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Features

Culra Bothy to be replaced

The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) and Ben Alder Estate have announced that Culra bothy in the Central Highlands is to be replaced. The existing building, which is situated 10 miles west of Dalwhinnie and was commonly used by people as a base for climbing several remote peaks including Ben Alder was closed in 2014 when a professional survey advised that asbestos was present in the fabric of the building making it unsafe for public use. It is expected that work on will commence in mid-October 2025 and that the new bothy will be available for use early in the New

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Posted in Access issues, Features, Magazine, News

Splat!

Splat! Something hit the windscreen. Something large. One of those ones you REALLY notice. And another. The wipers tried their best but a misty smear nonetheless formed in their wake across the whole of the windscreen. It was only then that I noticed just how many smaller, soundless collisions there had been during my drive down the A90. On arriving in Fife, I exclaimed aloud when I saw that the front of my white car wasn’t white anymore. Anyone who drives will be accustomed to this happening, but I genuinely couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen the car in

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Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature

Our picks: another 10 walks you can reach by train

Whether you have no car, are trying to minimise your impact on the environment, or are just looking to save the stress of driving and instead enjoy the comfort of relaxing on a train rather than face driving home with tired legs, Scotland’s railways can help you reach some truly superb walks in comfort. Following on from last year’s article, we’ve selected another ten great walks you can reach by train, scattered all around the country. This article is sponsored by ScotRail, Scotland’s national train operator. Loch Faskally and the Salmon Ladder (Pitlochry) Walk the walk This enchanting walk makes a

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Posted in Features, Magazine

Our picks: the hardest Munros

Which is the hardest of the Munros? It’s a very subjective question – so this is always going to be a personal list. Those who struggle with scrambling or have a strong fear of heights are likely to regard the rockier and more technical mountains with trepidation. For others, fitness may be their limiting factor on days in the hills, and attempting the more remote mountains may require careful planning and the maximum of effort. The Inaccessible Pinnacle The name says it all really, doesn’t it? The Inaccessible Pinnacle (often abbreviated to the In Pinn) is mostly usually described as

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Posted in Features, Magazine, Our picks

Peak-bagging Poodle and a Rum celebration win April prizes

1st prize for April’s Highlander Outdoor walk report of the month on Walkhighlands was awarded for The Poodle & the Peaks: Conquering the Loch Lochy Munros. A fantastic canine account with great photos. Double congratulations were due to Collaciotach for his Coileanadh / Corbett Completion on the Rum Cuillin which wins the £50 runner up prize. A stunning trip to a wonderful island and a fascinating read. To be in with a chance of winning May’s competition simply post a walk report on the Walkhighlands forum.

Posted in Features, Magazine, News

Bumblebee-bagging in the Cairngorms

As walkers, often venturing into wild and remote places, we can play an important role in the conservation of rare species that many people will never come across, but why bother with bumblebees? Here, Annie Ives – hillwalker and professional bumblebee-bagger as Project Officer for Bumblebee Conservation Trust – explains why these precious, mountain-dwelling pollinators deserve a place in our hearts and how we can help them when we are exploring the hills. Following a faint footpath (or is it a deer track?!) through knee-high heather, I hear a distinctive low hum. Automatically, my eyes join my ears, tuning in

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Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature

Through Mists and Uncertainties

In this extract from his book Upland: A Journey through Time and the Hills author Ian Crofton describes the ascent of Ben Nevis made by the poet John Keats in 1818, with his friend Charles Armitage Brown. They had walked on foot all the way from London to Glasgow via the Lake District, where they had climbed Skiddaw, and from Glasgow made their way north, via Loch Lomond, to Fort William. A poet and a scientist on Ben Nevis ‘I have nothing of consequence to tell you,’ Keats wrote to his brother Tom on 3 August 1818, ‘till yesterday when

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Posted in Features, Magazine

Curlews come home

I’ve written a fair few spring-related articles over the years, each one pondering the various signs that herald the end of winter. And while I’ve always reasoned that spring is a culmination of numerous natural cues across a period of weeks, if I was forced to single-out one thing that represents spring more than any other, then it would be the return of the curlew. Appearance wise, the curlew is surely a contender for our most recognisable bird silhouette. Large, with long legs and a long neck, a small head, and a long and thin beak that curves downwards. That

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Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature

Our picks: 10 great walks with CalMac ferries

Every journey starts a story Every visit to one of Scotland’s islands is a true adventure. The Hebrides are renowned for some of the most spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes in Europe. Imagine standing on a rugged coastline, overlooking a vast sandy beach, the wind rich with the scent of the abundant machair flowers. Where could be a better place to explore on foot? Whether you’re taking in the panoramic views from the hilltops, striding out across the sands or pausing to watch an otter catch fish, the island’s natural beauty will capture your heart. You’ll uncover endless layers of

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Posted in Features, Magazine, News, Our picks

Ptarmigan – sharing is caring

There’s not much life up high this time of year. Or at least, that’s the impression you get as you push through shifting sprindrift and up wind-scoured ridges. You can easily buy into the notion that there’s only you up there. As far as you’re concerned, you’re the only creature mad enough to try. But it’s often at times like those, when the wind is raging and you feel the need to keep moving to stay warm, that a small, plump white bird crosses your path. It’s never the case that I catch advance sight of its silhouette on a

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Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature


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You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is every walker's responsibility to check it and to navigate safely.