walkhighlands

To make the forum a bit more social... for new members (and old ones!) to introduce themselves to the site. You are welcome!

Newbie alert ;)

Newbie alert ;)


Postby MissHope » Sat Aug 21, 2021 6:30 am

:D hey so I’ve never done any hill walking however just got my 1st set of boots and raring to go :lol:

I’m in my early 40’s reasonably fit and happy to travel - thinking about camping too while I get out and about - maybe that’s a bit too adventurist for a former glam girl lol!

Can someone give me a list of equipment I need to get started please? :?

Also, where should I even begin lol!

Thanks in advance!
MissHope
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Aug 21, 2021

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby jmarkb » Sat Aug 21, 2021 10:11 am

Welcome to WH!

There's a useful equipment list here: https://www.mountaineering.scot/activities/hillwalking/getting-started/essential-kit

If you tell us where you are based, we can maybe suggest some local hills to get you started on.
User avatar
jmarkb
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 5857
Munros:246   Corbetts:105
Fionas:91   Donalds:32
Sub 2000:46   
Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Location: Edinburgh

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby ZakAllan » Sat Aug 21, 2021 5:58 pm

Hi, just restarted walking myself today. When you get your gear try some easy walks with it to make sure it's comfortable and does what it says. Some gear is marked as waterproof, when you get it you realize it's only shower proof lol, after all this is Scotland, land of the 20 different types of rain!!
Comfy fully waterproof backpack and boots are the biggy. Got a pair of branded(I won't say which company) boots that are waterproof, and yes they are but, the slightest bit of moisture on a rock is like an ice rink in them!! Hope this helps
ZakAllan
Walker
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Aug 21, 2021

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby MissHope » Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:56 pm

[quote="jmarkb"]Welcome to WH!

There's a useful equipment list here:

If you tell us where you are based, we can maybe suggest some local hills to get you started on.

Thank you I’ve only got some new boots and walking. Sticks so far lol 🥴

I’m in ayrshire so yeah please let me know where I should make a start as I really want to get moving :D
MissHope
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Aug 21, 2021

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby MissHope » Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:57 pm

ZakAllan wrote:Hi, just restarted walking myself today. When you get your gear try some easy walks with it to make sure it's comfortable and does what it says. Some gear is marked as waterproof, when you get it you realize it's only shower proof lol, after all this is Scotland, land of the 20 different types of rain!!
Comfy fully waterproof backpack and boots are the biggy. Got a pair of branded(I won't say which company) boots that are waterproof, and yes they are but, the slightest bit of moisture on a rock is like an ice rink in them!! Hope this helps


Thank you I got a good pair of boots I think lol I’ll test them this weekend just need to get a backpack and other bits and I’m on my way :lol:
MissHope
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Aug 21, 2021

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby jmarkb » Mon Aug 23, 2021 3:52 pm

MissHope wrote:I’m in ayrshire so yeah please let me know where I should make a start as I really want to get moving


It's not an area I know all that well, so others may wish to chip in....

Cairn Table is probably a good starter to test out your gear: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/cairn-table.shtml
Also Tinto further east: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/tinto.shtml
Cairnsmore of Carsphairn is straightforward walking, but the routefinding isn't completely obvious - pick a clear day! https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/cairnsmore-of-carsphairn.shtml
The Merrick is a classic walk in the Galloway Hills https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/merrick.shtml
You can do Goat Fell on Arran by going as a foot passenger on the ferry and walking from Brodick pier - just make sure you have plenty of time to catch the last ferry back! https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/goatfell.shtml
User avatar
jmarkb
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 5857
Munros:246   Corbetts:105
Fionas:91   Donalds:32
Sub 2000:46   
Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Location: Edinburgh

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby MissHope » Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:52 pm

jmarkb wrote:
MissHope wrote:I’m in ayrshire so yeah please let me know where I should make a start as I really want to get moving


It's not an area I know all that well, so others may wish to chip in....

Cairn Table is probably a good starter to test out your gear: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/cairn-table.shtml
Also Tinto further east: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/glasgow/tinto.shtml
Cairnsmore of Carsphairn is straightforward walking, but the routefinding isn't completely obvious - pick a clear day! https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/cairnsmore-of-carsphairn.shtml
The Merrick is a classic walk in the Galloway Hills https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/merrick.shtml
You can do Goat Fell on Arran by going as a foot passenger on the ferry and walking from Brodick pier - just make sure you have plenty of time to catch the last ferry back! https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/goatfell.shtml



Thankyou I’ll do a wee bit of research on those and just go for it this weekend :wink:
MissHope
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Aug 21, 2021

Re: Newbie alert ;)

Postby Walkinmyfootsteps » Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:37 pm

I wouldn’t go overboard on spending until you know you like it. Go cheap and you can upgrade as you go along. Just get yourself the basics. It’s an expensive hobby if you fall into the trap that you require every single bit of kit. I would consider initially planning your hikes on days with favourable forecasts. Means you won’t be put off by a day in a down pour and also means you will be relatively safer but should still be prepared for inclement weather. Most of all enjoy ! There are fantastic sights to be had all over the UK, Scotland is particularly lucky to have such a plethora of mountains and hills to choose from. The only down side I can think of is the dreaded midge. Best of luck
Walkinmyfootsteps
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 114
Joined: Jul 5, 2014




Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Say hello...

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests