GLENTREK

We're wild for the wild map of Scotland!

2012-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

We have always known that the Angus Glens and the Eastern Glens were special. And beautifully wild and remote. And now their “wildness” has been captured on a new “wild land” map.

Scottish Natural Heritage has come up with a Wild Map that’s a first in Europe and is aimed at protecting Scotland’s stunning wild places and landscapes.

According to SNH project: “Wildness is a quality experienced by people when visiting places of a certain character. Measuring wildness is inherently difficult.... However, we consider wildness depends on a number of physical attributes that can be measured…”

These include: The perceived naturalness of the land cover; the ruggedness of the terrain; remoteness from public roads or ferries; and a visible lack of buildings, roads, pylons and other modern artefacts.

The Wild Map will assist local authorities and other planning bodies to make decisions about development and land use change. And it’s hoped the maps will also help the tourism industry to promote Scotland’s wild landscapes to visitors and walkers.

We’re already doing that and we will certainly be using the wild map to make more of the wonderful wildness of the Angus Glens and Eastern Cairngorms.

Half-price winter skills courses

2012-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

What does £25 buy these days? Your half of a cheap meal out with your partner? A Big Mac meal for the family, if you only have a couple of kids. A pair of winter cycling gloves? Four bottles of mediocre wine... And a full day's winter skills tuition in the mountains with Glentrek!

We have cut the price of our day winter skills courses by 50% and it's proving hard for people to resist. Our Glentrek winter skills courses are the perfect introduction to walking in Scotland's winter mountains.

While summer walking still requires a lot of attention to detail, including navigation and weather, when you add in a blanket of snow and below-freezing temperatures in winter, walkers need to know a wider skill set.

Many more people are enjoying the winter mountains

As walking in general grows in popularity, so more people are extending their walking activities into the colder months. But there are obvious dangers and walkers should think about joining a winter skills course, such as the ones run by Glentrek, before setting off for the snow-covered hills.

Winter skills courses with Glentrek

The £25 day course includes skills tuition by a qualified winter mountain leader, as well as all the equipment, including boots, crampons and ice axes, that you might need for a day in the Scottish winter mountains.

These courses are ideal for the walker who has some experience of summer walking but is taking their first steps into the winter mountains. You'll cover such skills as avalanche awareness, crampon use, ice axe arrest and navigation.

The winter skills days take place in the mountains near Glenshee and also offer some fantastic scenic treats. To find out more see Glentrek winter skills

Festive family fun outdoors

2011-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

With the festive holidays now here, many families will be looking forward to some quality time together. Heading outdoors for a walk or cycle gives adult and kids a chance to burn off some excess Christmas calories and get some much needed exercise. If you sit at home watching films and playing computer games for a fortnight you'll all go stir crazy.

But so many people are put off going into Scotland's great outdoors by poor weather. We're not saying you should be forced to go outside and into the hills when it's blowing a gale or stormy but during the winter months you'll find that Scotland boasts some truly lovely days.

There is no reason to miss out on outside fun, especially when Scotland does enjoy cold days with bright blue skies, or mild days with a little rain or snow, of full-on snowy days.

Dress to suit the weather

If you're wearing the right outdoor clothing then most days during the festive holidays offer an opportunity to go outdoors for a family adventure. This doesn't just mean buying the right kit for the grown-ups. Children tend to get colder faster and in wet, snowy or chilly weather, it's youngsters that need to be wrapped up warm and dry.

You'll find a host of practical outdoor clothes for children these days. Here's a checklist of outdoor clothing for children:

Walking boots or wellies are required. Shoes or trainers will let water or snow in over the top and that means the kids will have wet - and cold – feet before you know it. You don't need to spend a fortune but do look for waterproof boots. Something like these Regatta Guideway boots for kids.

A waterproof jacket is a must. There is a huge choice in shops and on-line. See Regatta and Go Outdoors. For youngsters how about this all-in-one Regatta Splosh suit? (See left) Waterproof and cosy, this suit keeps little ones warm from neck to ankles.

Waterproof over trousers make wet or snowy days that bit drier and warmer. Kids can wear their choice of comfy trousers and simply pop the roomy and waterproof trousers over the top.

Baselayers are for children, too. Most adults know about the advantages of wearing a number of thinner baselayers to keep heat in. A baselayer followed by a fleece and then a waterproof jacket works as well for children as for grown-ups.

Cold hands, feet or head will lead to moany children so make sure you have a bundle of hats, gloves and thick socks in a range of sizes.

Pick up top tips for winter walking

2011-12-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Safety is important in the mountains – especially in winter. At Glentrek we run a programme of winter skills and navigation courses offering practical and informative advice about how to enjoy the mountains safely and what to do in situations where you are caught out by bad weather.

Winter skills courses with Glentrek

You can never learn enough about winter safety, however, so we're delighted to hear about the The Mountaineering Council of Scotland's Winter Safety Lectures. This season's lectures are taking place in a range of locations across Scotland.

The aim of the lectures is to entertain and educate, and the main theme is skills for the mountains in winter. In order to deliver this, an inspiring array of speakers has been chosen to present the 2012 lecture series and an entertaining evening out is guaranteed.

The MCofS lectures take place in popular venues including the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe and the Mountain Café, Aviemore. Others will take place at Tiso stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth and Inverness.

Heather Morning, the MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, says: “The MCofS winter safety lectures have something to offer everyone who enjoys the Scottish mountains in winter. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or heading to the mountains for the first time, you are guaranteed to pick up some useful 'top tips' from the experts.”

MCofS Chief Officer David Gibson said: “Winter mountains have much to offer in terms of physical challenge, superb views and memorable experiences. However, the margin for error is much less than at other times of the year due to the weather, conditions underfoot and limited daylight hours.

"These lectures could save lives by enabling you to learn from others’ experience and gain an understanding of the skills and equipment you need to be more self-reliant.”

Of course, at Glentrek we believe that the best way to learn about winter mountains and safety is to get out there with an experienced guide but for extra top tips the MCofS safety lectures will be a valuable addition to your winter skills knowledge.

How walkers should "layer" for comfort and joy

2011-11-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside - and so you pull on t-shirt, a jumpers and a jacket. Good enough you think. But then you start walking and you become hot and sweaty. You remove the jumper, but you feel damp and chilly. That's because your cotton t-shirt is soaked with sweat, causing your body temperature to drop and really what you need is another slightly thinner layer, and not a jumper. You end up feeling so disgruntled and uncomfortable that you don't really enjoy your walk.

But it doesn't have to be like this!

The sensible walker will "layer". Layering is not just about throwing on a t-shirt and a jumper, it's about careful management of body temperature.

The steps for effective layering:

1) Choose thin layers that are made from sweat-wicking materials. These won't stop the sweating, because sweat is a natural body function when you become hot. These layers simply help to move the sweat from your skin to the outside. A few to choose include Helly Hansen baselayers, baselayers made from Merino wool, Skins.

2) Wear lots of thin layers. Start with a vest or t-shirt and then add long-sleeved layers according to the weather. Wearing thin and thin-ish layers allow you to take off and add on layers one at a time so as to better manage your core temperature.

3) Add a waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket on top. Gore-tex is the leader in waterproof and breathable jackets, although there are many other similar fabrics. A jacket that is breathable is one that allows sweat to pass through form the inside to the outside.

So, if you're layering correctly you'll have much less sweat on your skin, you'll be able to manage your temperature by adding and removing layers and you'll keep the wind and rain out with an outer jacket. This is the recipe for happy walking this winter!

Learn your winter walking skills

2011-10-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Scottish mountains are simply magical in winter. On a crisp, dry day when the sky is blue and the snow has transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland it’s difficult to imagine a more stunning location. But for walkers, the chillier months can bring a number of dangers, which is why many more people are now signing up to winter skills courses.

In winter weather conditions can vary suddenly and without warning. In a white out it is very difficult to navigate if you are not familiar with a map and compass. And if you’re caught in bad conditions would you know how to take care of yourself? Even just walking with the aid of crampons can be difficult without some know-how.

Glentrek is now gearing up for their Winter Skills Weekends. The weekends in the Glenshee area focus on a range of different winter walking skills such as moving safely through the mountains including the use of the boot, ice axe, crampon techniques, avalanche awareness and emergency skills. These skills are incorporated into a winter walking day so that they may be put to use as the day progresses.

Winter Skills Weekends are also a great place ot meet likeminded people. If might be that your summer walking pals have decided to stay indoors in the warm but you still have a desire to be out and about in the hills all winter. At a Skills Weekend you’ll work in groups and we’re sure you’ll meet people who are friendly and ken to keep up their winter walking.

Glentrek also has Winter Skills Days. These reveal to less experienced walkers all the basics required for being out in the hills when there’s ice and snow.

There is still availability for the January and February weekends and days. See here for details.

Fix-it hill walking kit

2011-09-23T00:54:00.000-07:00

Being prepared is one of the mantras of outdoors experts. Of course, hill walkers and off-the-beaten track mountain bikers should always have the essential kit packed in their rucksack, and that includes a compass and map and the knowledge of how to use them. But still there are things that you may feel that you can't prepare for, such as a torn tent or rucksack or a zip that suddenly breaks on your waterproof jacket.

