Never embark on a walk that under normal conditions cannot be completed well before dark. Reasonably fit walkers carrying a light rucksack should be able to manage 4.5kph (2mph) on the flat, plus an additional hour for every 350m of ascent. Carry food for the day, including emergency rations, and at least one litre of water per person. Take extra care when crossing snow patches, exposed rocks and mountain streams. On some Bergweg routes, fixed ropes are provided as safeguards. Elsewhere there may be sections of metal ladder fitted to enable walkers to overcome a short stretch of rock. Always check these first before committing your weight to them. Do not stray onto glaciers and snowfields unless accompanied by a mountaineer experienced in glacier travel and with the necessary equipment to deal with crevasse rescue. And, perhaps the best advice of all is don’t be too proud to turn back should the weather deteriorate or the route become difficult or dangerous.