Walkhighlands

Hi everyone!

Over the past year I have become increasingly interested in hillwalking and now looking to get into more hiking Grahams/Corbetts/Munros. This site has been excellent with the step by step information provided and the detail of your walk reports.

If there is one piece of advice you would give a beginner, what would it be?

Hope everyone has a great year of exploring Scotland!

Kris.

Start small and local and build up experience.

Thanks mate! Already started on the usual smaller hills, gradually making my way up.

Welcome to WH!

Similar advice really - err on the cautious side while building up your skills and experience. The hills will always be there for another day.

Hope you have a great time exploring this wonderful country!

Thanks mate!

Kris_walks wrote: If there is one piece of advice you would give a beginner, what would it be? Kris.

Invest in good quality socks. Everyone harps on about boots but neglect their socks and end up with sore feet. Big knee-length thick socks with padded bits on the toes, soles and heels. They give support to the calf muscles and pad the feet's pressure points from stoney ground. Available from hunting/fishing/shooting emporia.
https://www.fishingmegastore.com/socks/bridgedale-explorer-heavyweight-merino-performance-knee-sock~59158.html

Also, getting off the beaten track often brings more interesting views, wildlife sightings, etc. Follow the river instead of the path - but be carefull not to fall off waterfalls...
Yvonne Chouinard was asked the same question and replied that you should not fixate on gear - lots of people think they have to carry gear for every eventuality, and end up carrying so much stuff that they cannot enjoy their trips to the hills. Travel light if possible.

That’s brilliant! Thank you for that👍🏼

Know where you are on the ground when you're caught out in mist or snow.

Enjoy the views

Thanks!

There's a lot to be said for a good hat.

A snug cosy one for the cold/windy times and a wide brimmed Tilly style for the sun - saved me from many a burnt neck.

I’ll need to invest in a summer hat to avoid the lobster look I think

Kris_walks wrote:I’ll need to invest in a summer hat to avoid the lobster look I think

I picked up a pretty cheap TrekMates wide brimmed hat a few years back in the Lakes and its been a game changer. Maybe looks a tad dorky but I just embrace it

Not really worrying about how it looks when you’re in the hills though eh