So we have come up with a walking, biking and camping fix-it kit. These items shouldn't take up too much extra space and you never know when they will come in handy. They could be the difference between having a usable tent or not, or a pair of walking boots that get you home.

Duct tape: This fantastic DIY item is strong and sticky enough to mends tears and hold things together when all else seems useless. We're used it to mend rucksacks, waterproof trousers, tents and even a sleeping bag zip.

Seam Grip: This is a super-strong seam sealer that acts like an outdoor superglue.

Foil: Buy the heaviest weight you can find and fold it up into a neat square to be stowed in the bottom of your rucksack. It can be used as a windbreak for your stove, as a way of signalling for help (like a mirror) or even fashioned into a makeshift cooking pot.

Zip ties: Small, lightweight and incredibly useful these are fantastic for joining things back together or carry items attached to your rucksack.

Swiss Army Knife or Juice Knife: No outdoors person should go anywhere without a knife that has a useful cutting blade and a saw.

Length of cord: It is lightweight and small to carry but a length of cord can get you out of trouble. Use it as a tent guy line replacement, to replace a snapped boot lace or as a belt for your trousers.

Dental floss: yes, this is a great product for cleaning your teeth but it is also a brilliant substitute fishing line and sewing thread.

Fisherfield Mountain Expedition Summer 2012

2011-09-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Fisherfield mountains, near Ullapool, are much revered in walking circles, especially among Munro baggers. Anyone who has hiked the epic tour of six of Scotland’s famous Munros will recount stories of a huge adventure and fabulous views.

While the latest news does suggest that one of the six Munros will be changed to Corbett after recent remeasuring, it is still kind of necessary to summit all six mountain tops to tick off the five (or possible six) Munros.

In any case, one Munro bagger, aka the G-Force, reckons that the Munro in question, Beinn a Chlaidheimh, is well worth summitting whatever its title. He said: “It doesn’t matter whether Beinn a Chlaidheimh is officially a Munro or a Corbett, it’s a fabulous peak and it is on the main route of the Fisherfield Munro circuit anyway. I can't imagine missing it out!”

But this Fisherfield trek is no easy undertaking. Walkers need to be fit and up for a challenge. Joing a guided trek takes away a lot of the worries about navigation and will lead to a much greater chance of walking all these summits in three days.

On Fri June 29 to Mon July 2, 2012, inclusive, Glentrek is offering a fantastic three-day walking package giving you the chance to “bag” all of the Fisherfield Munros in a single guided trip.

This is a strenuous walking trip with remote camping and will therefore incorporate a mountain training day three or four weeks prior to the expedition.

Departing from the Dundee area, all you will need to bring is a high level of fitness, full hillwalking gear and a sleeping bag.

The price of £375 for the expedition includes:

* One night B/B in a hotel

* Two nights of high-level camping

* One mountain training day with a Mountain Leader

* Guiding with a Mountain Leader

* Expedition rucksack, camping equipment and camping rations.

Book your place now and for more information please give Glentrek a call on: 01307 469536

Save money this summer - go walking

2011-07-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

A new survey has revealed a staggering statistic – that parents are expected to spend a total of £8.6bn on childcare and entertainment this summer. That’s an average of £660 per child over the holidays, including £246 on childcare and £414 on entertainment.

Added to this, the Cost of a Child Report research by insurer LV= found that 55% of parents with children under 18 will not be taking a holiday abroad.

But even though parents are making cut backs this summer, they are finding more creative ways to entertain their children. Cash-clever parents are taking advantage of discount offers for museums and parks, while almost two-thirds of parents will be making doing at-home activities with their kids, such as cooking, drawing, painting and crafts.

If you’re keeping an eye on the pennies this summer why not book a short holiday or weekend in Scotland – and make the most of the great outdoors. Walking is a cheap and fun activity and is highly accessible to all the family.

In Angus, in particular, there’s a host of family-friendly walks through glens and even a couple of the easiest Munros you’ll find. Exploring woodlands, riverbanks and hillsides can lead to some great wildlife sightings and you might even discover a beautiful waterfall or a pool for splashing about in.

Glentrek can offer a wealth of advice on waling in the area and help you to book accommodation to suit your budget. There are many family-style hostels or campsites that won’t break the bank and if you’re enjoying the outdoors and walks every day you will keep the cost of the holiday to a minimum.

If you’re feeling a little more generous one day – and you want to treat the kids to a summer holiday day they won’t forget, why not check out the adventure activities being offered by locally based Highway2Adventure?

Scotland’s outdoors offers so much to do and for just a small outlay so you may not have to spend as much this summer as the research suggests.

Get on your bike to find a gem of a route in the Angus Glens

2011-06-13T12:29:00.001-07:00

Scotland is renowned as a mountain biking destination. Across the country there are numerous mountain biking centres, and stretching for many, many miles in the countryside there’s a vast network of off-road trails that beckon the rider to grab a map and a picnic and head off for a few hours or a few days of remote-style cycling.

In the Angus Glens we are lucky enough to have our own piece of mountain biking paradise. Glen Isla boasts numerous miles of peaceful tracks though forestry and around beautiful lochs.

One of our favourite B&B providers, West Freuchies, is next door to some of the most fabulous of these routes. They’ll send you on your way with bike hire from Glentrek, a delicious packed lunch and a route to suit your fitness and aspirations. But make sure you ask them about Loch Shandra. If there's one place we recommend you cycle to it’s this stunning loch.

Word also has it that there are proposals to create a mountain bike centre in Glen Isla, close to the settlement of Kirkton of Glen Isla. The forest here would become home to blue and red trails and would offer a host of cycling opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels. The registered charity Angus Mountain Bike Trails Association (AMBTA) is currently working on this project.

At Glentrek we're also keen to help more people to get on their bikes and out into the country. We can provide you with bike hire, routes or a guided day if you would like someone to show you a range of new routes or mountain bike trails.

Our mountain bikes for hire include good quality 18-speed, full-suspension mountain bikes, both child and adult sizes. Helmet and gloves are also provided.

Discover a few outdoors secrets in Angus

2011-05-30T07:26:00.001-07:00

At VisitScotland the campaign is "Surprise Yourself". With Scottish Natural Heritage, it's "Simple Pleasures". At Glentrek, we're loving the sentiments of both outdoors promotions. The VisitScotland goal is to get more people to discover more about Scotland.

It could be a beach you've never walked to or a hill view you have never experienced. Perhaps you have not ever travelled to Cape Wrath or taken a boat trip to see native dolphins in the Moray Firth.

There is so much to see and do and discover in Scotland that you could be finding new highlights for the rest of your life.

The SNH Simple Pleasures campaign is similar but aims for people to get outdoors more often to find the natural highlights and hotspots just a short walk or cycle from their own doorsteps. The SNH website reveals a wealth of walk and cycle routes close to the Scottish cities where people can find wildlife, skim stones, play Pooh sticks, identify a tree's age or splash in puddles. Lots of simple things that involve being outdoors and having fun.

In Angus, we reckon there is so much to discover in the great outdoors. We obviously recommend that you come for a visit but here we bring you a few highlights of our beautiful region for outdoors fans:

Walk an easier Munro: The Munros in Angus, including Mayar and Dreish, offer fabulous views and a fantastic walking trip but they are also among some of the easiest of the 283 Munros to walk across Scotland.

Famous birth place: The Angus town of Kirriemuir was home to the Peter Pan author J M Barrie and today his home is an interesting historical visitor attraction.

Gorgeous glens: Angus doesn't have just one beautiful glen but FIVE. The region might seem a little "glen greedy" but each glen boasts a beautiful range of walks and views.

Festival fun: We're just days away from the annual Angus Glens Walking Festival. It grows and grows and offers an ever wider range of walks for new comers and old-timers.

Trail of the Caterans: Angus was once a region inhabited by cattle thieves, the Caterans. The many trails and routes created by these lawless men have now become beautiful walking routes. The Cateran Trail is the UK's first long-distance circular waymarked walk.

Wonderful waterfall: The Reekie Linn waterfall (pictured above) is a spectacular waterfall located just a short walk from Craigisla Bridge on the B954. Sometimes the waterfall is two falls of 6m and 18m. But when in full spate it forms a single waterfall of 24m. Whatever time of year it's pretty awesome to view.

Does anyone else have any secret gems in Angus that they would like to share?

Your chance to tick off six epic Munros in 3 days

2011-04-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Whether you are ticking off Munros or simply fancy a trek into the beautiful wilderness of Scotland, Glentrek’s new Fisherfield Munro break is for you.

The Fisherfield Forest, near Ullapool, is home to some of the remotest Munros in Scotland, and in total there are six mountains over 3,000ft to climb.

These are not easy Munros and you’ll need to be prepared to carry wild camping kit, but the rewards for reaching the summits are almost indescribable.

The scenery is awesome, the route is tough but wildly fabulous and if you tell anyone in the know that you’ve done the Fisherfields they’ll be mightily impressed. "These Munros are the stuff of long-lasting memories," said a Munro bagger, who did the trip last year.

