There’s something unbeatable about long summer days in the hills or chasing waterfalls. The light lingers, the ridgelines glow golden in the evening sun (on the days when the UK remembers it is summer, that is), and there’s that heady scent of…. SPF! But just as summer opens up more routes and longer adventures, it also brings a set of safety considerations I never overlook — even after years of hiking across the UK.
Whether you’re deep in the Cairngorms or rambling through the Lake District, summer walking comes with its own set of hazards. Some are obvious, others sneak up on you – often quite literally. Here’s what I always keep in mind when I’m heading out in the warmer months.
1. SPF – all the time
We all joke about the British summer, but when the sun does make an appearance, it’s easy to get caught out. I’ve been sunburnt on cloudy days more times than I care to admit. Now, granted, none of the UK’s mountains are high enough that we need to worry lots about thin atmospheres increasing the chance of burning. But if you’re hiking mountains in particular then you can be out in the sun for hours and hours without any shade whatsoever. According to recent statistics, 40% of us feel like we look older than we are! And over exposure to the sun is one of the leading causes of premature ageing. So both to prevent skin cancer and keep yourself looking youthful, SPF is an absolute must.
I always carry a factor 50 in the summer months and reapply throughout the day, particularly on the nose, ears and back of the neck. A baseball cap and UV-rated sunglasses are now essentials in my summer kit. 2. Hydration Is Everything
Warm weather hiking demands more from your body and water loss through sweat can sneak up on you, especially when the breeze masks how hot you’re getting. I carry at least 2 litres on longer routes and make use of natural water sources where I can (with a Lifestraw).
If I know I’ll be on high ground with limited access to streams, I plan accordingly and take more despite the extra pack weight.
Electrolyte tablets, for me, have made a noticeable difference on longer, sweatier days especially when I’m pushing distance.
3. Midges and Ticks: The Unseen Menace
We might not have to worry about man eating mammals when we’re hiking in the UK but if you’ve spent any time in Scotland in the summer, you’ll be familiar with the midge.
We all know midges are the bane of Scottish summer. When conditions are still, damp and warm, the midges come out in force. I always pack a head net and a bottle of Smidge (or similar repellent). The worst experience I had for midges was the first third of my summer hike up Ben Nevis with my son. We both needed head nets and a constant stream of Smidge being reapplied due to excessive sweating. Not a pleasant start but the they did dissipate once the breeze picked up higher up the mountain.
Ticks, however, are the bigger concern. Lyme disease is very real in the UK and a stroll through the Highland heather can lead to you pulling ticks off your skin more than you might like! Trousers tucked into socks might not be a fashion statement, but they work. After every walk in known tick territory, I do a full check – behind knees, waistline, and even armpits. If I find one, I use a proper tick remover – never fingers or tweezers.
4. Route Planning with Heat in Mind
I love a full day on the fells, but when temperatures soar, I think carefully about timing. Early starts are gold in summer – you beat both the heat and the crowds. Where possible, I try to build in water stops, shaded breaks, and typically avoid sustained climbs in the hottest part of the day. I made the mistake of a lunch time start during a September heatwave a couple of years back for Crib Lem Spur and it made it so so much more exhausting.
Many hill and mountain routes offer little by way of shade or shelter, so factor in rest points and wear light, breathable layers. And if conditions change (thunderstorms can build quickly on hot days), I want to be off high ground in good time.
5. Wildlife and Livestock Awareness
Summer is prime time for both wildlife spotting and farm animals being out on the fields. While most encounters are uneventful, I stay alert around cows, especially if calves are nearby. I’ve had one or two nervy moments on less used footpaths where a herd didn’t expect company and I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty terrified of cows.
WHY ARE THEY SO BIG?!
Adders are another summer-specific watch-out in much of Scotland, Dorset and Northumberland amongst other areas. They’re shy, but I’ve seen one or two sunning themselves on footpaths. It’s rare, but a bite needs prompt medical attention, so it’s worth knowing what they look like and where you might encounter them.
A Summer of Hiking!!
Hiking in the UK summer is one of life’s great pleasures – but it’s not without its quirks. The mix of unpredictable weather, biting insects and deceptive sun makes it a season that can present its challenges.
The good news? Most of these hazards are easily managed.
Stay safe out there, and enjoy the long summer hiking days!
