common failure point.
People often:
- Plan on their computer
- Forgot to transfer it
- Or transfer incorrectly
Before leaving the house:
- Send route to device
- Open it on the GPS and make sure it is on your unit
- Zoom in and visually check it
- Start simulated navigation
If the line appears in the wrong place, you’ve just avoided a real-world navigation error.
- On the Hill – Using Your GPS to Prevent Problems -
Mountain Rescue advise keeping an eye on changing conditions and turning back if necessary.
Your GPS helps you make that decision earlier by showing:
- Distance remaining
- Ascent remaining
- Time to destination
- Distance to escape point
- Speed is slowing due to fatigue
The real safety benefit of GPS isn’t location finding…
It’s knowing when to stop before the situation becomes serious.
If Something Goes Wrong – What Mountain Rescue Want You To Do
▶ How to Call Mountain Rescue and What To Do
Key point:
Dial 999 → ask for Police → then Mountain Rescue and give location details, including grid reference if possible.
Your GPS unit is the fastest and most reliable way to obtain this accurately.
There is a video taking you through this; you can view it online here.
▶ Understanding Weather and Planning For It
Mountain weather can change rapidly and may be worse than forecast.
Your GPS track + escape routes are what allow you to act early rather than react late.
You can watch a video looking at this whole subject online here.
▶ What Kit You Should Carry
Essential items always include navigation tools and emergency signalling equipment.
A GPS unit supports — but never replaces — map, compass and good judgement.
There is a video with the team leader of Northumberland Mountain Rescue discussing kit online here.
The Real Purpose of a GPS Unit
A GPS does not make the hills safer.
A prepared walker makes the hills safer.
Your GPS simply allows you to:
- Make decisions earlier
- Communicate accurately
- Avoid escalation
- Shorten rescue time if required
The best outcome for Mountain Rescue is always the same:
They never have to come out.
Want to Learn This Properly?
On our GPS Training courses, we don’t just teach button pressing.
We teach:
- Safe route planning
- Escape strategy thinking
- Real-world navigation judgement
- Emergency procedure confidence
Because knowing how to use the device is only half the skill.
Knowing when to use it is the part that keeps you safe.
1. Garmin GPS Training Courses
2. TwoNav GPS Training Courses
Further reading
1. Video interviews with Iain Nixon, team leader of Northumberland National Park Rescue Team
2. UK Grid reference finder
3. Planning a walk in the hills on your PC or Mac
4. Free OS planner