The Glentrek break offers walkers the chance to “bag" all six Munros in one guided trip.

As this is a strenuous three-day walking trip with remote camping, so you’ll need to be fit and healthy to join us.

The 3-day Fisherfields Munro trip:

When: Sunday July 10 to Wednesday July 13, 2011, inclusive.

Price: £280

Depart: From the Dundee area.

What you need: A high level of fitness, full hill-walking gear and a sleeping bag.

The price includes: One night B&B in hotel; two nights of high-level camping; guiding by an expert Mountain Leader; expedition rucksack; camping equipment and camping rations.

To book or for further information call: 01307 469536.

… And for something less strenuous

Glentrek still has places left on their guided Cateran Trail trip starting Aug 28, 2011.

Take care to avoid a summer menace

2011-04-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Summer’s here and we’re all much keener to get out in the great outdoors. While there are so many positives about Scotland’s outdoors playground, including fantastic scenery, the opportunity for adventures and improved physical and mental well-being, there is one less than attractive aspect of summer outdoors – ticks.

In recent years, there have been reports of a rise in the number of ticks, which sadly carry Lyme disease. However if you're aware of the summer menace and take the right steps to avoid them, ticks may never ever cause you a problem.

What are ticks?

The tiny, fly-like creatures feed on the blood of animals, and can also feed on human skin.

Young ticks, which are called nymphs, are about the size of a poppy seed, so they are not easy to see with the naked eye.

Where do ticks hang out?

In Scotland, ticks are found in woodland, on moorland and even in urban parks. There are more in the Highlands areas than in the south of the country.

Why are ticks to be avoided?

Some ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. If an infected tick bites a human, the bacteria can make people ill. The most common sign of Lyme disease is a rash spreading out from the bite, usually after one to two weeks. The rash usually looks like a bull's eye and it can become very large. Symptoms can include feeling like you have the flu.

In severe cases, Lyme disease can cause long-term joint pain and nerve damage.

But before you become too alarmed remember that if treated early, your chances of contracting Lyme disease are low.

How to avoid becoming infected with Lyme disease

• If you’re out and about on Scotland’s hills or moorlands ensure you wear a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers tucked into socks.

• Wearing light-coloured clothing can make it easier to see ticks and remove them.

• Some insect repellents, such as a product containing DEET, can help to ward off ticks in the first place.

• Inspect your skin frequently and remove any ticks.

• Make sure you give your skin a thorough check after a day of walking. Be alert in particular in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, waistband area, under breasts and behind knees.

• Also check that pets do not bring ticks into the home on their fur.

What to do if you spot a tick on your skin

Most ticks do not carry Lyme disease, and a tick usually has to stay on your skin for at least 24 hours before there's much risk of it making you ill.

But if you do spot a tick on your skin, make sure you remove it promptly. It’s important that you do not shock the tick into burrowing further into your skin so the advice is to use a “tick remover”, such as a Tick Twister.

Also ensure that all of the tick is removed at once. Clean the area with an anti-bacterial cream.

Simply knowing about ticks, and their potential danger, means you are far more likely to avoid any contact with the tiny menaces.

Popular Angus Glens Walking Festival returns

2011-04-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

Walking festivals have been growing in popularity over the years, and nowhere more so than in Scotland. Almost every region hosts a number of walking festivals and during most weeks of the spring, summer and autumn there will be a walking festival taking place near you.

The local walking festival for Glentrek is the 9th Angus Glens Walking Festival. This year it takes place on June 2 to 5 and promises more walking routes and guided walks than ever before.

More than 400 walkers attended last year's festival, and this year is set to be even more popular, with the introduction of seven new walks, including a walk each day of the festival that is suitable for walkers of all abilities.

One of the great advantages of a walking festival is the experienced leaders, who offer a great deal of local knowledge, and make each walk a safe outing as well as an informative journey through the countryside.

The Angus Glens Walking Festival offers walk with countryside rangers, estate managers and ecologists who will be on hand to share their knowledge of local history and wildlife.

Walking festivals also create the ideal environment for meeting likeminded people and many have evening social events. The Angus Glens Walking festival is renowned for its programme of lively evening entertainments, including a quiz night and a ceilidh night.

Do remember that these festivals can be popular so the earlier you book your chosen walks the better. In 2011, whether you want to bag a Munro, enjoy a scenic trail along a coastal path or just find out more about the Angus wildlife you'd be advised to book your place early. See Angus Glens Walking Festival.

Summer's here: So choose a walking goal!

2011-03-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

We're excited here at Glentrek! Well, we're always pretty high on life, walking and the outdoors but now that the sun has been making a definite appearance and the clocks have gone forward there are even more reasons to be smiling.

British Summer Time has officially started and now is the perfect time to make plans for your year of walking. Dig out those boots (if you've not already) and have a think about where you fancy walking.

There are numerous walking ideas and it could be that you don't feel the need for a goal. But so many people do like to have an aim and find that this motivates them to get out each weekend and into the hills. So we thought we would suggest a few walking challenge ideas:

Go for the summits: Perhaps you'll choose to start ticking off a round of the Munros or Corbetts. The Munros are hills in Scotland with a summit of more than 3000ft. There are 283 Munros and some of the easiest are in Angus. Why not give Glentrek a call to find out more about the Munros Mayar and Dreish?

Meanwhile, the Corbetts are hills that have a summit of at least 2,500ft. There are 221 Corbetts in Scotland. Many of these hills are "less walked" than the Munros and so they can feel even more luxuriously wild and remote.

Walk the distance: There are at least a dozen long-distance waymarked walks in Scotland. These walks range from two day walks to more than a week. Some walkers choose to walk a section of these waymarked walks each weekend and over a longer period of time, while others will hike the entire route in one multi-day trip. At Glentrek we're big fans of the Cateran Trail.

Take a challenge: There is a growing stable of walking events in Scotland. These events range widely in distance and challenge but they all provide the ideal aim for getting fit and achieving a rewarding goal. There is a new walk challenge called the Cateran Yomp, as well as a host of others including the Caledonian Challenge, the Highland Cross and The Moonwalk, in Edinburgh.

Coast the coast: Scotland's stunning coastline makes a great focus for walkers. There are several long-distance routes along the coast, including the Fife Coastal Path. Why not aim to walk the entire coast of Scotland over the next 10, 20 or 30 years?! Now that's a big challenge!

Tell us what your walking challenge will be this year.

New charity walk challenge on Cateran Trail

2011-03-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

Glentrek is a huge fan of the gorgeously scenic Scottish long-distance walking route called the Cateran Trail. So it's with great delight that we hear about a new charity challenge that will see hundreds of walkers heading along this beautiful route in Perthshire and Angus.

The Cateran Yomp takes place on the summer solstice weekend of June 25 and 26 and offers walkers the chance to hike 23 miles, 37.5 miles or 54 miles in 24 hours. The challenge aims to raise thousands of pounds for the Soldiers' Charity.

The event provides a great challenge to a range of walkers and should also bring a big boost to the local economy.

If there are any participants who would like to walk a section of the Cateran Trail for training or who are looking for assistance with accommodation close to the route please do contact us at Glentrek.

We know the Cateran Trail well and we'd be delighted to guide you or offer self-led assistance.

The outdoors is good for you, reveal new studies

2011-02-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

Anyone who walks or gets out in the great outdoors every now and then will know the benefits to their physical and mental health. Now two new studies reveal more about the good that comes from time in the open air.

Essex University has found that as little as five minutes of "green exercise" can have significant mental health benefits. Green exercise is outdoors exercise, including walking and cycling. Of course, most of us will want to be enjoying our green exercise for a lot longer than five minutes but it just goes to show that even a short time outdoors in sunlight being active each day is good for our minds.

This study, as well as many others, show that a daily walk in daylight can boost feel-good emotions that keep the blues away.

So it's now wonder that a National Trust survey produced such startling statistics about nature and happiness. Trust survey, which was commissioned as part of the National Trust's inquiry into public access and enjoyment of the outdoors, asked 1,294 UK adults about their connection with nature.

Some 80 per cent of the happiest people in the UK said they have a strong connection with nature, compared with just 37 per cent of the unhappiest.

We're feeling spring in the air - and more time for making the most of our fabulous Scottish outdoors playground. If you're stuck for ideas then give Glentrek a call. We have a wealth of walks, both guided and self-guided, on offer in 2011.

The rise and rise of people walking in the UK

2011-02-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Two websites that offer downloadable walks in the UK are reporting a huge increase in interest. In our opinion, this confirms what we have been seeing over the last couple of years, that walking is now even more popular than ever before.

According to National Trust figures, more than 350,000 walks have been been downloaded from the charity’s website in the last 12 months. This represents a rise of almost 40% when compared to 2009 and it means that a walking route was downloaded every 90 seconds.

Meanwhile, leading Scottish walking website Walk Highlands reports a 70% rise in the number of walks downloaded over the last year, and an even bigger rise in the numbers of people coming online to share their adventures.

In particular it's the walking routes that are most suitable for families that are the most popular.
At the National Trust, a spokesperson said: "We've seen a remarkable growth in the popularity of walking in the past couple of years.

