Exploring Dunoon

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Fiona Russell

Climbing the steep path and numerous uneven stone-slab steps through deeply moss-covered Puck’s Glen on the Cowal Peninsula, it is easy to imagine I have been transported to another world. Is that the hushed voices of mischievous sprites casting their devilish magic or simply the wind whispering through the tall forest trees? Perhaps I might hear a little better – and learn more of the mysteries – in this fairy-tale location if it was not for the background of burbling and splashing water from the many waterfalls that cascade through the gorge. Of course, these thoughts are purely fantasy, although…

Posted in Features, Magazine

Mountaineers call for Upland Strategy

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Helen Webster

Mountaineering Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to implement the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report ‘Scoping a strategic vision for the uplands’ explores the potential of developing an overarching upland strategy, which would involve a wide range of interest groups and organisations. Following an extensive consultation, it includes a number of broad recommendations that could inform the development of a strategic vision if Scottish ministers decide to go ahead with it. Mountaineering Scotland, which has previously called for such a strategy, has endorsed the SNH report, urging ministers to embrace its recommendations. David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland,…

Posted in Access issues, Nature

Hillwalkers needed to Adopt a Path

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Mountains and The People project led by Scottish footpath charity the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is looking for dedicated hillwalkers to adopt a favourite upland path in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Parks. The Adopt a Path scheme allows those most passionate about Scotland’s mountains to become custodians of their favourite hill paths, conserving fragile upland landscapes by reporting on erosion damage or potential path issues and allowing maintenance tasks to be targeted to best effect. There are paths available for adoption across both of Scotland’s National Parks; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News

Review: Mammut MTR 201-II Max Low Trail Shoe

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Helen Webster

Whilst these lightweight low-cut shoes are firmly aimed at trail runners – and ultra long distance ones at that – I’m always looking for comfortable and robust footwear that enables me to discard my heavier shoes and boots for summer Scottish routes. As with all footwear, fit is key. These were instantly very comfortable on my wide feet with no pinch points, the toe box is reasonably wide with plenty of give in the mesh uppers, they may be slightly on the short side as I fit a UK size 6 when a 5.5 is usually my choice (men’s version…

Posted in Footwear, Gear reviews, Magazine

What Price a Bothy?

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Cameron McNeish

IT was a number of years ago now when my two sons had joined the Boy Scouts. I was asked to help organise an overnight expedition for the lads and since it was February I agreed to take them to Glen Feshie for an overnight in the popular bothy known as Ruigh-aiteachain. We kitted the boys out with headtorches and wandered down the snow covered footpath from Achlean. As soon as they picked out the grey walls of the bothy through the trees they made a run for it, all eager to find the best space to put down their…

Posted in Features, Magazine, News

Highland estate limits access to famous “Whisky Trail”

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Helen Webster

Ramblers Scotland is calling on a Highland landowner to immediately remove new locked gates that are blocking public access to their estate, and the Speyside Way that runs through it. Three electronic gates were recently installed at the beautiful Kinrara Estate south of Aviemore – preventing walkers, cyclists and horse-riders from accessing the popular Speyside Way, also known as ‘The Whisky Trail’. Under Scottish law, there is an obligation on people who own and manage land to ensure that public access is facilitated where access rights apply. Thousands of people use the Speyside Way each year, bringing many economic benefits…

Posted in Access issues

Hill skills and Camp Craft – Being prepared

Posted on July 20, 2017 by David Lintern

David Lintern looks at 5 ways to be better prepared in the hills. There’s something to be said for thinking about how much we’re hauling up those hills, on our backs, bellies or feet. The phrase ultralight may come and go, but it’s not all marketing. More interesting for me is one of the tenets of going lightweight; abstraction. What items have a shared use? What can I do without altogether, and what constitutes cutting it too fine? What knowledge I can carry, instead of kit, which makes my outdoors life simpler, safer and more enjoyable? I rarely think about…

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JMT seeks Engagement Officer for Sandwood Bay

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Helen Webster

Conservation charity, the John Muir Trust is seeking to recruit someone to improve the visitor experience and level of engagement of visitors and locals with Sandwood Bay. The Trust says it is looking for an excellent communicator with experience of working with communities, volunteers and young people and contract management experience. The main responsibilities of the 18 month contract will be to plan and deliver; a promotion and marketing programme for local business in relation to the bay and the North Coast 500; a training programme for students, volunteers, schools and visitors, and a refurbishment programme for the Sandwood Bay…

Posted in News

Corran Ferry grounded for ‘forseeable future’

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Highland Council-run Corran Ferry service across Loch Linnhe has been suspended since the boat struck rocks on Saturday. The council has said it is looking to ‘find a solution’ but that the ferry is suspended for the ‘forseeable future’ according to the BBC. The back up boat – the Mail of Coul – is also unavailable, currently moored on Bute awaiting a repair. The ferry offers the fastest access from the south Ardgour, Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula – popular tourism destinations currently at the height of their season – as well as for local residents and businesses. Update:…

Posted in Access issues

New poll shows importance of wild places to Scottish tourism

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Helen Webster

New research released by one of the UK’s leading conservation charities has highlighted the potential benefits for Scotland’s tourism industry of protecting the country’s unique Wild Land Areas from industrial-scale development. A survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of the John Muir Trust reveals that the majority of Scottish adults – 55 per cent – are “less likely” to visit scenic areas in Scotland if they contain large scale infrastructure, like commercial wind farms, electricity transmission and super-quarries. Just three per cent said they were “more likely” to visit such areas, while 26 per cent said that the existence…

Posted in Nature