Hillwalking and Exploring Scotland

K

KayJay

Give us a Tena
Suspended / Banned
Messages
5,783
Edit My Images
Yes
I want to do this, but haven't got a clue where to start or what equipment I need. I'm starting to get bored of seeing the same things over and over and what to get out the city without endangering my life. So any advice would be great.
 
In a kilt. As I have no clan history, Scottish anyway, I've got myself a lovely Pride of Scotland which I wore to my graduation and wedding. But now I'd like to wear it while rambling.
 
Join www.scottishhills.com and ask in there.

I was into mountaineering many moons ago and it is best to start with an experienced companion.
If you don't know one join a club.

Loads of folk on that website can help.

"Climb, if you will, but look well to each step and from the beginning, remember what may be the end"
Edward Whymper (first person to climb the Matterhorn. Unfortunately 4 of his party fell off)

Dougie
 
Well, I want to start at the start, I'm a total noob. Will look into joining a club. Ideally good walking routes with camping spots to start with, secondary purpose to take photography, but mainly to see the country and get fit and work my way up from there.

I like the idea of cold wet nights with lots of wind.
 
Are you looking at 'climbing' Munro's or just hiking amongst the hills ?
 
Thanks for the links so far, reading through them all and seeing what's what.
 
Well as a bare minimum equipment I would suggest something like this:

Eating
Spork
Stove
Gas Canister
Pot
Matches
Sponge
Pen Knife

Hygiene
Toothpaste/brush
Deodrant
Shower Gel
Toilet Roll

Clothes
Socks
Boxers
Trousers/Shorts
Fleece
T-Shirts

Random
Lipsalve
Sun Lotion
First Aid kit
Waterproof case
Compass
Torch/Head Torch
Platapus
Bag
Sleeping Stuff
Thermarest
Sleeping Bag/Waterproof cover
Cover/Tarp \
Bivi Bag / Although a tent would cover these two instead

Camera Equipment
Monopod
Tripod
Head
Camera
Tokina 12-24
Sigma 24-70
Canon 300 f/4
Spare batteries
Memory Cards
Remote
ND Filter
Battery Charger


Also obviously a map, boots and jacket(s) + the ability to use them! (and perhaps your own camera equipment, you're not having mine!;))

I made a little spreadsheet of all the kit I need (+weights) for ambling around the south west coast so I know what to take (and don't forget anything!) and the weight. :)
 
Last edited:
KayJay said:
In a kilt. As I have no clan history, Scottish anyway, I've got myself a lovely Pride of Scotland which I wore to my graduation and wedding. But now I'd like to wear it while rambling.
Click to expand...


Kilt + Midges = Itchy lumps

Then there are the clegs and ticks (nasty burrowing little beggars, 10% of which carry Lyme disease).

BTW a good place to start could be in the Forestry Commission lands. Most of the routes are waymarked and can range from a few miles to 30 miles or more.
Plenty routes start from Aberfoyle and you can choose flattish walks or those with a reasonable amount of ascent.
 
Amp34 said:
Well as a bare minimum equipment I would suggest something like this:

Eating
Spork
Stove
Gas Canister
Pot
Matches
Sponge
Pen Knife

Hygiene
Toothpaste/brush
Deodrant
Shower Gel
Toilet Roll

Clothes
Socks
Boxers
Trousers/Shorts
Fleece
T-Shirts

Random
Lipsalve
Sun Lotion
First Aid kit
Waterproof case
Compass
Torch/Head Torch
Platapus
Bag
Sleeping Stuff
Thermarest
Sleeping Bag/Waterproof cover
Cover/Tarp \
Bivi Bag / Although a tent would cover these two instead

Camera Equipment
Monopod
Tripod
Head
Camera
Tokina 12-24
Sigma 24-70
Canon 300 f/4
Spare batteries
Memory Cards
Remote
ND Filter
Battery Charger


Also obviously a map, boots and jacket(s) + the ability to use them! (and perhaps your own camera equipment, you're not having mine!;))

I made a little spreadsheet of all the kit I need (+weights) for ambling around the south west coast so I know what to take (and don't forget anything!) and the weight. :)
Click to expand...

This is excellent. Although, the 'Platapus'? Is that for company?
 
My sister lives in Glasgow (Summerston) and the last time I was down there I had a nice walk up Dumgoyne. I can see it from her kitchen window so finally got round to climbing it.
That would be good for starters.
You've also got the most southerly Munro nearby - namely Ben Lomond.
The Trossachs aren't too far from you and theres a few Corbetts there (mountains between 2500ft & 3000ft)
I fact, your spoiled for choice in Glasgow.
 
Some stuff you will need/want:

Most important thing is probably a good pair of boots (and socks - I recommend Smartwool socks), also blisters are your worst enemy! :p Scarpa and Zamberlan are good makes, but try them before you buy them as with any boots. Find a good Tiso store, the staff should be able to help you.

Also a good weatherproof/waterproof jacket is recommended, to keep the cold at bay. 100mph winds at the top of Ben Wyvis is not too nice, especially when raining/hailstones etc. you get the idea.

A good up to date OS map of the area, and a compass too obviously. (GPS if you have it is also handy). A waterproof case is also useful to keep your maps in.

Lots of high energy food and drink and plenty of water to keep energy levels up and fight off dehydration especially if its hot.

First Aid Kit for obvious reasons.

Avon Skin So Soft for midge repelent (:D)
 
Excellent. Lots of good info so far :)

I think a cone might be better than a stone for wiping ones starfish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top