Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team advice over the bank holiday
They are urging people to plan ahead and be safe when heading out on an adventure this weekend across the North East
People across the North East who are heading out on an adventure this weekend are being urged to plan ahead and be safe.
Data from the Ordnance Survey shows that Good Friday is the busiest day of the year in the UK to be getting outside for walking, hiking or biking.
As the weather is unpredictable, the main advice is to plan for all scenarios and forecasts.
Jamie Patterson, Team Leader at Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, said: "Nobody plans to get into trouble. If you've got a few extra snacks or an extra head torch or a bit more water, it can just help stop you getting into any mischief.
"We absolutely encourage people to get out there. It's just making it safe.
"If you get into trouble and a small problem like a blister or a sprained ankle happens when you’re miles away from the nearest road, it can become a much bigger issue.
"Are you confident that you and the people in your group have the knowledge and skills for the day that you've planned? Do you know what the weather is going to be like? Do you have the right gear to deal with the day and what the weather is going to bring?
"In the last year, 2024 was nationally the first year where a mountain rescue team had been called out every day of the year across the country.
"We are seeing a general increase in incidents broadly, not just on the bank holidays.
"Every call out means volunteers are taken away from their family and give up their time and their bank holiday to provide the service, which everyone's more than happy to do, but we would much prefer to have a nice relaxing weekend."