The Galloway Hills are regarded by many as an idyllic area to venture for quiet but challenging hill walks with stunning and unspoilt scenery.

Recent years have seen a notable increase in the number of visitors to our area who are intent on climbing to the heights. Last year, 2003, was the busiest on record for Galloway Mountain Rescue Team since it formed in 1975. We responded to 19 calls for assistance.

Regrettably, many walkers who visit the area underestimate the challenges our hills present and venture into remote areas with insufficient or unsuitable equipment. Others set off into the remote areas leaving their cars parked at isolated car parks without leaving any details of their routes or estimated return times.

Galloway MRT hope to assist visitors who are both walking and cycling in the area and to promote greater safety awareness. The team would like to encourage people to visit the hills and experience the freedom and exhilaration of climbing the many peaks in the area.

Route Notification System (Route Cards)
Planning a route before you leave home is regarded by many as part of the overall challenge and enjoyment of walking. Many now use GPS units and computers to assist with route preparation and planning, and in line with this trend, GMRT have now come up with an innovative extension to this planning process in the form of a ‘Route Notification System’ accessible from the team website.

The system is simple and prompts walkers to complete a simple online ‘Route Card’ which records details of -
- Estimated time of departure
- Vehicle Location
- Vehicle Registration Number (including any second vehicle)
- Mobile telephone Number
- Start date, time and grid reference
- Intended Route
- End date, time and grid reference
- Emergency contact details

The card is submitted online to the team as an email message, and is retained on the Team’s email server. Users of the system are advised that the Team are not responsible for checking the information sent. The purpose of the information is to provide the team with valuable route details should they be reported overdue or their vehicle is found at a remote car park unattended. Users of the system are advised to print a copy of the Route Card details and leave this information with a responsible person.

The Route Notification is already up and running on the GMRT website. This is thought to be a first in Scotland, whereby a mountain rescue team has taken such a pro active step to encourage walkers to notify intended trips to them directly. Indications are that other teams are interested in the concept.

The system can be accessed from this website by selecting the Route Notification option.