We’re Good to Go standard launched for tourism

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Helen Webster

VisitScotland alongside the national tourism bodies of England, Northern Ireland and Wales have today announced a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide confidence for visitors, communities and tourism businesses alike, as the sector works towards reopening. The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark mean businesses across all sectors of the tourism industry in Scotland can demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, and have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check they have the required processes and protocols in place. The free scheme complements the guidance already…

Posted in Magazine, News

Gear Review: Black Diamond Mission LT Approach shoe

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Helen Webster

Recommended Price: £130Weight: 600g (Pair, UK size 6 womens) The Mission LT is one of series of new shoes by Black Diamond aimed firmly at climbers but as this model is also supposed to be suitable for a longer walk in, I was interested to test it for day walks and scrambles. I’d been wearing it for a couple of months on any dry day walks prior to lockdown and since then it’s been my shoe of choice for shorter local walks – so it has also seen a fair bit of pavement pounding. The all-in-one knitted sock structure of…

Posted in Footwear, Gear reviews, Magazine

Hillwalking and the plan to ease lockdown

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Helen Webster

Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced the four stage route map for Scotland to ease its Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Today Scottish Mountain Rescue have issued new guidance to hillwalkers. None of the changes are yet in place, but it is expected that we may move to ‘Phase One’ of lifting the lockdown on next Thursday 28th May – although this will depend on continued progress in reducing infection numbers. Phase One – from 28th May if supported by evidence The new advice allows unrestricted outdoors exercise, whilst adhering to distancing measures and non-contact outdoor activities in the local area – such as…

Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Plotting a route back to the hills

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Helen Webster

Mountaineering organisations are working together towards a return to hill walking and climbing in Scotland. As we approach the end of week eight of lockdown, mountaineering organisations in Scotland are asking the hill walking and climbing community to ‘hold the line’ and to avoid travel and stay local for their daily exercise in accordance with the current Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance. Despite an easing of restrictions in England this week, the advice for people in Scotland remains the same – stay home and only go out for essential work, food or health reasons – although people in Scotland may now…

Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News

Lockdown reads for lovers of the outdoors

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Helen Webster

Isolation Shepherd – Iain R. Thomson Delve into the world of remote isolation in this moving and very readable account of a shepherd and young family’s life in Glen Strathfarrar. Set in the mid 1950’s it tells of a world before modern communications and comforts but with many aspects – the mountains around Loch Monar, the relationship between laird and tenant, the tough winter weather, and the working of sheepdogs, that remain to this day. Plenty of photographs help to bring the story to life and the loving descriptions of the landscape mentally teleport you to that remote cottage at…

Posted in Books, Features, Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Watch Banff Mountain films at home

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Helen Webster

Need some inspiration while we’re all indoors? The Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland tour has curated a selection of epic adventure films so you can have your own free adventure screening – from your sofa! “There’s nothing quite like catching up with your buddies at a Banff show to get psyched for adventure,” says tour director Nell Teasdale. “But while we can’t celebrate what we love in person with the adventure community, we can still celebrate it at home – and dream of everything we want to explore, ride, ski, hike, paddle and experience once we get back…

Posted in Magazine

Avalanche forecasts continue during outbreak

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Helen Webster

UPDATE: Forecasts have ceased since this article was published, in line with advice not to undertake mountain activities. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service is to continue providing daily forecasts on snow cover and avalanche risk until 19 April if possible. People are currently visiting the mountains and the avalanche service says it will provide forecasts unless Government travel advice changes. An SAIS spokesman told the BBC: “Given the snow conditions, Easter holidays, and the likelihood of a large number of visitors we will run the service until Sunday 19 April.” “Currently there is a general desire to keep the mountains…

Posted in News

National Parks Photography Winners

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Helen Webster

The UK National Parks and Campaign for National Parks have chosen the winner and runners up of its joint photography competition. Around the theme of a ‘Inspired By Nature’, the competition drew around 1,700 entries from across the 15 National Parks in the UK via social media. Outstanding wildlife shots, landscapes and people blew away the judges. The dramatic winning shot, from Pete Stevens, depicts the spectacle of the natural world as a rare osprey swoops in on its prey in the Cairngorms National Park. Pete said: “I’ve always loved being out and about in Scotland and having spent a…

Posted in Magazine, News, Photography

Gear Review: Kathmandu Aikman fleece jacket

Posted on March 8, 2020 by Helen Webster

Recommended price: £64.99Weight: 430g (women’s size 8) Once ubiquitous, fleece jackets have fallen from favour somewhat in recent years, with many walkers switching to synthetic insulation that offers more warmth to weight. They are, however, usually more breathable which makes them still a great choice when it’s slightly less cold or when your sweating heading uphill. This fleece jacket from Kathmandu is made from Polartec Thermal Pro, a high performance fleece. In addition to the usual soft fleece inner, the outer surface is a knitted structure giving the garment a distinctive look. The surface has proved robust with no piling…

Posted in Gear reviews, Jackets, Magazine, Midlayers

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival – 15-16 February

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Helen Webster

The EMFF is back for 2020 with a packed line up of films, speakers including Inverness-based Jenny Graham talking about her record-breaking round the world cycle, and the popular photography competition. The festival takes place at Edinburgh University and tickets are on sale now from the EMFF website.

Posted in News