Hillwalkers needed to Adopt a Path

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Mountains and The People project led by Scottish footpath charity the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is looking for dedicated hillwalkers to adopt a favourite upland path in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Parks. The Adopt a Path scheme allows those most passionate about Scotland’s mountains to become custodians of their favourite hill paths, conserving fragile upland landscapes by reporting on erosion damage or potential path issues and allowing maintenance tasks to be targeted to best effect. There are paths available for adoption across both of Scotland’s National Parks; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News

Review: Mammut MTR 201-II Max Low Trail Shoe

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Helen Webster

Whilst these lightweight low-cut shoes are firmly aimed at trail runners – and ultra long distance ones at that – I’m always looking for comfortable and robust footwear that enables me to discard my heavier shoes and boots for summer Scottish routes. As with all footwear, fit is key. These were instantly very comfortable on my wide feet with no pinch points, the toe box is reasonably wide with plenty of give in the mesh uppers, they may be slightly on the short side as I fit a UK size 6 when a 5.5 is usually my choice (men’s version…

Posted in Footwear, Gear reviews, Magazine

Highland estate limits access to famous “Whisky Trail”

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Helen Webster

Ramblers Scotland is calling on a Highland landowner to immediately remove new locked gates that are blocking public access to their estate, and the Speyside Way that runs through it. Three electronic gates were recently installed at the beautiful Kinrara Estate south of Aviemore – preventing walkers, cyclists and horse-riders from accessing the popular Speyside Way, also known as ‘The Whisky Trail’. Under Scottish law, there is an obligation on people who own and manage land to ensure that public access is facilitated where access rights apply. Thousands of people use the Speyside Way each year, bringing many economic benefits…

Posted in Access issues

JMT seeks Engagement Officer for Sandwood Bay

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Helen Webster

Conservation charity, the John Muir Trust is seeking to recruit someone to improve the visitor experience and level of engagement of visitors and locals with Sandwood Bay. The Trust says it is looking for an excellent communicator with experience of working with communities, volunteers and young people and contract management experience. The main responsibilities of the 18 month contract will be to plan and deliver; a promotion and marketing programme for local business in relation to the bay and the North Coast 500; a training programme for students, volunteers, schools and visitors, and a refurbishment programme for the Sandwood Bay…

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Corran Ferry grounded for ‘forseeable future’

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Highland Council-run Corran Ferry service across Loch Linnhe has been suspended since the boat struck rocks on Saturday. The council has said it is looking to ‘find a solution’ but that the ferry is suspended for the ‘forseeable future’ according to the BBC. The back up boat – the Mail of Coul – is also unavailable, currently moored on Bute awaiting a repair. The ferry offers the fastest access from the south Ardgour, Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula – popular tourism destinations currently at the height of their season – as well as for local residents and businesses. Update:…

Posted in Access issues

New poll shows importance of wild places to Scottish tourism

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Helen Webster

New research released by one of the UK’s leading conservation charities has highlighted the potential benefits for Scotland’s tourism industry of protecting the country’s unique Wild Land Areas from industrial-scale development. A survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of the John Muir Trust reveals that the majority of Scottish adults – 55 per cent – are “less likely” to visit scenic areas in Scotland if they contain large scale infrastructure, like commercial wind farms, electricity transmission and super-quarries. Just three per cent said they were “more likely” to visit such areas, while 26 per cent said that the existence…

Posted in Nature

Review: Mammut Runbold Trail SO Hooded Jacket Womens

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Helen Webster

RRP: £110 Weight: 365g This softshell from Mammut comes midway on the spectrum of these jackets that fill in the gap between seam-sealed waterproof hardshells and super-light windshirts. The Rab Runbold Trail SO is made from Mammut’s SOFtech fabric which in use proved itself able to withstand light showers whilst also offering some protection against wind. The soft feel on the inside makes it very comfortable to wear over a short sleeved base layer and the fabric is super stretchy giving loads of movement in the arms and also the neck when wearing the hood. Breathability is good and there…

Posted in Gear reviews, Jackets, Magazine

Our pick: Multi-Munro routes

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Helen Webster

If you are into bagging Munros, there’s nothing more satifying than completing a walk that includes several of the prized 282 summits. Not all Munros are equal, and whilst some solitary Munros involve a great deal of effort, there are many places around Scotland where you can tick off multiple Munros in a single day’s outing. Here’s our picks – including some real epics… The Ring of Steall The Ring of Steall is one of Scotland’s great classic hillwalking days – a horseshoe of narrow ridges that takes in four Munros (though it used to be five before Sgor an…

Posted in Features, Magazine, Our picks

Schiehallion helps launch charity appeal

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Helen Webster

The John Muir Trust hosted a family day on Schiehallion last week to launch an appeal to raise more than £500,000 to help children with cancer in Scotland. Professor Brenda Gibson launched the Schiehallion Appeal last weekend by leading a group of patients and families to the top of Schiehallion. Organisers from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said, “It was a fantastic day and such an amazing experience to climb Schiehallion with children who have overcome cancer and their families. The John Muir Trust were a great help too, and had lots of activities at the foot of the hill for…

Posted in News

Met Office enhances its mountain weather forecasts

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Met Office has today made major changes to its mountain weather forecasts. The new style forecasts divide Scotland’s mountains into five areas – Northwest Highlands, Southwest Highlands, North Grampians, South Grampians and Southeast Highlands, replacing the previous forecasts which featured only an east-west split. The details now include the percentage chance of cloud-free summits – similar to the Mountain Weather Information Service familiar to many – but also split the forecast into three hourly periods through the day, have traffic-light colour coding for weather hazards, and provide a summary forecast up to 5 days ahead. Richard Orrell of the…

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