Walking in Scotland

jd87

Does anyone have any advice (or know any good websites with advice) about walking (hiking, hillwaking, whatever) in Scotland? On the spur of the moment myself and a friend have decided we want to go away next weekend and a couple of days just getting some fresh air and doing lots of walking seems like a moneysaving way to do it.

We have some experience of walking out in the wilderness so we know what's involved, but neither of us has ever planned anything like this ourselves before. We have no idea where to go, where to walk or where to stay. We also don't have much equipment (other than fairly sturdy boots) so we wouldn't want to get off the beaten track too far and we don't have camping stuff so we'd need to stay in a hostel/cheap b&b.

We want it to be somewhere typically Highland-ish (mountains, lochs etc). A distillery to visit would be a bonus, and we would want to stay in accommodation hopefully with a pub nearby, and touristy enough so that we would feel welcome.

I don't even know which area of Scotland to be looking so if someone can suggest somewhere that might give me a starting point.

Is going this time of year even sensible? I mean we don't mind if it rains a bit and is cold, but is it likely to be so bad we won't even be able to go out? Are the days too short?

littleredhen

how about here
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/visiting/walking/menu-id-102.html

it does get dark about 4.30pm but should be getting light at 8am so a long enough day - can't answer any other of your questions but hope this helps

eamon

Get yourself & friend to Glencoe or Tyndrum and try some of the West Highland Way.

concerned43

ditto - West Highland Way. Busy in spring/summer - don't think they'll be a crowd this time of year tho!

jd87

My research led to Glencoe, looks good. I'm assuming it's ok to go this time of year, because it's now that skiers go, or am I wrong?

Kyrae

I agree with littleredhen and thoroughly recommend the Trossachs! We went on holiday there last year and there were plenty of lovely places to walk. We stayed here: http://www.hillviewholidaycottage.co.uk/ and it was a beautiful location, couple of minutes walk from a loch and pier with a nice little tearoom, and nearby Aberfoyle has good pubs for pub meals etc. Only down side is it's a 30 minute or so drive on little country roads to get into Aberfoyle, the views are breathtaking though!! Plenty of places to go walking, saw buzzards and kestrels, and wild goats! Thoroughly recommend that area

doe808

Try here;-
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

I started using it when I first started walking and have found it full of information, and the forum to be really good for advice etc.

Glencoe is quite a big area, so you will be fine, as long as you take crampon and an ice axe for any of the bigger stuff (munros).

Just watch the weather, and daylight hours(oh and being able to read a helps) http://www.mwis.org.uk/

Oh and it can get very cold up there. I climbed Criag Meageidh in December. Minus 18, before the wind chill. so be prepaired clothing wise.

feel free to ask any questions. some GREAT pubs up that end of the world!!

ceebeeby

Ditto for walkhighlands.co.uk - don't leave home without having read up first. The hills can be treacherous this time of year, so only set out upwards if you know what you're doing!

Both LL/Trossachs and Glencoe region are both gorgeous. You'll love it