Blow for wild land as Glen Etive hydro schemes approved again by council

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Helen Webster

There was disappointment for outdoors enthusiasts and Highlands tourism businesses as a full meeting of Highland Council approved all the Glen Etive hydro schemes for a second time this afternoon. The three schemes situated on officially-recognised Wild Land were approved by councillors by 28 votes to 13, 25 to 17 and 27 to 15. Councillor Andrew Baxter – who represents the local ward that includes Glen Etive – proposed the motion to reject the schemes due to their cumulative damaging effect on wild land, set against a power generating capability that is less than that of a single offshore turbine,…

Posted in News

Our picks: the 10 finest Munros

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Helen Webster

The Munros are the mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet high. First catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891, the list has been revised ever since to keep up to date with the latest height measurements, and opinions on which summits count as separate mountains and which are just subsidiary tops. Climbing all 282 summits is a long-term objective of many hillwakers. Here’s our favourite 10 Munros – listed alphabetically – but don’t forget Scotland has scores of magnificent mountains which don’t quite make the ‘magic’ height of 3000 feet and most hillwalkers will have their own favorites that are…

Posted in Features, Magazine, Munros, Our picks

Hillwalkers reminded to check avalanche and weather forecasts

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Helen Webster

Following the tragic news of fatalities resulting from an avalanche on Ben Nevis this week, mountain safety experts have issued a reminder to walkers, climbers and backcountry skiers that their enthusiasm should always be tempered by close attention to avalanche and weather forecasts.

Posted in Access issues, News

Mountain hare book scoops Nature Photography award

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Helen Webster

A debut book exploring The Secret Life of the Mountain Hare has gained public appreciation in an online vote to find the Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book of 2018. It is the work of photographer Andy Howard, a leading expert on mountain hares, and includes stunning photography and field notes from his time on the hills tracking these majestic creatures, as well as a charming narrative about the life of the mountain hare. The book was reviewed on Walkhighlands on launch in October. The vote is held every two years by the Scottish Nature Photography Awards, which celebrate nature, wildlife and…

Posted in Books, Gear reviews, Magazine, Nature, Photography

Beavers to be legally protected species

Posted on February 23, 2019 by Helen Webster

Beavers will become a legally protected species in May, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced. This means that from 1 May 2019 shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accordance with the law on European Protected Species. Ms Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government believes in the highest standards of animal welfare – for both wild and domestic animals – and we felt it was high time that beavers enjoyed the same legal protection as other species like bats, dolphins, wildcats and otters. “There are few…

Posted in Magazine, Nature

New flagship fund for nature launched

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Helen Webster

Scottish Natural Heritage has issued a call for ambitious ideas to improve habitats, safeguard species and encourage increased access to nature.

Posted in News

Noel Williams wins Excellence in Mountain Culture Award

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Helen Webster

Noel Williams, inspirational high school teacher, author of respected mountain guides, founding member of the Lochaber Geopark, retired member of Lochaber Mountain Rescue and accomplished hill runner, has won this year’s Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.

Posted in Magazine, News

BBC Winterwatch comes to the Cairngorms

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Helen Webster

Winterwatch returns to BBC Two this week – and they will be broadcasting live from the Cairngorms National Park, just a few miles from Walkhighlands HQ. Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke will host the wildlife extravaganza, kicking off the year in one of the toughest places in the country for our animals. The freezing temperatures and blanket of snow make this an extreme environment to call home, and the team will explore how the local wildlife adapts to get through this toughest of seasons. The team will be back to the same location for both Springwatch and…

Posted in Magazine, News

Mountaineering double bill to headline Braemar Mountain Festival

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Helen Webster

One of the world’s best all-round climbers will speak alongside the second Scottish woman in history to climb Everest at the Braemar Mountain Festival 2019.

Posted in Magazine

Review: Hostile Habitats – Scotland’s Mountain Environment

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Helen Webster

The original guide to Scotland’s mountain environment aimed at hillwalkers and climbers has just been updated with a new edition. When Hostile Habitats was first published in 2006 it brought together information on the full context of Scotland’s hills – geology, landscape, flora and fauna, and human history – into one accessibly-written guidebook aimed at hillwalkers. The book proved popular and this second edition keeps to the same arrangement of nine chapters, written by different experts, but has been expanded and updated to reflect changes in understanding. A hefty hardback, this is a book to dip in and out of…

Posted in Books, Gear reviews, Magazine