The Scottish Highlands are among the most beautiful places in the world but as many hillwalkers find out to their cost every year, their beauty can quickly turn to something more threatening.

Wearing the correct protective clothing is essential, and wearing it properly will make sure that you stand the most chance of enjoying the frequently cold, wet and windy conditions which you are likely to encounter on these dramatic landscapes.

Windproof and waterproof outer protection should be used to its maximum potential. Before embarking on your trip you should practise using your hood to leave as little of your face exposed to the elements as possible. Using the ties to tighten the elasticated areas will protect you from the biting wind and stinging hail. Used with goggles or other eye wear, this should leave only a few inches of your skin uncovered.

Since gloves will often come into contact with water, ice or snow on a winter walk, it’s vital that they are kept as dry as possible. Working leather gloves are very popular and allow a large degree of movement and dexterity, but will absorb water. You should have extra pairs to replace them as they get wet.

More modern gloves should be far more waterproof but will still become wet over time through sweat and water.

The contact area between the gloves and your jacket is an important one. Try to keep this sealed against the wet and cold.

Beneath your outer jacket keep your inner layers tucked into your trousers to form a continuous seal. Wear some warm but lightweight trousers under your waterproofs. For these inner layers you should avoid cotton, which will absorb moisture. Aim for wool or man-made materials such as wicking polyester which will keep the clothes next to your skin dry.

Gaiters, protective covers for your boots and lower legs, can be built into your boots or, in most cases, are separate. If you are wearing separate gators put them under your trousers, ensuring that if you step into deep snow or water there is an extra seal to prevent your boots becoming wet.

We spoke to Mike Pescod on Aonach Mor (4,006 feet) at the Nevis Range near Fort William. As a British Mountain Guide he is affiliated to the International Federation of Mountain Guides which is the highest qualification for mountaineering in the world.