Top tips for hillwalking (aka Hiking) in Scotland

1️⃣ Always do your research

The most important tip is to plan plan plan before heading out into the Scottish hills.

Research the hill you are planning to walk before setting off

There are some great online resources including walk highlands which grades routes on a scale of 1 -5. If you're not an experienced hiker consider picking a route on the easier end of the scale! I always go with someone else as a rule of thumb, no matter how experienced I think I am in the hills. I would absolutely advise this too.

2️⃣ Check the weather - and dress appropriately!

One of the biggest things that can take the new Scottish hillwalker by surprise is how fast the weather changes! The weather at the top of the hill could be completely different from the weather at the bottom. I would recommend checking the weather at the following sources before you set off in the morning. Expect and prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Mountain Weather Information Service

The Met Office Mountain Weather

Mountain Forecast

Scotland can get boggy!

It's more than likely you'll run into some peaty and boggy sections on your adventure - so I would recommend wearing long hiking trousers and gaiters! Also it's essential to have a waterproof jacket and trousers in your bag in case of rain.

What to Pack in Your Backpack:

• 🥪 Plenty of Food – lunch + snacks = energy and focus, bring more than you think you 'normally' eat.

• 🍫 Emergency Rations – high energy backup in case of delays and emergency.

• 💧 Water (min 1L) – stay hydrated for safety + stamina.

• 🩹 First Aid Kit – stabilise minor injuries, could save a life.

• 🧥 Extra Layer – pack an extra fleece and puffa to protect from sudden cold. eg. Rab puffa

• ⛺ Emergency Shelter – keeps body temp up to keep safe in an emergency.

• 🧢🧶 Hat (Beanie + Cap) – protect from heat and cold.

• 🧤 Gloves – even in summer; altitude = unpredictable weather.

3️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Right to Roam

The Right to Roam gives everyone in Scotland non-motorised recreational access to all land and inlet water in Scotland. Aka walking (and sometimes cycling) only.

Right to Roam has some exceptions

The Right to Roam does not include fields of crops/animals or houses of gardens, and the Right to Roam also only applies if you are behaving responsibly!

Learn more

Three principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

1. Respect the interests of other people

2. Care for the environment - pick up litter, dog and human waste (you'd be surprised)

3. Take responsibility for your own actions

Read more about the code! The access code has some good resources I would recommend checking out if you are unsure of anything!

The code also has some guides for navigating the outdoors with dogs.

4️⃣ Plan how you're going to navigate while walking

We are lucky that nowadays there are soo many navigation app options to help you find your way whilst out in the hills.

• Walk Highlands allows you to download route maps and detailed descriptions, it also has a mobile app. I usually download the map before heading out so I have it when out of signal.

• I always recommend to carry Ordnance Survey physical maps - especially for routes that are longer, more remote, or challenging. However these are no use if you don't know how to read a map! They also have an app (requires subscription).

• All Trails & Gaia are free apps which both have premium options which allow you to download maps for when you're out of service.

I always take a physical map I would recommend making sure you have a map you can download and access when out of service - and taking a back up battery pack for your phone! Your phone is only useful to a certain point. When it drops to a certain temperature they can turn off and no longer work which is why I always take a Spot Tracker..

Spot Trackers - Spot Trackers are absolutely essential for contacting emergency services without signal. I never walk without mine now and if you are planning any Munro's in Scotland or are into hiking anywhere in the world I would absolutely recommend purchasing one. It could save your life. I've heard some scary mountain rescue stories when people's phones basically couldn't save them. Don't let that be you.

5️⃣ Be aware of deer stalking

Deer stalking can take place year round in Scotland especially the highlands islands, Angus glens, Highland Perthshire but is busiest from August - November and late again January - mid February. Be aware of signage as you are heading on your walk and try to stick to the route!

More information

6️⃣ Tell someone before you go

Make sure you tell someone before you set off and give an estimated time of return. This may seem over the top on an easy hike on a sunny day - but better safe than sorry! I know people that haven't done this and then didn't get found until it was too late.