Due to a cancellation there are a couple of places available on next weekend's navigation courses run by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS). These day courses, based in the Campsie Fells and run from Drymen, are aimed at anyone who wants to learn how to navigate for hillwalking or to brush up existing knowledge. There is currently one place on Saturday August 2 and one place on Sunday August 3 and anyone wanting to book should phone the MCofS on 01738 493943. Each course will begin with an hour of work indoors and then the rest of the day…

A memorial beacon will shine out on the summit of Ben Lomond on the night of Saturday 16 August, marking 100 years since World War I. The area around Ben Lomond, including the mountain summit, has been designated as a war memorial, called the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park since 1995. The beacon, created by artificial light, will mark the half-way point in a special torchlit walk being held to raise funds for conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, which cares for Scotland’s most Southerly Munro. The Trust is offering walkers the chance to sign up and pay the…

Ramblers Scotland is calling on everyone in Scotland to follow the inspiration of the Commonwealth Games and make a pledge to get outdoors and get active on the weekend of 9-10 August. The first ever ‘Get Outdoors Weekend’ aims to help everyone across Scotland discover the fun of getting active outdoors. Inactivity in Scotland is a huge problem with 39% of Scots not meeting the minimum recommended level of physical activity. To create a Commonwealth Games legacy Ramblers Scotland is inviting everyone to put on their walking boots or get the bikes out of the garage and plan some time…

A recent survey carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland has revealed that 9.1 million visits are made to the National Forest Estate every year, with walking by far the most popular activity. 72% said they visited a forest to walk, with around 8% cycling, and the remainder enjoying sightseeing, wildlife and picnics. Scotland’s national forests are also contributing to the tourism economy. It is estimated that around 77 per cent of people spend money during their forest trip. Commenting on the All Forests Survey 2, Environment & Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Forestry Commission Scotland is the largest provider…

Over 300 mountain rescuers will descend on Aviemore in September for their bi-ennial gathering. The conference, which will take place from 12th to 14th September, will see team members from across the United Kingdom and Ireland take part in workshops, practice essential skills, and talk about the future of mountain rescue in Britain. Speakers include the climber Andy Kirkpatrick and delegates will also get the chance to climb with Lochaber-based climbing whizz, Dave Macleod. The following promotional film has been made to highlight the event. Conference Chairman Jonathan Hart said, “We’re delighted with progress to date. We’re on target for…

A climber has has died after falling about 200m in Glen Einich in the Cairngorms today (Friday 4 July). Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team said the man slipped and fell while climbing with a colleague who managed to raise the alarm. The fall happened around 12:45 and both Cairngorm Mountain Rescue and a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth were sent to the scene.