Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Helen Webster

RRP: £120 per pair Weight: 285g per pair (110cm length) I had thought my previous go-to trekking poles were lightweight until I picked up these carbon poles from Black Diamond. Weighing in at a mere 285g for the pair the weight is truly featherlight, you genuinely don’t notice them when stowed in a pack and barely notice them in use or carrying them in one hand. I was therefore very interested to find out how these spindly-lightweights would perform in Scottish conditions. The main trade off on the weight v. features is the lack of adjustability. These poles come in…

Posted in Accessories, Gear reviews, Magazine

Police Warning and Mountaineering Scotland advice following rescue callouts

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Helen Webster

Police Scotland has issued a warning to hillwalkers and people pursuing outdoor activities in the mountains of the dangers that inclement weather and the terrain can present. In the last week Mountain Rescue teams have been called out over 13 times and police are reminding people to bear in mind that the weather can change very quickly. Chief Inspector Neil Anderson, Operational Support Division and Land based Search and Rescue lead for Police Scotland, said: “Unless you are an experienced hillwalker or mountaineer I would advise against venturing into the hills if there is any likelihood of the conditions becoming…

Posted in Magazine, News

Hillwalkers needed for Upland Path Survey

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Helen Webster

Do you know of a hill path in need of repair? Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is seeking the views of hillwalkers about the current state of paths and routes in order to determine how much money will be needed to undertake the longterm care of upland paths. The results of this new audit will build on a recent user survey which gathered views about the condition of Scotland’s upland paths and how they could be managed in the future. This audit is focussing on those paths and routes most damaged or in need of urgent repair. The information is needed…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News

Win one of 2 Mammut Creon Tour backpacks

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Paul Webster

We have two Mammut Creon Tours to win in this exclusive Walkhighlands competition. This 28L capacity hill walking rucksack is perfect for a day in the UK’s hills and mountains. Simply answer the question: Name another rucksack in the Mammut range? Product Details The Creon Tour is a sporty and elegant hiking backpack with a large opening to allow easy loading. Its CONTACT STREAM™ suspension system ensures optimum ventilation as well as excellent load transfer and control. FEATURES Rain cover Integrated metal frame for optimum load transfer Flap with external pocket 2 mesh side pockets Integrated, detachable rain cover Hydration…

Posted in News, Walkhighlands news

Winter Navigation

Posted on February 6, 2018 by David Lintern

Finding your way in winter means facing challenging weather and shorter daylight hours, but with the right tools you can still enjoy the hills with confidence. David Lintern goes back to basics (again). “It’s about having good strategies, and sticking to them. Everything you do in these conditions needs to be clear headed, focused and reversible. If it all goes pear shaped you need to be able to backtrack exactly. The very last thing you should do is randomly ‘wander over for a look’”. At least I’m pretty sure that’s what she said. I’m standing in a tight circle with…

Posted in Features, Magazine

Gear review: Salewa Ortles Cubic baselayer

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Paul Webster

Recommended Price: £80 (currently discounted online) Weight: 210g (men’s large) New for this winter, the Salewa Ortles Cubic is a warm fleecy baselayer which I’ve been testing since November. The Ortles is made from Polarlite Fine Grid – a stretchy, warm baselayer fabric; the inside is covered with tiny soft squares which help to trap air, whilst the outer face is smooth – it’s very comfortable worn next to the skin. The raglan sleeves, non-irritating seams and general stretchyness ensure that movement is unrestricted. The cut and general construction quality of the Ortles is excellent, and I expect to get…

Posted in Baselayers, Gear reviews, Magazine

Walkhighlands/Mountaineering Scotland Navigation Courses

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Helen Webster

Following the success of the joint Walkhighlands/Mountaineering Scotland navigation courses over the last few years there will be a further 4 courses this summer. These single day courses will be held in the Lomond and Arrochar hills on 28 and 29 July based in Drymen and on 4 and 5 August based in Arrochar. This is the chance to brush up on your navigation skills while meeting other Walkhighlands users on a fun and friendly day. Each course will begin with an hour of work indoors and then the rest of the day will be spent on practical navigation skills…

Posted in News, Walkhighlands news

Peebles for Pleasure

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Fiona Russell

Situated on the banks of the beautiful, meandering River Tweed, surrounded by gently rolling hills and just a 30-minute drive south of Scotland’s capital city, it is no surprise that the town of Peebles is a popular tourist destination. On most weekends year-round – and on holiday week days – the High Street throngs with both locals and visitors popping in and out of an array of independent shops, delis, cafes, pubs and restaurants. If you like a sweet treat, Cocoa Black, run by the award-winning chocolatier Ruth Hinks, on Cuddybridge, at the start of the Old Town is enticing,…

Posted in Features, Magazine

Cameron McNeish wins Mountain Culture Award

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Helen Webster

The well known hillwalker, broadcaster, author, broadcaster Cameron McNeish has won The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture. The award – which is presented as part of the Fort William Mountain Film Festival – celebrates acheivements in the outdoors and promoting the “sprit of adventure”. Nominations are made by the public; previous winners have included Dr Adam Watson, Myrtle Simpson and Jimmy Marshall. Cameron McNeish is the author of a regular column on Walkhighlands, which has has often used to campaign on access and conservation issues, though his work in these areas goes back many years. He lives in…

Posted in News, Walkhighlands news

Mountain Bothy Association take on maintenance of remote Cairngorms refuge

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Paul Webster

The Mountain Bothy Association have taken on responsibility for repairing and maintaining the Garbh Choire Refuge. The Refuge is situated in one of the more remote climbing areas in the Cairngorms. Although usage has been light compared to other shelters in the area, it has played a significant role in the development of both rock and ice climbing in the area and is an important part of Cairngorm mountaineering heritage. It was originally built by Aberdeen University Lairig Club approximately 50 years ago. The refuge is a steel frame covered with stone. It is in a poor state of repair…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News