"We’re finding that more people want to get out into the great outdoors but often need to be pointed in the right direction. You don’t have to be an expert to go walking, you just need to enjoy getting outside."

At Glentrek, we're delighted to see this rise in popularity of walking and we have certainly been seeing a greater demand for our guided and self-guided walks.

We are keen for more people, especially families, to make the most of Scotland's stunning countryside by walking further and across a range of terrains. We have blogged before about the benefits of walking. These include improved physical fitness and mental well-being.

So where will you be walking with your family this spring? We would love to hear from you.

The wonders of winter walking

2011-01-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

Bright blue skies, dramatic snow-covered landscapes, sparkling frost and ice on bare trees. Just because it's cold outside it doesn't mean you should stay indoors and put your feet up. A walk in the countryside in winter can be a feast for the eyes - and a great way to boost your mental and physical health.

Unless you are experienced in winter walking, however, we recommend you stick to lower level walks on routes that are clearly waymarked. Alternatively you could sign up to a guided winter walk or hire your own walking guide to take you to a range of more remote locations.

Glentrek offers a programme of guided walks and self-guided walks, or give us a call to arrange for a guide to lead your own group. You might also like to join one of our winter skills courses so that you can learn for yourself how to walk safely in the wintry hills.

This weekend, for a taste of winter walking on an easy to follow, signposted trail, we recommend this delightful riverside route at Edzell in Angus. The route is 10kms and flat.

The start and finish point is the village of Edzell. From here the path heads along the roadside to the Gannochy Bridge. Here you cross the picturesque River North Esk. You'll be stunned by the amazing deep sandstone gorge here. In winter the river is fast flowing and the views are very pretty.

Follow the road on the north side of the Esk until you reach Glenesk where a footpath then follows the river via the gorge and again cross the Gannochy Bridge. Continue on another footpath that heads back to Edzell, this time on the south bank of the Esk.

Where will you be walking this weekend? We would love to hear about your favourite wintry walks.

Get on your bike in 2011 - in comfort!

2011-01-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Many people will be thinking about ways to get fit in 2011 - and one of the fastest growing activities is cycling. It could be road cycling, off-road cycling on a hybrid or mountain biking. Whatever you choose you can be sure that cycling will improve you cardiovascular fitness and help to strengthen and tone muscles, especially in the legs.

But before you set out for your first ride, there are a few top tips that we would recommend. These tips are specific to comfort! Anyone who has just jumped on their bike and headed out for a couple of hours will know to their cost what happens if you do not think about your comfort first!

Glentrek's top tips for comfort on your bike:

Buy his OR her padded shorts: Padded shorts for women are made to fit women, while padded shorts for men are made to fit men. We have different physiques and requirements in our undercarriage area so it's always a good idea to buy the one that is made to suit your gender. You do need to buy tight-fitting Lycra shorts as there are other looser-fit shorts on the market, too.

Pay more for more: Padded shorts come in a variety of thicknesses so you might want to pay a bit more for a pair that has thicker padding. This isn't a rule but it is often the case.

Nice and snug: Bike shorts should fit well. If the padded area is loose they will move around and rub. So go for a snug fit.

Softer saddle: You can buy saddles boosted with gel for a softer ride. Or saddles with a wider shape. Some people suit these saddles and some people prefer a harder product. It's a question of taste but well worth considering. Try out a few saddles in a shop for comfort.

Add some cream: For men, the product to go for is chamois cream or Crotch Guard. Women can also use Crotch Guard but better still is Hoo Ha Ride Glide. These creams and oils go on to your nether regions and help to soothe and protect your precious bits from chafing.

Gloves: Protect your hands from rubs that come from sweating or wet weather. Choose fingerless or full finger gloves to suit the climate.

Other clothing: Comfort depends on personal taste but most people prefer to choose neat fitting clothing that wicks away sweat. Layers are a good idea as you can peel these off the warmer you become. A wind and water-proof outer is essential almost year-round in Scotland.

Leg and arm warmers: If you start chilly but have a tendency to get hot quickly then choose leg and arm warmers as a layer. These handy accessories cover the areas from the arms of your t-shirt to your wrists and from the bottom of your shorts to your ankles. When you take them off they roll up into a small package and tuck inside a pocket.

Helmet: Not everyone finds a helmet that comfortable but you'll feel a lot less comfortable if you fall off and hit your head without some kind of robust head cover. There are lots of helmets to choose from so try a few on and find one that fits neatly.

Bike fit: Bikes come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and geometry. It's important for body comfort to have one the right size so go along to a local shop and take advice.You'll be able to try a range of styles and sizes, too.

Now you just need to find a fantastic place to cycling. Why not call Glentrek for some advice?

Set yourself a 2011 walking challenge

2011-01-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Ben Nevis: Step out for a walking challenge in 2011

Are you looking for a little inspiration to kickstart your 2011 "walk yourself to improved fitness" campaign? What? You haven't even thought about getting off the sofa and out into the countryside after all your festive indulgences? Then now is the time!

Walking is one of the most accessible and low-budget ways to get fit and lose some weight. Walking is also a cardiovascular exercise that will help to boost the health of your heart. And it does wonders for toning leg and bum muscles.

So what about the inspiration? Here we bring you some ideas for launching your best ever year of walking in Scotland.

Head for the peaks: You could decide to walk a round of Munros, Corbetts or Grahams. These are all popular bagging (that is walking to the summit) pursuits and while it's unlikely that you'll complete a whole round of Munros, Corbetts or Grahams, you could be into double numbers by the end of 2011.

Take on a challenge: Long-distance walking events, such as the Caledonian Challenge, provide a great goal for walkers. You'll need to train for such events and to encourage friends to join you in a team so a walking challenge can be a great way to motivate yourself to get fit.

Do your bit for charity: Many walk events help to raise funds for charity but you could set your own unique walking challenge and raise funds for your chosen charity. Why not pledge to walk to the top of Ben Nevis three times on one weekend or walk the full 64-mile Cateran Trail in two days? You fundraiser can be anything you fancy, but we're recommending it involves walking in Scottish countryside.

Get out with the family: Make 2011 the year you get your kids into walking. Choose some easier hikes to start with and then build up to a bigger challenge. Some of the easiest Munros are located in Angus and could provide the goal for a summer's day hike.

If you have any motivating ideas please do tell us.

Walking in a winter wonderland

2010-12-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

Glentrek goes winter walking in Glenshee, Scotland

As traditional as the turkey on Christmas is our Glentrek festive walk. With some leisure time on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the days afterwards we can think of nothing better than to head off for a countryside hike - or two, or three! This year, we're looking forward to walking in the fabulous snowy landscape of Angus.

Hill walking in the snow isn't for everyone and you should be experienced in the use of crampons, ice axes, avalanche awareness and navigation if you plan to head high into the hills. Otherwise, why not go for a lower-level walk, perhaps following the banks of a picturesque river or the pretty trails through Scotland's expansive forests?

Ensure you are wearing good boots with plenty of grip, lots of clothing layers, hat, gloves, a buff or a scarf and carrying extra layers as well as a drink and snacks. Even if you're planning to stick to trails it's important that you also take a map, compass and a mobile phone with you. And remember that the sun sets in the late afternoon at this time of year so ensure you have enough time for your walk in the daylight.

Wherever you walk the snow is sure to have created a gorgeous winter wonderland landscape. (Don't forget to send us your pictures of your walks this Christmas).

Thanks to Sue McKichan for this lovely photo of Water of leith

If you're based in town or a city then there are still plenty of wonderful places to walk for an hour or so. This photo of the Water of Leith in Edinburgh reveals the delightful scenery just minutes from the busy shopping streets.

If you are adequately experienced for winter mountain walking then you'll love this time of year. A snowy landscape offers a wealth of new challenges and experiences - and the views from a mountain summit are spectacular. We've enjoyed fantastic festive walking days when hardly another soul is seen. Having the landscape to yourself for the entire day is really special.

And while you're thinking about walking why not make a plan for 2011? Do you want to start a Munros round? Have you been wondering about conquering all the Corbetts? Would you like to learn how to navigate safely? Have you thought about heading off on one of Scotland's fantastic long-distance walking trails, such as the Cateran trail? If any of these ideals appeal, or if you are looking for other suggestions, why not give Glentrek a call? We will be delighted to chat to you about walking in Scotland.

Have a fantastic festive season.

All they want for Christmas...

2010-12-10T02:28:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows a keen walker - but when it comes to buying them a new and original gift it's not always that easy. Most walkers will already have the full range of outdoors kit in their walking gear wardrobe. You might be lucky enough to know of a favoured item that has come to the end of its life or perhaps you've been listening intently this year and you are aware of a new gadget that they are hankering after. If not, then what should you buy your loved one?

Here we bring you a few ideas that should bring a smile to their face on Christmas morning.

The Ruffnek: A new version of the very useful multi-scarf/buff/neck warming thingie. This "ruff" is made of lovely soft fabric and is about as versatile as any outdoors person could want. It could be a scarf, a hat, a hat/scarf, a sweat band, a hairband, a fashion accessory. Pop a Ruffnek into a Christmas stocking for a lovely Christmas surprise.

