A CUMBRIAN mountain rescue team has warned walkers about the darkness of the fells ahead of the clocks turning back an hour this weekend. 

Coniston Mountain Rescue team posted a warning on its Facebook page today (October 27) that read: "Please remember your head torches if venturing out, when it goes dark on the fells, it really is dark."

The team also shared an update from Mountain Rescue England and Wales which has been working with Ordnance Survey on a blog with lots of helpful advice on 'how to stay safe in the dark'.

The advice reminds walkers that may live in a city location that it can come as a shock to realise just how dark it can be in the countryside. 

Many people are caught out as though it may be twilight in the city, the rural forest can be complete darkness at the same time of day - with walking in the dark being highly dangerous.

The blog also states that a winter kit list which includes a head torch is essential. A head torch means walkers don't have to rely on their phones and their hands are also free. 

The weather for the entire day must also be taken into consideration, not just at twilight, and wind chill can make temperatures significantly cooler. 

Navigating the terrain with a map and compass is also essential and knowing how to use contours to interpret slope aspects can be a lifesaving technique.

To find out more detailed advice from the blog, please visit the Ordnance Survey website.

The clocks are due to go back on Sunday (October 29) at 2am.