The outdoors is available for all to enjoy. A few common sense guidelines will help you to enjoy our area safely.

Check the weather forecast: the weather here changes very quickly - check the forecast before you and make sure that you have all the safety equipment you might need.

Wear the right clothes: no matter the weather or the forecast when you set out on a walk, take a compass, layers of clothing (always include a waterproof, and hat, scarf and gloves for higher hills) and some extra foods to keep you going.

Tell someone where you are going: whether you are walking, surfing, climbing or diving, be sure to tell someone where you are going, what you're doing and when to expect you back.

Keep away from the edge: don't go too close to cliff edges, particularly in windy weather, but erosion can make it dangerous to go too close to a cliff edge even when it's perfectly calm.

If in doubt, turn back: if you think the weather could be turning for the worse, turn back and head for home.

Rehydrate: the average human needs 2 litres a day. Dehydration is dangerous, so even if it's heavy, take plenty of water when you are out and about

Protect your skin from the sun: our cooler temperatures and the typical breeze on sunny days can misguide you in to thinking it's not so hot to warrant sun cream. But even on a cool or overcast day, the sun burns your skin. The higher you climb the more intense the sun's rays; likewise sand and sea reflect the sun back on to your skin from the ground as well as the sky. Apply good sunscreen of at least SPF 15 before going out and reapply often, particularly if you are perspiring or in water.

Water safety: some beaches have dangerous rip tides or unseen rocks. Pools and lochs can be extremely cold, even on a warm day - remember it's a lot harder to swim in cold outdoor water than in a warm indoor pool.

Don't rely on your mobile phone: reception can be patchy in parts of Uig & Bernera. As a general rule Orange has the strongest signal in Uig, and Vodafone is best in Bernera.

Thin ice: with the warm current of the Gulf Stream keeping our average temperatures well above zero, even in the middle of winter, when there is ice on our lochs, it tends to be very thin so don't venture on to it.

Seek advice: if you are trying out a new outdoor activity for the first time, seek advice, take an experienced companion, or consider starting off with an organised group with a qualified teacher or guide.

Expert help: if you book a session with an activity provider, make sure that you are satisfied that the company has the appropriate health and safety measure and licenses in place and that they comply with the required UK and European legislation. For more information go to the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority website at www.aala.org