Collins Ramblers Best Walks in Britain: A new book to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Ramblers' Association. There are lots of great walks in his hardback, coffee-table style book. No doubt your outdoorsy recipient will have walked all the walks but they'll still love looking at the pictures!

Heat holder socks: No walker can ever have enough pairs of socks. And a pair of socks that will be sure to keep their feet cosy on even the coldest hike will be more than welcomed. See how they grin as they pop their feet into these oh-so-cosy socks!

Go-lite: Why carry heavy kit when you can carry light (lite?) kit? Most walkers will welcome a lighter weight addition to their walking gear wardrobe so check out the equipment, including rucksacks, jackets, tops, tights, tents, sleeping bags, on offer at this forward-thinking outdoors company.

A Munro calender 2011: From the website MunroMap comes a gorgeous 2011 calendar. Now we'll bet no-one has one of these already!

The video: Glentrek all-girls hill walking navigation course

2010-11-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

All-female navigation course: Fun and success

2010-11-18T04:32:00.000-08:00

The best way to learn how to navigate the Scottish hills is to get out there and try. Our brilliant instructor ML Mike is a firm believer in learning as you go along and so his Glentrek navigation skills days include a walk to the summit of a hill or to a meaningful destination.

Just recently he led an all-female group on a successful Glentrek Basic Hill Walking Navigation Skills Day in Glenshee, Angus. Three of the women were self-confessed non-navigators, while one had "some vague idea that a map and compass were useful but I have never really got to grips with the art".

The group were all determined to become independent navigators (at some point in the future and perhaps after a few more lessons) and several said they were looking forward to the day when they could take themselves off to the hills "without a man in front"!

The women were not anti-men, they have simply reached the point where they would like to walk solo or as part of an all-female group and they had come to the conclusion that the only way to do this was to join a navigation session, and preferably a female-only class.

Many outdoor activity companies are reporting that female-only groups, from climbing, to walking, to navigation, to mountain biking, are becoming increasingly popular.

As one women in the Glentrek navigation course group said: "If there is a man in the group they tend to take over the navigation. Whether they are better at using a compass, or whether they think they are better, they still lead and then I just follow."

Indeed, ML Mike pointed out that women in all-female groups are more likely to ask questions and become involved in the navigation discussions than when part of a mixed group.

Certainly, the female-only atmosphere was uplifting. The navigation was achieved through friendly discussion, camaraderie and great laughs and chat.

At the start of the session, ML Mike gave a lesson in map orientation, basic compass use, how to identify aspects of the landscape and OS map detail, such as grid sizes and contours. If you're at all intrigued then why not book on to our next navigation course?

Then the women set off to summit a Munro. Stopping at frequent intervals, ML Mike revealed a range of important map skills techniques, such as route plotting, contour reading, grid references and navigating by compass and pacing from A to B. If anyone in the group was slower to get the hang of the skills then they were helped along by ML Mike.

So many times there were cries of "Oh, so that's how it works!" or "I just never knew that but now it makes perfect sense" and "Look, we made it to the right point. How brilliant!"

The day wasn't all learning and there were plenty of opportunities to take in the fantastic scenery, spot wildlife and stop for snack breaks and lunch. Reaching the summit of the Munro, Carn a Gheoidh, was really satisfying.

One of the participants said: "I feel so much more confident now. I wouldn't call myself an expert but I can see how we navigated the route and how we arrived at the summit. It's an up-lifting experience."

The final lesson was safe navigation back to the start of the walk. Despite snow flurries, mist and a darkening sky, the group successfully found their return route and still had enough time for tea, cakes and a good chat about the day at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel.

To see some of the highlights of the day check out this fab blog video.

Scotland's landscape is worth a fortune

2010-11-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

A new report has revealed just how important Scotland's amazing landscape and and abundant wildlife are to the economy. The study by Scottish Natural heritage (SNH) shows that "nature-based tourism" is worth £1.4 billion to Scotland. It also supports some 39,000 full-time jobs.

When you take a closer look at the report Scotland benefits by £900 million thanks to walking and landscape enjoyment. People visit Scotland for a wide range of walks, from gentle strolls to mountain challenges.

Of course, we already knew that many people come to Scotland - or stay for a holiday on home turf - to enjoy walking pursuits and holidays. But it's great to have this confirmed by an investigative report. Indeed, we're delighted to be part of this growth industry.

The SNH research also found that wildlife tourism, including bird watching, whale watching, guided walks and practical conservation holidays, brings in £127m and is the main reason for more than one million trips to Scotland each year.

Adventure activities, such as mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, are worth £178m.

Commenting on the study, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “Scotland’s wonderful natural environment and fascinating wildlife have so much to offer and it’s exciting that there are visitors coming here to appreciate our world-class landscape.

“Tourists obviously enjoy what they see and there’s such a wide variety of activities on offer, whether it’s walking in the glens, spotting some of Scotland’s iconic species or getting involved in conservation.

"Nature based tourism generates significant benefits for the economy, including thousands of jobs. It’s vital that work on the conservation and enhancement of our natural environment continues to ensure we can deliver these benefits for generations to come.”

Ian Jardine, SNH chief executive, added: “We have always known that landscapes and wildlife are one of the main reasons why visitors come to Scotland. We also know that enjoying nature is one of the key activities they like to do when they get here.

"Now we know just how important that is to the economy of Scotland. With spending on nature activities worth nearly 40% of all tourism spending, nature-based tourism can generate significant benefits for the economy."

Great news indeed!

What to wear for winter walking in Scotland

2010-11-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Just because it's colder, wetter, windier and darker it doesn't mean you should give up on walking in Scotland. As we've been blogging all year, walking is a great form of exercise and a fantastic mood booster so giving up shouldn't be an option. However, winter walking does come with more dangers than in the summer months so it's important that you're prepared for the weather conditions.

Lower-level walking in winter in Scotland

Rain, lighter winds, some ice and perhaps even snow will be the challenges facing the walker in the lower-level hills.

The minimum kit should include: Robust, waterproof walking boots, wick-away base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket, trousers, waterproof overtrousers, warm hat and gloves.

Pack in your rucksack: Extra base layers, an extra fleece, another pair of gloves, water, a flask of hot tea or coffee, food and energy bars or cereal bars, a compass and a map.

High level walking in winter in Scotland

Walking in Scotland's higher hills or mountains in winter is for the experienced only. Alternatively you could hire a guide. Weather conditions can rapidly change and it's vital that you know how to navigate in very low visibility. Expect ice, deep snow, high winds, white outs, heavy snow fall and rain.

Essential kit needs to be carried on your back so you should also be fit.

The minimum kit should include: Four seasons walking boots, wick-away base layers, fleeces, waterproof jacket, trousers, waterproof overtrousers, warm hat and warm gloves.

Pack in your rucksack: Extra base layers, an extra fleece, another pair of gloves, an extra hat, crampons, ice axe, a shelter in case of an accident, mobile phone, water, a flask of hot tea or coffee, food and energy bars or cereal bars, a compass and a map. A GPS gadget is a good idea too but you can't rely on this so a map and compass (and the ability to use them) are vital. A first aid kit would be a wise addition.

Always check the latest weather reports and avalanche warnings before setting out. If in doubt, it's best not to go, instead choosing a lower level alternative.

It's official: Walking makes you smarter

2010-10-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Fresh air, fitness and bigger brain size. Now there are

even more reasons for getting out in the hills for a walk.

A new study has revealed yet another reason to get out walking in the Scottish hills. The American survey found that people who walked at least six miles every week had less age-related brain shrinkage than people who walked less.

One of the results of brain shrinkage in later years is memory problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, also kills off brain cells and reduces the volume of the brain.

But the University of Pittsburgh research found that people who walk regularly had larger brain volumes.

A spokesperson for the study said: “Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.”

The study on 300 people looked at the size of their brains over a period of almost 14 years.
It was found that people who walked roughly six to nine miles a week halved their risk of developing memory problems.

The spokesperson added: "Our results are in line with data that shows that aerobic activity induces a host of cellular cascades that could conceivably increase gray matter volume."

So now there’s even more reason and motivation for getting outdoors this winter.

Get outdoors in the half-term break

2010-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Late summer and autumn are

great seasons to visit Angus

While some schoolchildren in Scotland are already enjoying their October break, others in various places in Scotland and most children in England are still looking forward to their traditional mid-term break. We said, the children are looking forward to the holiday! But what about the parents?

It only seems like a couple of weeks ago when the kids were off school for the summer holidays - and now there's another week (and in some cases, two weeks) to keep the little darlings busy and happy. Thankfully October often brings some lovely clear days for outdoors fun. (Outdoors fun = lots of energy burned off!)

You will need to wrap up warm but when the skies are blue, the trees are turning their gorgeous autumnal shades and and the air is crisp and dry it's difficult to think of a better place to be than Scotland.

In fact, here at Glentrek we can't think of a better time to head out for a spirit-lifting walk. (Of course, we might be a little biased but we'll be surprised if you disagree!).

