Many choose to carry out an apprentice style of training, learning skills informally through experience and close observation of their peers. Others undertake a more structured approach, following a course of national and internationally recognised qualifications through mountaineering federations and National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Mountaineering Ireland, the NGB for mountaineering in Ireland, promotes both the informal and formal approach to training for individuals and groups.

An awareness of the risks that the mountains of Ireland can present is the key to planning for any eventuality. Weather, topographical and human hazards can combine in any number of scenarios - the outcome of which will greatly depend on training, experience and preparation. The wide variety of Irish terrain and conditions makes a definitive list of dos and don'ts for the mountains impossible - the following, however, should always be considered before you make that first step into the hills:

* Learn to interpret the national and regional weather forecasts for the mountain environment, but always take heed of local conditions.

* Learn to navigate without dependency on technology, marked trails or other users.

* Equip yourself realistically for your planned journey, taking into account weather, terrain and duration.

* Carry emergency back-up equipment for the unexpected, but do not overburden yourself.

* Acknowledge and consider your actions on other users of the uplands.

* Never push on regardless: if unsure, be safe and return another day.

At the end of the day, when you are fighting into hail, with light fading and ground steepening, it is your training that will get you home safely.