Three young men from Andalucia went missing on a hike last week and were missing for almost three days.It was feared that they had had an accident and had died.However the three have been discovered to be safe.They are all unhurt apart from suffering hypothermia and exhaustion.They were walking in the Contadero-Selladores mountains near Jaen , when they went missing.The weather conditions deteriorated and became extreme for anyone who was not well prepared for all conditions.They had no food and survived by drinking river water.All of the young men,whose ages ranged from 18 to 21 suffered blisters on their feet and were finding it very difficult to walk.Emergency services included helicopter teams searching for them.

Walking in hills and mountains in any country means being well prepared .In the winter it is even more important that walkers have good walking boots,plenty to drink and eat plus warm clothing and first aid kits.A good map of the region and a compass are also essentials.Many fatalities take place every year just because people venture into the hills without suitable  preparation.