Autumn does bring with it a few more potential dangers on the hills. Walkers should take care to check the weather forecasts and always take the right kit with you. Make sure you have enough emergency clothing, food and water if things turn out to be a bit less than easy-going. It is vital that someone in the group is also good at navigation. (Why not check out our navigation courses?)

And if you're looking for walks to suit the family then we recommend the Angus Glens. The area boasts a wide range of lower level trails and hill walks as well as some of the "easiest" Munros, including Mayar.

The glens also offer a fascinating geography lesson for kids (and even the adults).The Angus Glens comprise five separate glens (or valleys), which are described as resembling the fingers of a giant's hand.

Scoured by huge glaciers during the Ice Age these glens, including Clova, Isla, Prosen, Lethnot and Esk, stretch from the flatter lowlands - known as the Straths - gently upwards like outspread fingers towards the summit tops of rounded hill tops and mountain summits.

While walking in the glens it's easy to spot the work of the glaciers including huge valleys, ribboning rivers, corrie lochs and tumbling waterfalls.

If you're looking for a lower level walk then you could head to the Cateran Trail for a day's hike. The 64-mile long-distance walk is normally completed over five days but much of the walk can be broken down into shorter sections that would be ideal for a family hike.

And while you're in the area you could take the opportunity to try a few other family activities, including cycling, mountain biking and gorge walking. Rainy days are also well catered for in the area with cultural and family friendly attractions such as J M Barrie's birthplace in Kirriemuir, Glamis Castle and RRS Discovery, Dundee.

There's a host of outdoors fun to be had in Angus this October.

If you require any guidance about walks and activities in Angus please do contact Glentrek.

Tales of epic British mountain walks

2010-10-07T06:50:00.001-07:00

We love to hear about epic walking challenges in the great outdoors. Just this summer Munro bagger extraordinaire Steve Fallon completed his 14th (yes, 14th!) full round of 283 Scottish Munros. What started as a mild distraction some 15 years ago has turned into a full-on hobby and even a business, as Steve now leads people who want to climb Munros.

And now fellow mountaineer Alan Hinkes has succeeded in his attempt to climb all 39 of England’s highest peaks in his latest adventure: the County Tops Challenge. Alan, who was the first British person to climb the world’s 14 highest peaks, took just eight days to reach the summit of the highest peak in each English county.

This is a challenge that Alan had always wanted to do and originally he planned to spread it out over a few years but then he had the opportunity to do the challenge with Pro Trek while raising funds for mountain rescue.

His epic journey began in his home town of Northallerton, from where he headed north, then to Lincolnshire, up the west side of the country and finished in the Lake District. As well as the need for strength and endurance, Alan said that driving and finding the peaks was hard going.

Despite experiencing the wonders and scenery of much higher mountains, such as Everest and K2, Alan is still very much passionate about his home country. He is reported as saying: "My heart is in the British hills."

We couldn't agree more!

Glentrek visits the Glenuig Inn, north-west Scotland

2010-09-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

Stunning views from Glenuig

For the first time in a long while I set off for a weekend that didn't include plans of hiking up a mountain. I confess it did feel a little strange to be off on a trip with Husband (a defiant non-walker).

We were lucky enough to have been gifted a stay in the eco-friendly Glenuig Inn at Lochailort, on the beautiful Sound of Arisaig, so off we went with no particular agenda and unaware of the hidden gem we were to discover.

Arriving late and in darkness, Husband and I were treated to the friendly sight of the inn with lights glowing like beacons in the apparent middle of nowhere. It was exciting and I couldn't wait to see our surroundings in daylight.

Despite the 10pm arrival, owner Steve whipped up some delicious food, dotting in and out of the kitchen while telling us enthusiastically about the inn that he has painstakingly upgraded over the last three years. The hard work and dedication has paid off and the result is a unique Scottish inn that while minimal and with unfussy decor offers truly comfortable surroundings and a great atmosphere.

There are numerous opportunities at

Glenuig for coastal walks and sea kayaking

The Glenuig Inn bar offers only Scottish beer and cider on tap, with a great choice of bottled Scottish beer, too. This brave move was tested while I was there by both Husband (a defiant lover of beer in general) and a Royal Navy group who were there on the Saturday night. Everyone enjoyed the choices on offer. I felt vaguely uneasy indulging in my usual Chardonnay (which thankfully was available) as if somehow I wasn't quite doing my bit for the country. Available juices were all natural additive-free varieties and there simply were no fizzy drinks. Bar snacks were in bulk and you helped yourself to a scoopful. How ultra-cool and very environmentally friendly!

The Glenuig Inn accommodation extends to places for 35 people, of which nine are bunkhouse beds and the remaining are various bed combinations in six separate rooms. Prices start at £25 pp B&B

The Gleniug area is ideal for Munro and

Corbett bagging... if that takes your fancy

The Glenuig area: The location is utterly outstanding with mountains galore, including lots of Munros and Corbetts. I did feel an itch to get up high in my walking boots but the lower-level coastline offered a fantastic alternative, and one that Husband and other altitude averse walkers can enjoy too.

You can walk from Glenuig to the ancient village of Smirisary... or try sea kayaking. The shoreline is renowned for excellent kayaking and sailing opportunities. For a taster kayak day try local business Rockhopper Scotland.

I can't wait to go back to Glenuig, stay in the inn and try kayaking. Steve truly deserves success and admiration for sticking to his path of eco friendliness while promoting Scottish food, drink and the great Scottish outdoors and I wish him the best of luck.

A wealth of long-distance walks in Scotland

2010-09-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

The gorgeous and historic

long-distance walk, The Cateran Trail

Every year many thousands of walkers set out to walk one of Scotland's famous long-distance routes. From the "original" long-distance walk, The West Highland Way, to some of the "newest" long-distance routes, such as the Kintyre Way and the Cateran Trail, this stable of routes is spread across Scotland and offers a unique opportunity to walk to places you might never have thought to visit.

Many of the long-distance trails are waymarked on routes that may have been in existence for centuries. The Cateran Trail, in Angus, for example, follows many of the old drove roads and tracks once used by the Caterans, the cattle thieves that once roamed the lawless regions of the Highlands between the 15th and 17th centuries.

For walkers who are less experienced at off-the-beaten navigation, the long-distance waymarked trails are the ideal solution for a walk that provides a mix of challenges and the rewards of "ticking off" a hike. Many routes take days to walk and this only adds to the adventure of a walking holiday.

Knowing the approximate distance and the challenge that is laid out for you day after day is comforting for walkers who are not so fit or are less experienced.

Many long-distance walks also boast numerous places to stay overnight and eat/drink en route. Our favourite route, the Cateran Trail, offers numerous hotels, bunk houses and hostels along the way, many located in a convenient place after a day of walking.

Why not take advantage of services such as luggage transfer, as offered by Glentrek, which will make the walking even more pleasurable? There is little point in carrying a heavy rucksack when for a little extra cost you can have it delivered to your next overnight accommodation.

And just because the routes are waymarked it doesn't mean they do not offer a wealth of scenic treats. These routes are laid out to guide walkers through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes.

Now that winter is coming, many of the waymarked routes across Scotland will be ideal for walkers who are not so keen to go high-level but still want to get out and about in Scotland's great outdoors. Go on, why not choose a long-distance walk in Scotland and take steps to explore this great country?

The benefits of yoga - for walkers

2010-09-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yoga is an ideal activity for walkers

It's been happening across the UK over the last decade. Little by little a wave of yogis have been spreading the word about the superb benefits of yoga. These days most people will know about yoga and many will have given it a try. Perhaps not everyone is aware of the many different styles of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga and Iyengar, but a good number will be familiar with a range of yoga postures such as, downward dog, inversions, twists, backbending etc

The benefits for the general person include strength, flexibility, balance, posture, concentration and relaxation. If you have spent any time doing yoga you will know that all these aspects can be realised within a relatively short time and with practise can become an important part of your life.

But yoga is also of great benefit to walkers, too. In particular the core strengthening advantages of yoga, especially when practising the more dynamic Ashtanga-style of yoga, can help to combat aching back problems that often hit people who hike mountains.

Other benefits of yoga for walkers include:

* Improved energy levels

* Muscle strength in the legs

* Cardiovascular fitness

* Focus

* Stamina

For many people yoga is also a great way to ward off potential injuries. The repetitive motion of walking, especially if you suffer with poor posture or bad limb/body alignment, can lead to a host of leg, hip and back injuries. Yoga helps to realign body alignment and can therefore prevent potential walking aches and pains.

Why not sign up for a beginner yoga group in your area?

Seven great reasons for a walking holiday

2010-09-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

One of the great attractions of hill walking

is the fabulous views. From the summit of the

Munro Slioch this walker can see

the fabulous expanse of Loch Maree

For some people the reasons for walking in Scotland's great outdoors are obvious. While for others the discovery of this great activity can come out of the blue. Have a read of a guest blogging spot on my friend's website, FionaOutdoors, to find out how one woman has found hill walking to be her mental and physical salvation

According to a number of reports, hill walking is on the increase. So many more people are finding that the combination of scenery, fitness and relatively low outlays for kit add up to the ideal activity.

