The booklet is aimed at those new to hillwalking

Walkers raising their sights and thinking of heading for the hills have a new guide, produced by experts.

The British Mountaineering Council has published a free booklet New Hill Walkers, aimed at novice and inexperienced fellwalkers.

The 28-page colour publication covers choosing clothing and equipment, basic hillwalking skills, navigation, emergency procedures, hazards and access and the environment.

There is also a section on winter walking.

The introduction says the booklet is intended for those who are relatively or completely new to the activity of hillwalking.

Weather, navigating by map and compass, the importance of various clothing and equipment items, and identifying hazards are all covered. Access laws are also explained.

The BMC’s chief executive Dave Turnbull said: “Our New Hill Walkers booklet is part of the BMC wider work for hillwalkers, which ranges from skills advice to campaigning on issues such as coastal access.

“We want to get the message out that the BMC is a home for hillwalkers.

Dave Turnbull: 'BMC not just for climbers and mountaineers'

“It is sometimes misconceived that the BMC is mainly for climbers and mountaineers. However, 62 per cent of our members say their top outdoor activity is hillwalking.”

The booklet is available as a free PDF to download from the BMC shop website, or can also be ordered in hard copy free, but with postage payable.

The BMC has more than 70,000 members and represents hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers in England and Wales.