best outdoor shop in edinburgh?

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hi there

before we start our hiking adventure in scotland we want to visit an outdoor shop in edinburgh for buying some stuff (including some OS maps) and asking the staff about hikes and treks.

which shop can you recommend us?

it would be nice to have it in the center or not too far away of that (15min busride still ok).

cheers

Victor

[laconic surf]

Closest would be Tiso on Rose Street. Should have everything you need. There is also a large Go Outdoors at Granton Harbour, you could jump on the no 47 bus (there are other too but can't remember off the top of my head) if necessary.
Tbh if you need info on hikes the best place is to ask is on this site, from folks who get out there regularly. Shop staff are not necessarily knowledgable about walking in Scotland.
Have a great time

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thanks, we will check out TISO on rose street.

yes, it is the same here in switzerland, you can not rely on the knowledge of the shop staff!

we just plan to do around 5-6 hikes spreaded all over the western highlands, and we do not know if we should buy a map for every hike, but i think it is the basic of your gear to have a proper map, as not all the paths are marked, signed. we are very spoiled here in Switzerland, as you come along very well without maps, every path is marked, sometime too much!

[Tinto63]

Also on Rose Street are Cotswolds (I always find the staff helpful) and Nevis Sport, and nearby on Frederick Street are Blacks and North Face (good stuff but pricey). 5 stores in a quarter of a mile.

[Challum]

Fadeout, our tracks are not signposted although you may occasionally find a "to the hill" sign so maps are essential.

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yes, DEFINITELY will buy a map for every hike. also a good Souvenir to take home and look at them afterwards, hehe. it's also a great section in the skills & safety part, I will study it throughoutly and also take the compass with us, of course!

thanks for all the other shop recommendations!

another question: we know that scotland is very various with the weather conditions. what type of weather forecast is the best for scotland? and also i think to ask the locals before starting a hike is also a good Option!

[jmarkb]

what type of weather forecast is the best for scotland?

These are two good sources of mountain weather forecasts: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/ and http://www.mwis.org.uk/ Both have mobile phone versions, too.

[BoyVertiginous]

Good website here (if there's time for delivery before you leave) with 40% off OS maps when combined with the code 'June13'

http://www.dash4it.co.uk/store/