If you still need a little convincing, we thought we'd bring you a list of reasons why walking is such a great thing to do.

Price is right: You only really need a pair of walking boots, a waterproof jacket and a backpack. And once you have bought these items they tend to last for many years. After this you can add to your hill walking gear to make your outings more enjoyable. It does make sense to buy reasonably good quality kit at the outset because it will not need to be replaced so often but for less than £200 you should be able to buy the essentials.

Great for your mind and body: Walking outdoors for just half an hour each day has been shown to combat depression. Walking is also a great cardiovascular exercise and is ideal for burning calories and toning muscles. The further and faster you walk, or the more hills you climb, the greater the health benefits will be.

Sociable: Walking, especially on guided walking holidays, is the ideal place for meeting like-minded people. Some walking events, such as walking festivals and walking challenges, have even resulted in love matches - and the occasional marriage! Walking holidays are also ideal for groups of friends or for couples.

Exploration: Walking is bound to take you to new, beautiful and remote places. In Scotland once you start walking you'll become hooked on the desire to see many more places. Some people take up pursuits such as Munro bagging, which then leads them to discover a host of new destinations.

Fabulous views: Walking so often reaps great scenic rewards. It doesn't really matter where you walk, from urban to rural destinations, you are almost always likely to chance on a fantastic view or vista.

Be your own leader: Learning how to guide and navigate yourself on walking trips can be a huge confidence booster. Once you've mastered the fine art of map and compass reading you can become your own master of your walking destiny.

It's green: Walking and walking holidays are environmentally friendly. If you also arrive on public transport or via bike then you will further reduce your impact on the environment.

What are you waiting for?

Five great Scottish walks for autumn

2010-09-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

We’re lucky to be basking in some late summer sun – and just as the leaves on the trees were threatening to change colour! Still, autumn is just around the corner and we think it’s a season that offers some of the most picturesque walking opportunities in Scotland, in particular in

Angus and Perthshire. Here we bring you our five top walks for autumn:

River walk, Airlie Estates, Angus.

Heading from Cortachy Bridge to the Sawmill Bridge, this walk was originally laid out in the 1870s to celebrate a forthcoming visit by Queen Victoria. Unfortunately Her Royal Highness never did arrive, but the trail has been carefully maintained ever since. The magnificent conifer trees were planted at this time and include Wellingtonias, Douglas, Silver Firs and Sitca Spruce. Stunning rhododendrons were planted by successive generations of the Airlie family. There is also a footbridge of note, "The American Bridge ", on the walk, which was formally opened by the American Ambassador of the day, Charles Price. This is a lovely walk in all seasons but in autumn it is particularly gorgeous.
For further directions and information about the River Walk, Airlie

A range of walks on the Airlie Estates, Angus

Monument walk, Airlie Estates, Angus
Another stunning walk on the Airlie Estate, the 8km circuit takes in a memorial tower and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear autumnal day the vistas are hard to beat.
See Monument Walk

Rocks of Solitude River Walk, Edzell
An impressive gorge in all seasons, the 10.5km circuit via woodland paths and across Gannochy Bridge is simply wonderful. You’ll love kicking through the piles of colourful, crunchy leaves.
See Rocks of Solitude River Walk

Cateran Trail, Perthshire
Know as Big Tree Country, Perthshire offers a wealth of fabulous walks in autumn. A five-day walk along the historic and atmospheric Cateran Trail (see Glentrek's 5-day Cateran Trail break) begins in Big Tree Country. This first day heads through gorgeous woods with lots of colour, which is ideal for soaking up the atmosphere of autumn.

Glen Doll, Angus
Head to the ranger base and choose from a range of wonderful short walks around the glen and forest here. From here you can take a longer walk into the awesome Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve and to several Munros (Scottish mountains more than 3000 feet), such as Mayar and Dreish.

For further information about Glen Doll walks

Scotland's best camping spots

2010-08-27T01:29:00.001-07:00

It was brilliant to see two top places for Scotland in the results of a Five Top Campsites in the UK contest. Thought up and developed by Cotswold Outdoor, the quest was to find Britain’s Best Campsites.

They wanted to hear about all kinds of campsites, from those with breathtaking scenery and spectacular surroundings to those boasting fun-filled family activities and back-to-nature charm.

Campers from across the UK were asked to put forward their favourite sites with the judging panel selecting the five best based on location, facilities, customer service, entertainment and their beautiful outdoor settings.

And the top five included two in Scotland (of course!). They are:

Marthrown of Mabie, Dumfries and Galloway

Why: Set in the middle of Mabie Forest near Dumfries, this quirky site offers a variety of unusual accommodation options, including a replica Iron Age Roundhouse, native American style Tipis and a Mongolian Yurt

For the active family this is perfect as a base for 7stanes famous mountain bike trails, or for something a little more relaxed, enjoy the luxury of an onsite hot tub and sauna under the stars.

Applecross Campsite, Ross-Shire

Why: Situated in the Highlands of Scotland near the small village of Ross-Shire, this remote site offers spectacular views of the Outer Hebrides and the Kintali mountains. With no mobile phone reception the emphasis here in on tranquillity and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Their heated camping huts are suitable for up to four adults and are fully insulated and double-glazed for a refreshing alternative to camping. Campers can wind down from an adventurous day at the Applecross Inn with excellent food and quality beers.

As Dave Housley, senior camping equipment buyer at Cotswold Outdoor, is reported as saying: “Camping is the perfect way to get out and explore everything our country has to offer. With such an eclectic array of accommodation, from eco-pods and yurts to native American style tipis, we’re thrilled to showcase the amazing variety of campsites enjoyed by families across the UK."

Isn't Scotland fantastic?

Happy Glamping and Glampervanning

2010-08-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

Glamping in the purest sense

Words I've learnt this summer that still make me smile are Glamping and Glampervanning (the latter I think was coined by fellow bloggers Big Tree Campervans). Both reveal a growing desire from the general public for outdoors holidays but with a bit of luxury thrown in. So instead of seeing camping as a muddy, uncomfortable affair, Glamping was created to add all kinds of modern touches to camping.

Own-style Glamping

In the purest sense, Glamping is apparently more to do with static yurts and tents, which are kitted out with a wealth of 21st century luxuries, including heating, toilets etc. However, there are Glampers who organise their own tent and camping kit, and simply throw into the car as many modern gadgets as possible to make their camping holiday just that bit more glamorous.

Outdoors shops now sell a wealth of 21st century camping accessories such as solar showers, toilets, toilet tents, blow up mattresses, double sleeping bags, armchairs, proper cooking stoves, glasses, cutlery, crockery etc.

Have you tried Glampervanning?
Pic thanks to Angus Clyne

Glampervanning is similar except there's the added luxury of a warm van in which to live and sleep. While many campervanners still love the nostalgia of a VW van, increasing numbers are finding there are huge benefits to hiring or buying a more modern campervan. (That is, it's much less likely to breakdown/burn your bank balance in petrol!). And so an outdoors holiday in a modern campervan has been coined Glampervanning.

Whether you like the sound of Glamping or Glampervanning both offer a great base for an outdoors holiday whether you're looking for the convenience of a campsite or the get-away-from-it-all tranquility of a wilder spot. You'll also feel a great deal more inclined to embrace some of Scotland's great outdoor pursuits, such as walking, cycling, climbing, surfing.. oh the list is endless!

So many times I've found the weather in September and October to be ideal for an outdoors weekend or break during the school holidays. Who's up for a bit of Glamping or Glampervanning these next couple of months?

Families catch on to walking holidays

2010-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Family fun: Walking holidays are on the rise

And so we're seeing a bit of a trend here at Glentrek. We are finding that more families are asking for cycling and walking holidays. In particular, they are looking for bike rides and walks that while offering an adventure are easy-going and accessible for younger children.

We're happy to oblige as the Angus Glens and the wider Angus region has a great deal to offer the active family. There are lots of beautiful off-road tracks for cycling and lovely flattish trails for walking.

Perhaps, too, this is part of the trend for an increase in staycations. Instead of flying overseas, the stats tell us that more Brits are vacationing at home, in England, Wales and Scotland. The sector for which this is proving most popular is families.

Thanks to Scotland's fantastic outdoors landscape, our country offers the ideal destination for all kinds of active aspirations. In Angus we're a wealth of mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as other activities, such as white water rafting, canyoning, gorge walking, climbing, sea kayaking, Canadian canoeing, sailing and coasteering.

If you want to find out more about what Scotland has to offer - and the wide range of accommodation options - Glentrek will be happy to advise and tailor an active holiday to suit your family.

Cycle your way to a great holiday - and improved fitness

2010-08-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Every year the Tour de France inspires a host of people to rediscover their bikes. And what a great choice of transportation and fitness cycling offers!

Cycling at even leisurely speeds will burn off an average of 150 calories every 30 minutes. Riding at a moderate pace of 12 to 14mph burns double the calories.

There are a wealth of other positive health facts associated with cycling:

* One study found that regular cycling reduces the risk of premature death from ill-health by 39%.

* Research found that by cycling for half an hour most days of the week, you'll lose as much weight as doing three aerobics classes a week.

