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Coronavirus message in Scotland to remain “Stay Home”

Walkhighlands usual role is to promote and celebrate exploring Scotland on foot. Since restrictions on travel were first imposed from Coronavirus, we have kept our messaging across the website and our social media to reflect the latest government advice and the lockdown legal restrictions. The above box is shown across Walkhighlands. This is the message from the Scottish Government, and relates to the advice that applies in Scotland. It will be updated when the advice changes. The Scottish Government has stated that the slogan ‘Stay Home – Save Lives’ will stay in place tonight. We are aware we have users

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Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Lockdown reads for lovers of the outdoors

Isolation Shepherd – Iain R. Thomson Delve into the world of remote isolation in this moving and very readable account of a shepherd and young family’s life in Glen Strathfarrar. Set in the mid 1950’s it tells of a world before modern communications and comforts but with many aspects – the mountains around Loch Monar, the relationship between laird and tenant, the tough winter weather, and the working of sheepdogs, that remain to this day. Plenty of photographs help to bring the story to life and the loving descriptions of the landscape mentally teleport you to that remote cottage at

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Posted in Books, Features, Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Avalanche forecasts continue during outbreak

UPDATE: Forecasts have ceased since this article was published, in line with advice not to undertake mountain activities. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service is to continue providing daily forecasts on snow cover and avalanche risk until 19 April if possible. People are currently visiting the mountains and the avalanche service says it will provide forecasts unless Government travel advice changes. An SAIS spokesman told the BBC: “Given the snow conditions, Easter holidays, and the likelihood of a large number of visitors we will run the service until Sunday 19 April.” “Currently there is a general desire to keep the mountains

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Posted in News

Coronavirus advice for walkers

We have deleted this post of advice from March 18 as the advice has been superceded. Click on the green box above for current advice. Stay at Home.

Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News

Coronavirus Update from Scottish Mountain Rescue

Please note this story was published on 19th March and has been superseded by the ‘Stay at home’ message and advice as shown above. Scottish Mountain Rescue have issued the following statement: “Following recent reporting around the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we want to take this opportunity to provide some updates on our current situation. Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are continually reviewing their action plans to ensure they can provide a continuous service within Search & Rescue to safeguard both teams and the service to the general public. Being in the outdoors has many benefits and we are usually very happy

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Posted in Access issues, News

National Parks Photography Winners

The UK National Parks and Campaign for National Parks have chosen the winner and runners up of its joint photography competition.  Around the theme of a ‘Inspired By Nature’, the competition drew around 1,700 entries from across the 15 National Parks in the UK via social media. Outstanding wildlife shots, landscapes and people blew away the judges. The dramatic winning shot, from Pete Stevens, depicts the spectacle of the natural world as a rare osprey swoops in on its prey in the Cairngorms National Park. Pete said: “I’ve always loved being out and about in Scotland and having spent a

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Posted in Magazine, News, Photography

Ramblers Scotland to welcome Lucy Wallace as its first woman president

Well-known blogger and mountain leader Lucy Wallace will become the first woman president of Ramblers Scotland, the walking charity announced today. Lucy is a professional wildlife guide and outdoor instructor who holds the Winter, Summer and International Mountain Leader awards. She is an accredited Duke of Edinburgh’s Award assessor, working with schools and young people on expeditions throughout Scotland. She will succeed countryside ranger Ben Dolphin as Ramblers Scotland’s honorary figurehead, following the organisation’s AGM in North Berwick this weekend. She follows in the footsteps of the late conservationist Dick Balharry, award-winning broadcaster Cameron McNeish and Dr Andrew Murray, who was the Scottish Government’s

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Posted in Magazine, News

Winter conditions alert for mountaineers

With winter conditions at last established in Scotland’s mountains, Mountaineering Scotland is reminding hillgoers not to get carried away by excitement. After a winter which has been characterised by warmer than usual temperatures and lack of good snow, many keen hill walkers, climbers and ski tourers are eager to get out into the white stuff and make the most of the pleasures of the winter mountains. But experts have cautioned people to remember the golden rules of winter mountaineering: be prepared, be equipped and check conditions before you go. Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser for Mountaineering Scotland, said “People are

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Posted in Magazine, News

Walkhighlands / Mountaineering Scotland navigation courses

Following the success of the joint Walkhighlands/Mountaineering Scotland navigation courses over the last few years there will be a further four courses this year. These single day courses will be held in the Ochils in May and in the Lomond Hills in June. This is the chance to brush up on your navigation skills while meeting other Walkhighlands users on a fun and friendly day. Cost The courses are being run on a no-profit, minimal cost basis and are £55 each to non-members which includes a year’s discounted membership of Mountaineering Scotland. The courses are £35 to MS members. What

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Posted in Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival – 15-16 February

The EMFF is back for 2020 with a packed line up of films, speakers including Inverness-based Jenny Graham talking about her record-breaking round the world cycle, and the popular photography competition. The festival takes place at Edinburgh University and tickets are on sale now from the EMFF website.

Posted in News


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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.