You will need to be well equipped and well prepared however, to ensure that you stay safe and avoid getting into any difficulties.

Navigation

Navigation is key on any hike but to attempt night hiking, you need to be confident that your navigation skills are completely up to scratch. Make good use of line features – following these can lead to danger if the feature is a stream which leads steeply downhill. If you’re nervous, avoid water altogether and if you do intend to follow a stream, study your map well before you leave, looking out for any waterfalls or crags. If you think your navigation skills could be better, get in lots of practise during day hikes first or enrol on a quick re-fresher course.

Equipment

Head torches are crucial. They leave you “hands-free” to study your map and provide a good source of light to see where you are going. LED torches are best – they have less of a tendency to eat batteries and provide a gentle moon-like glow which is ideal for observing your surroundings. On extremely dark nights, night-vision goggles may be beneficial. You’ll also need your usual hiking survival kit including food, water, a first aid kit, a map and compass, waterproofs and warm clothing, a mobile phone, torch and whistle for communicating.

Preparation

You need to plan your walk with even more care when setting out at night. Keep an eye on weather forecasts right up to the last minute and check tide predictions if you are walking near beaches. When planning your route try to stick to good paths and tracks for night hikes and save the exploring for the daytime. Even if you are walking in a big group, let somebody at home know when you are leaving, where you will be going and when you hope to be back and pack your rucksack early in the day to give you enough time to go out for supplies of anything you’re short of.