With the great outdoors beckoning during the Christmas and New Year holidays, walkers and climbers are being urged to take sensible precautions before heading for the hills.

The southern Highlands are easily accessible from the Helensburgh and Lomond area, and many people make time during the holidays to enjoy the best of Scotland's scenery, especially if snow is adding a seasonal touch.

But before pulling on the boots and heading for the slopes, walkers are being advised to read up on mountain skills and safety to avoid difficulties that may arise, especially if the weather turns bad.

Even on relatively low hills around Loch Lomond, and on Ben Bouie above Helensburgh, conditions can deteriorate rapidly in the space of an hour or so. What started as a pleasant walk in calm weather can easily turn into a white-out.

Two outdoor groups - Walkhighlands and Mountaineering Scotland - recognise that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death.

They say participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Both organisations have teamed up to provide information on key navigation skills for hillwalkers and mountaineers, together with advice on winter safety and avalanche awareness.

They say before setting out on any trip, obtain a weather forecast from national and local radio, television, newspapers or online. Leaving word of where you are going can be a good idea.

"Changeable is the best way to describe the weather in Scotland - and it can change at an alarming speed.

"Even on warm sunny days bad weather might be on the way. So, if the wind strengthens, clouds thicken, visibility decreases or the temperature falls, consider whether you need to revise your plans.

"Choose a walk which is appropriate to you or your group's experience, fitness, navigation skills, knowledge of the area and for the prevailing weather conditions.

"As a general rule, take children only on routes which allow for a safe and easy retreat. Do not take children on long walks.

"Most areas of Scotland have walks to suit all levels of ability. Consider turning back if someone in your group is tiring or getting cold."

The groups add that warm, wind and waterproof clothing is essential. This should include gloves, hat, fully waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers and spare clothing such as a warm sweater.

Always carry a map and compass - but it is vitally important that you know how to use them (Ordnance Survey maps scale 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 are recommended).

Carry equipment for use in an emergency such as a torch, whistle, first aid kit and emergency shelter.

Footwear should provide good ankle support and have a firm sole with a secure grip. Hillwalking boots are strongly recommended.

Take ample food and drink for each member of your group and always take reserve supplies.

Finally, if an emergency occurs, treat any injuries as best you can, calculate your exact position on the map and, if possible, leave somebody to care for the casualty whilst others descend with a map to get help.