MOUNTAINEERING leaders have warned walkers to be wary of being caught out by fierce conditions despite the apparent early arrival of spring.

Recent days have seen temperatures, accompanied by sunshine, rise into double figures prompting many outdoors enthusiasts to head for the hills.

But the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) said conditions there can be as fierce as mid-winter in higher areas.

A spokesman said they should be aware that conditions underfoot remain wintry, with ice axe, crampons and other winter equipment, along with the knowledge and skills to use them, still essential.

Temperatures climbed to 10 C around Ayrshire yesterday (thur), although it was much cooler on the east coast, not getting above 6C in Edinburgh.

The clear skies also added to the spring feel, with the mild conditions expected to hold throughout the weekend.

Heather Morning, mountain safety adviser to the MCofS said: "There have been some big thaws recently, and people will have heard of huge quantities of snow being stripped from some of the ski areas. But at this time of year we can still expect heavy snow falls which can be of considerable depth and can impede progress, not to mention the problems of old, hard snow which can necessitate the wearing of crampons.

"It's great to get out on the mountains, and those who restrict their hill walking to the summer months will be itching to get going, but you need to be patient and go with the weather and conditions in the mountains, and not how it feels in the lowlands.

The agency, which is the only recognised representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers and skiers, said those heading for the hills should also always check the weather forecast via the Mountain Weather Information Service which is specifically focussed on upland areas.

It also advised walkers to check webcams on certain hills and mountains, as well as the Avalanche Information Service.