Health Horrors on the Trail: Cory Jones Shares Wilderness First Aid Advice in The Great Outdoors Magazine
What happens when a simple insect bite turns into cellulitis? How dangerous can dehydration become on a hot day in the hills? What should you do if you suffer a serious cut, sprain or dislocation miles from help?
These are just some of the questions explored by Wee Wild Adventures founder Cory Jones in a new feature article for The Great Outdoors magazine.
Published in the August edition, the six-page article, Health Horrors: Tales from the Trail, combines real-life experiences from long-distance walkers with practical wilderness first aid advice. Drawing on his experience as an outdoor instructor, expedition leader and wilderness first aid trainer, Cory examines some of the most common health problems encountered on multi-day adventures.
Learning from Other People’s Mistakes
The article invited members of the outdoor community to share their own trail mishaps and health scares. The response was overwhelming.
Stories ranged from severe dehydration during a heatwave in Spain to suspected Lyme disease on Scotland’s Cape Wrath Trail. Other contributors described norovirus outbreaks, painful cellulitis infections, dislocated shoulders, deep cuts and the challenges of managing injuries in remote locations far from immediate medical assistance.
While some tales are amusing in hindsight, many highlight how quickly a minor issue can become a serious problem when you’re days away from roads, phone signals or professional help.
Wilderness First Aid Matters
One of the key messages of the article is that prevention is often the best form of treatment.
Simple measures such as carrying enough water, treating drinking water when necessary, checking regularly for ticks, maintaining good hygiene and carrying a suitable first aid kit can prevent many common problems from escalating.
Cory’s expert commentary throughout the feature provides practical advice on:
- Preventing dehydration and heat illness
- Recognising the signs of cellulitis and Lyme disease
- Managing cuts and bleeding in remote environments
- Treating sprains and strains on the trail
- Avoiding stomach illnesses caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene
- Making sensible decisions about when to continue and when to seek help
Article in Great Outdoors Magazine -August 2026
Why These Skills Matter
At Wee Wild Adventures, we spend a great deal of time helping people experience wild places safely. Whether you’re walking the Cape Wrath Trail, canoeing through the Canadian wilderness, trekking in Patagonia or simply enjoying a weekend in the Scottish Highlands, understanding basic wilderness first aid can make a huge difference.
Adventure always carries an element of risk. The aim is not to eliminate that risk entirely but to understand it, prepare for it and respond effectively when things go wrong.
As Cory points out in the article, many outdoor incidents start as small problems. A blister becomes infected. Mild dehydration develops into heat exhaustion. A seemingly insignificant insect bite turns into a painful infection. Recognising issues early and taking action can often prevent a trip-ending emergency.
Sharing Outdoor Knowledge
Writing for The Great Outdoors magazine was an opportunity to reach thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and encourage conversations about health, safety and self-reliance in wild places.
The article reflects values that are central to Wee Wild Adventures: adventure, exploration, learning and responsible travel. We believe that good preparation and knowledge help people enjoy the outdoors more confidently and safely.
If you pick up the latest edition of The Great Outdoors, keep an eye out for Health Horrors: Tales from the Trail and let us know what you think.
And if you’ve ever suffered your own trail horror story, we’d love to hear it!
About Cory Jones
Cory Jones is the founder of Wee Wild Adventures and has worked in the outdoor sector for more than 30 years. He is an expedition guide, environmental educator, wilderness first aid trainer and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. His adventures have taken him from Antarctica and the Arctic to Africa, Patagonia and remote wilderness regions around the world.
Have you experienced a trail health horror? Share your story on our Facebook page or get in touch with Wee Wild Adventures.