Over 13 rescues in the Pyrenees in one weekend

During Spain's Pilar holiday weekend, rescue services carried out more than 13 operations in the Pyrenees. In Aragon, the Guardia Civil's GREIM responded seven times on Saturday, including falls, exhaustion, navigation problems and medical incidents. In the Lleida Pyrenees, six Sunday call-outs mainly involved people unable to continue or who had lost their way.

The incidents are a useful reminder that good autumn weather is not enough: assess your group's pace and daylight margin realistically, and carry warm layers, water, food, a light and a charged phone. A minor injury, navigation error or fatigue can quickly turn a normal hike into a rescue. Destination overview: Alps.