John Muir Trust objects to proposed Glen Etive hydro schemes

Posted on August 11, 2018 by Helen Webster

Wild land charity the John Muir Trust has lodged objections to three proposed hydro schemes in the popular outdoor area of Glen Etive near Glencoe on wild land grounds. The proposed schemes on the south-east side of the Glen Etive Road at Allt Ceitlein, Allt Chaorainn and Allt Mheuran are within the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area, the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Special Protection Area and within Wild Land Area 9 Loch Etive Mountains. The proposed developments are part of seven hydro schemes planned for the glen by the same development company. The Trust has stated…

Posted in Nature

New ‘suspension bridge’ keeps red squirrels safe in Highlands

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Helen Webster

A specially designed rope bridge slung between trees high over a Highlands road is giving red squirrels a safe crossing. Camera footage has revealed regular use of the bridge by the charismatic species. Conservation charity Trees for Life installed the bridge over a road near Shieldaig last summer, as part of its project to reintroduce red squirrels to the northwest Highlands. Footage collected for more than a year from a camera trap has now revealed squirrels from a flourishing new population at Shieldaig crossing the bridge and exploring their new homes. Together with nearby road signs alerting drivers to the…

Posted in Nature

New first stage for South Loch Ness Trail set for opening

Posted on August 5, 2018 by Helen Webster

The South Loch Ness Trail is complete with the officially opening of a new section between Fort Augustus and Loch Tarff on August 8th. The trail runs for almost 58km from Fort Augustus to the outskirts of Inverness, following a mix of purpose-built paths, forestry tracks, minor roads and ancient paths along the southern side of Loch Ness. The trail previously started at Loch Tarff, a beautiful spot high above Fort Augustus but with no public transport or accommodation options. The new path links Loch Tarff with Fort Augustus and provides a spectacular start to the route on a well-graded…

Posted in Magazine, News

Gear review: Wicking Underwear

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Helen Webster

I’d not given much thought to the underpants I wear when walking; the 5 for a tenner cotton briefs from M&S had been adequate. However when Paul’s ancient, quick-drying LGT briefs finally gave up the ghost after over 10 years of walking wear including a year-long backpack with only 2 pairs, we decided a foray into modern wicking underwear was in order. The main advantages to wicking underwear is comfort, lower weight, and quick drying. Whilst good for a day walk, these properties really come into their own on multi-day trips when there’s a need to wash and dry underwear…

Posted in Baselayers, Gear reviews

Hillwalkers urged to check deer stalking info as season gets underway

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Helen Webster

As the weather warms up, the deer stalking season begins. Walkers can make sure they won’t disturb stalking by checking the latest local advice on deerstalking provided through Scottish Natural Heritage. The details on deer stalking on estates between July and late October are placed on the Heading for the Scottish Hills website and on Walkhighlands route descriptions. “Deer stalking takes place when Scottish weather is often at its peak and more people want to get outside and enjoy nature, but it’s also a very busy time for land managers. Heading for the Scottish Hills is a quick way for…

Posted in Access issues, News, Walkhighlands news

800% parking charge increase shocks hillwalkers

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Helen Webster

Hill walkers have been outraged by a proposed 800% increase in parking charges at one of Scotland’s most popular mountains. Argyll & Bute Council has announced its intention to increase car parking charges in Arrochar, at the head of Loch Long. The proposed increase will take the hourly charge from 30 pence to £1 and the rate for the full day from £1 to £9. The car cark at Succoth is well used by walkers heading for the distinctive rocky peak of The Cobbler, as well as Beinn Ime and other of the Arrochar Alps. Davie Black, Access & Conservation…

Posted in Access issues, Magazine

Cowal walking festival open for bookings

Posted on July 20, 2018 by Helen Webster

Cowal’s walking festival is back for 2018. Based in Dunoon on the Firth of Clyde, this year’s festival will run from Friday 5th to Friday 12th October inclusive with a varied range of carefully graded guided walks to suit all ages, interests and ability. There is also a charity walk this year in aid of Ollie’s Wee Bothy, a charity providing holidays for families who’ve suffered the death of a child. CowalFest organisers say that fourteen new walks are included alongside old favourites and transport is provided if necessary. The walk leaders and organisers are all volunteers who are keen…

Posted in News

Gear Review: Keen Evofit sandals

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Helen Webster

RRP: £100 Weight: 300g (per sandal size 5.5) Keen are no strangers to making comfortable footwear designed around the actual shape of people’s feet. The Evofit is no exception providing a high level of comfort and support making them suitable for longer walks in hot weather than you might normally associate with a sandal – think of them more as an trail shoe with extra ventilation. The Evofit has a substantial sole with a lot of arch support, fitted with Keen’s trademark rand going all round the front toe box. This means there’s less issue with grit and sand getting…

Posted in Footwear, Gear reviews, Magazine

Too hot for the hills? Experts warn of twin dangers

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Helen Webster

With the forecast remaining warm and dry for the coming week, hillwalkers in Scotland are facing an unusual challenge – not enough water! As well as meaning people should carry more water than usual to avoid dehydration, the dry conditions make it essential that extreme care is taken to avoid the risk of wildfires. Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: “It has been great to see so many people inspired to walk and climb in our hills and mountains in this hot and dry spell. But sunshine brings its own problems. “In fact if you were out…

Posted in News

Garbh Choire Refuge repairs complete

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Helen Webster

An historic mountain refuge has been restored by volunteers. The Garbh Choire Refuge is situated in one of the more remote climbing areas in the Cairngorms. Although usage has been light compared to other shelters in the area, it has played a significant role in the development of both rock and ice climbing in the area and is an important part of Cairngorm mountaineering heritage. It was originally built by Aberdeen University Lairig Club approximately 50 years ago. The refuge, built with a stone covering over a steel frame, was in a poor state of repair and without attention would…

Posted in Access issues, News