I learnt that by practical experience 21 years ago. Driving home through
Aberdeenshire I was caught in a white-out, and the car slid gently off the
road and into the ditch because I couldn't see that there was a slight
right-hand bend. I'd just passed a farm and went back to phone for help.
Eventually it got dark, and there was a power cut, so the whole country was
pitch dark. The farmer's wife insisted I stay the night, and asked if I had
overnight things. The farmer linked arms with me and we walked the 100 yards
or so to the car and back to get my bag. On the way I realised that if I had
tried to walk those 100 yards alone and in a pitch-black whiteout (if you
see what I mean) I'd have been dead. Now I never go anywhere in winter
without a sleeping bag, and if I ever get stuck again I will definitely stay
put in the car.


Staying in a bothy in the same county once I had a 100m trip to get
water, and used a reverse compass bearing to find myway back to the
building in the snow..

I have heard tales of folk in similar situations being led to saftey
by following the sound of pipes being played.

Driving snow is very disorienting, especially at night.



Richard Webb