Walking and Planning Aids
Wind forecasting
Checking Wind Conditions with the Windy App
The Windy app is free to use and an excellent tool for assessing wind direction and strength in the area you plan to climb. Its visual maps make it easy to understand how conditions may change across different elevations.
It’s worth checking the forecast on the day of your outing as well. This helps you choose appropriate clothing and layers, especially when higher winds can make temperatures feel much colder on exposed ridges or summits.
Current Location Finder
Using Your Phone’s Compass for Precise Location Sharing
Most smartphones include a built‑in Compass app. As well as showing your current heading, it also displays your latitude and longitude.
If you enter these coordinates into Google Maps, you’ll get an exact pinpoint of your location — often with altitude included.
This is incredibly useful if you ever need to share your position with friends, family, or mountain rescue. Providing accurate coordinates helps rescuers locate you quickly, even in poor visibility or unfamiliar terrain.
Weather forecasting UK
The Met Office provides the core weather data used by many UK forecasters, and their free App is an excellent resource for walkers. Their specialist mountain forecasts offer crucial information for higher elevations, where conditions can differ dramatically from the valleys. Weather in the hills can change with little warning, so always check the latest forecast before setting out and be ready to adjust your plans if conditions deteriorate.
Weather forecasting Ireland
Met Éireann provides detailed forecasts for both lowland areas and upland regions across Ireland. Their mountain forecast is available on their website and through their free App. To access it, open the Forecast menu, choose your Province, and select the relevant mountain area from the dropdown list. Conditions in the hills can shift rapidly, so always check the latest updates before you set out and be prepared to adjust your plans if the weather turns
Mountain Weather forecasting worldwide
(inc UK and Ireland)
Mountain‑Forecast is a worldwide resource offering detailed weather information for mountain ranges across the globe. Forecasts are provided at multiple elevations, which is especially useful where conditions can vary sharply with height. A free version of their app is available, supported by adverts. While it’s a helpful supplementary tool, always cross‑check with national meteorological services and stay alert to rapidly changing conditions in the hills.