Magazine

Trossachs Explorer bus returns

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Helen Webster

Following a successful trial in 2024, the Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus is returning for a second and expanded pilot this season. The pilot service service will run from 7th July to 5th October 2025 building on the learnings and success from 2024, trialling further enhancements and an expanded route, now starting from Drymen, the shuttle bus operation will continue to test and learn what works both in terms of service operation and inspiring people to use more sustainable travel options to connect and protect the special environment of our National Park. Tackling the dominance of car travel and lack of…

Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News

Epic adventures win June competition

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Helen Webster

Loads of great reports for all types of walks were posted on the Walkhighlands forum in June, but it was two epic adventures that caught the judges’ eyes and bagged last month’s prizes. 1st prize and a £100 Highlander voucher goes to ben-buky for The HaGGIS (Highlands and Glasgow Greatly Inclined Stroll) – a 4 week extravaganza including 64 munros over 500 miles and numerous adventures and digestive issues. Runner-up was the equally mad expedition Geal Chàrnage by arno99, which wins the £50 runner up prize. Congratulations to both winners and thanks to everyone who posted. To be in with a chance of winning…

Posted in Magazine

Review: Summer hiking T-Shirts

Posted on June 21, 2025 by Helen Webster

Whether you’re bagging Munros, wandering through coastal paths, or simply making the most of a crisp morning in the glens, a good hiking T-shirt is the base layer you’ll rely on. We’ve tested a range of both synthetic and merino-blend tops paying attention to fit, breathability, drying time, durability and value for money. Here’s how they stacked up: Berghaus: 24/7 Crew Tech Tee RRP: £30Fabric: 100% polyester Argentium fabric Made from ultra-lightweight fabric that feels cool against the skin and wicks well. The women’s is a fitted design but retains a good range of movement in the arms as there’s…

Posted in Baselayers, Gear reviews, Magazine

Culra Bothy to be replaced

Posted on June 19, 2025 by Paul Webster

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…

Posted in Access issues, Features, Magazine, News

Splat!

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Ben Dolphin

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…

Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature

Our picks: another 10 walks you can reach by train

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Paul Webster

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…

Posted in Features, Magazine

Review: Hiking shorts

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Helen Webster

Summer can be over very quickly in Scotland so it’s good to be prepared with a comfortable pair of hiking shorts. Things to consider when buying include: fit; range of movement including fabric stretch; weight, material type and speed of drying and SPF protection; sustainability, number and size of pockets, type of waistband and fastening, durability and cost. We’ve been testing a range of pairs. Findra: Kilda Trail Shorts RRP: £90Fabric: 88% nylon (38% recycled), 12% spandex These are longer length shorts from women-only Scottish brand Findra. They are designed with comfort in mind and are equally at home on…

Posted in Gear reviews, Magazine, Trousers

Our picks: the hardest Munros

Posted on May 4, 2025 by Helen Webster

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…

Posted in Features, Magazine, Our picks

Peak-bagging Poodle and a Rum celebration win April prizes

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Helen Webster

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

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Annie Ives

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…

Posted in Features, Magazine, Nature