UK mountain conditions, in one place

• For wind bands, see the MWIS icon key. Mountaineering Scotland says 60–70 mph is dangerous, and 70+ means a low-level day.
• Plan around the gusts, not the average: Plas y Brenin says 40 mph knocks you off balance and 50 mph can blow you over.
• Wind rises with height, so read the forecast for the height you will reach.
• Wind chill: in a 20–30 mph wind, 0°C feels like −10°C (Mountaineering Scotland).
• Use wind direction: keep exposed sections with the wind at your back, or pick a sheltered (leeward) flank.
• In winter, winds of 15 mph or more move snow onto leeward slopes, building cornices and windslab.

• If the forecast cloud base is below your summit, plan to navigate by map and compass.
• MWIS gives a chance of cloud-free summits each day, a quick test for a views day.
• If the freezing level is at or below your summit, expect ice or snow underfoot and rime on rock; carry winter kit.
• A freezing level well above the summits in winter means thaw: wet snow, rockfall and poor ice.

• Gritstone and sandstone are porous and weaker when wet; the BMC says to wait until they dry.
• Open, breezy grit edges like Stanage dry quickly after rain; tree-shaded crags can stay damp for days.
• Limestone gets slippery when wet and can seep for days after heavy rain, even when the face looks dry.
• Volcanic and mountain rock is not weakened by water (BMC), but it is still slippery.
• Check ClimbIndex or Climbing Forecast for recent rain and drying, then the crag's aspect on UKC.

• Note each station's height: most sit well below the summits, so the tops will be windier.
• On the morning, compare live speed and gusts against the forecast for that station's height.
• If the station is already above forecast, assume the forecast for the tops is too low too.
• Check the wind direction matches the forecast; a shift often means a front is arriving early.

1. Warnings: any Met Office warning for wind, rain or snow in the area?
2. Summit gusts: forecast gusts at your top height under about 40 mph for exposed ridges and scrambles.
3. Cloud and freezing level: can you navigate in cloud? Do you have winter kit if the freezing level is below the tops?
4. Avalanche (Scotland, winter): read the SAIS report and avoid the aspects and heights it flags.
5. Rock: enough drying time since rain for the rock type and aspect.
6. Live check: live stations agree with the forecast on the morning.
7. Plan B: a lower or sheltered alternative, a turn-back time, and someone who knows your route.

• Walking boots or approach shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket with hood, and waterproof overtrousers
• Warm layer (fleece or insulated jacket), hat and gloves, even in summer
• Rucksack, about 25–35 litres
• Map and compass, plus a phone mapping app as backup
• Headtorch
• Small first-aid kit, whistle and emergency survival bag
• Food and water, plus spare snacks
• Sun cream, sunglasses and a sun hat
• Fully charged phone, kept warm and dry

• Rigid-soled winter boots with warm socks, and gaiters
• Ice axe and crampons that fit your boots, and the skills to use them
• Thermal top, fleece, and warm or windproof trousers
• Waterproof jacket with hood, and waterproof overtrousers
• Spare warm layer, spare hat, and at least two spare pairs of gloves or mitts
• Goggles: essential for navigation in some conditions
• Map in a waterproof case, compass and watch
• Headtorch with spare batteries, or a spare headtorch
• Emergency survival bag, group shelter, whistle and first-aid kit
• Food, a hot drink in a flask, and spare high-energy snacks
• Rucksack, about 45 litres; walking poles optional

Based on Mountaineering Scotland's winter kit list.

• Everything on the winter hillwalking list
• Climbing helmet and harness
• A pair of technical ice tools
• Stiff winter boots with crampons matched to them for climbing
• Rope, belay device, slings, quickdraws and a winter rack
• Several pairs of gloves, kept dry, plus a warm belay jacket
• Avalanche awareness: read the SAIS report before you go