Go off-road on countryside trails or to one of Scotland’s many mountain biking centres and the health benefits increase. Riding uphill, going fast downhill and cycling on uneven surfaces will increase fat-burn and offer greater all-over-body toning.

Cycling is also a fantastic way to get around Scotland. Thanks to a wealth of off-road trails, purpose-built mountain bike centres and a network of quiet roads and traffic-free routes, there are many, many miles of countryside to cycle - and explore.

Most people are capable of cycling for an hour or so at a time and you’ll be surprised how far you travel in that time. And once you build up your strength and fitness, you’ll find that a bike offers a great way to get about.

Many more people are also discovering the delights of cycle tour holidays. Whether guided or self-guided, there are plenty of options and companies keen to organise routes, accommodation, bike hire and luggage transfer for you.

The advantage of following a route and schedule is that you are more likely to visit recommended places and benefit from the knowledge of local guides and cyclists.

Companies such as Glentrek know all the best routes in their area and can tailor a cycling tour to suit your aspirations and fitness. The cycling holiday could be a couple of days or a week or two. It might be off-road, on a long-distance cross country route or on quiet roads. It could be self-guided or part of a guided cycling weekend.

The choice is yours. But whatever you decide you’ll most likely lose weight, improve your fitness, meet new people and discover a host of attractions all in one holiday.

Walk your way to a lighter you

2010-07-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Walk your way to better health and fitness

Most of us are looking for way to be more active. For many adults it's the promise of weight loss and improved health that offers the motivation to get off the sofa and out the front door.

If you're trying to find an activity that is accessible, flexible and leads to new and interesting places then walking could be the answer.

The facts make for good reading. Assuming one hour of walking for a person who weighs 10.5 stones then:

* Walking on the flat and at an easy-going pace burns 170 calories.

* Hiking or faster walking on off-road surfaces and up hills burns up to 400 calories.

* Backpacking, ie carrying a backpack while walking off-road, burns around 450 calories.

Almost anyone can take up walking as an activity. For those who are less fit then it's vital that you start slowly and build up steadily. Why not start by walking to the shops or out and about with the kids? Switch off the TV for half an hour in the evening and take your partner out for a walk.

You will see the benefits of walking within a week or so. Being outside and walking in the fresh air will give your skin a healthy glow, boost your energy and help you to start to lose weight. In the long-term it will also tone leg and bum muscles.

Over the next few weeks you should increase your pace a little and walk further. Then, once you can walk at a good pace for more than an hour, including some uphill sections, it's time to take your exercise off-road.

Walking on trails and in the hills burns more calories and boosts muscle tone - but it's also a great way to see more of the countryside. In or near to most villages, towns and cities you'll find a network of fantastic paths and trails that are ideal for walkers. Start by exploring some of those close to your home and then, at weekends, why not travel further?

Scotland boasts numerous waymarked trails to walk, along rivers, in valley, along glens and over hills. The views are usually guaranteed to be wonderful and if you take along some friends or your family then you can enjoy a walk and a chat at the same time.

Before you know it you'll be signing up to a guided walking holiday or taking part in a charity walking challenge. Oh, and the chances are you'll have also lost some weight.

Get outdoors and be active!

2010-07-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

Canoeing and kayaking are great outdoor

activities for children and adults

Get Active is a message we're hearing more and more. With rising obesity rates, especially among UK children, and greater concerns about the affects of inactivity on health, everywhere we look the experts are telling us to get off the couch and exercise.

The problem is that many people think that exercise = boring and repetitive workouts. But it really doesn't have to be this way.

Scotland's great outdoors offers a fantastic keep-fit playground. Simply being out of doors and active is guaranteed to burn calories and improve your mental well-being. Walking and cycling provide a great way to see the countryside, take in the views and get in shape. Many more people, especially families, are switching on to the benefits of these highly-accessible and relatively cheap activities.

Gorge walking and canyoning are becoming

increasingly popular in Scotland

There are numerous family-friendly cycle and walk routes criss-crossing Scotland and thanks to a number of outdoors companies, such as us (!) Glentrek, people can discover a wealth of new places to go walk or cycle.

But there are also a host of other activities that will get you fit and have you grinning, too. Multi-activity days and holidays are becoming increasingly popular in Scotland. Afterall this country is voted as Europe's number one outdoors capital. In Angus, holidaymakers could combine a few hours of cycling or walking with a morning or afternoon of other great outdoors activities, such as canoeing, sea kayaking, canyoning, high ropes, gorge walking, climbing and coasteering.

These activities are for a range of abilities, from novice to experienced, and for all ages and fitness levels. Until you try you'll never know how much you'll enjoy being active! Just ask us at Glentrek for further info (we can help you to sign up to many of these activities) or check out Outdoor Angus.

Summer walking for families

2010-07-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

Angus foothills: Perfect for family walking

We've been seeing a lot more families out walking this year – and now that the summer holidays are in full swing in Scotland there have been a lot more enquires about walking adventures and holidays for the family at Glentrek.

Walking is a great activity for all ages and fitness levels because it can be geared to suit everyone. If you have younger children then you will want to keep the walk shorter, on flatter terrain and with lots of things to see and do en route. As children become older then you can plan to extend your walking expeditions and start to take in some of Scotland's glorious hills and mountains.

One question we're often asked is what kit will children need. The answer is that they should have pretty much the same gear as the adults, although if you're walking in summer it is possible to buy clothing and footwear that is less robust, and hopefully cheaper. With children still growing it can be costly to pay out for new clothing every year so it's worth shopping around for lighter weight, summer clothing that should not be as pricey as winter-standard kit.

The most basic summer walking kit for children should include a waterproof jacket, waterproof over-trousers (have these handy in a rucksack in case the weather changes), walking boots or shoes and walking socks. Children can wear their ordinary t-shirts and fleeces and a pair of comfortable trousers, such as tracksuit bottoms or cargo pants.

A small rucksack is a useful addition, but again, this could be one they already own, perhaps used last term at school. For cooler days, pop a woolly hat and gloves into their backpacks, while on hot days you should insist they wear a sunhat.

A couple of good stores for affordable children's kit include Millets and Go Outdoors. For sturdy, comfortable yet budget-friendly walking shoes we've heard great things about Hi-tec children's boots and also Brasher boots.

Hi-tec do a great range of lighter hiking boots for summer wear. Fellow outdoors enthusiast FionaOutdoors wrote a useful review of a pair of children's Hi-tec walking boots.

Meanwhile, Brasher's Chichon GTX boot for children is a great boot. At £50 a pair it's pricier but if you have younger children to pass the boots down to then this would be a good option. Remember, too, that children can wear walking boots for mucking about in during summer play or during the winter when out and about in the snow. This way you get more wear for your money. (We noticed that Go Outdoors have this boot on sale at £45.)

Another option is Regatta. They sell a slightly cheaper range that would be fine for drier, summer walking on trails. This range of footwear offers some pretty colours, too, which is always god for encouraging the girls to pull on their walking boots!

Now there is no excuse for entertaining the children this summer with a few great family walks.

Pic: Regatta Wayright Jnr walking shoe

Walking is great for you and your health

2010-06-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Walking is great for your heart - and your health

If you're already a walking fan then you will not need to be persuaded of the benefits of walking. But if you are new to the pursuit - or still thinking about buying your first pair of walking boots and waterproofs then perhaps you should read on.

There are numerous, proven health benefits of walking. These include:

* Living longer

* Stronger heart

* Improved circulation

* Lower blood pressure

* More efficient lungs

* Reduced risk of breast cancer

* Increased energy levels

* Stronger bones

* Improved stamina

* Better sex

* Stronger muscles

* More flexible joints

* Reduced stress

* Lower weight

* More lean muscle, less fat

* Enhanced mood

* Better sleep

* Less chance of depression

* Reduced chance of arthritis

* Reduced likelihood of osteoporosis.

Shall we continue? Or do you get the general idea that walking is fab for your health and fitness?

Walking is a great calorie burner

* Brisk walking burns up to 100 calories per mile – more if you are very overweight or if you are pushing yourself uphill.

Even more walking advantages

And on top of all these amazing health benefits there are a number of other advantages:

* Walking is a sociable activity and great for keeping up with friends or meeting new people. (One friend met the love of her life while walking a Munro!).

* Walking can provide valuable "me time" away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life.

* Walking is ideal for a range of ages and fitness levels.

* Walking takes you to new and scenic places.

* Walking takes you off the beaten track and on an exciting adventure.

* Walking offers a great hobby, especially if you embark on a goal such as bagging Munros.

* Walking is an activity that you can do all year round.

* It's a cheap activity once you're bought the basic kit.

Once you've read all this you'll be wondering why every single person isn't out walking at every opportunity!

Five "easier" Munros in Angus, Scotland

2010-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Celebration on the top of Mt Keen

People are always asking us about Munros in Angus - and also about "easier" Munros. Of course, there is no such thing as an easy climb to the top of Scotland's stable of 283 Munros but certainly some are more straightforward and less painful on the legs muscles than others. It is also good to remember, too, that even the "easiest" of hills can become treacherous if the weather turns bad. So always make sure you know what the forecast is before setting out and ensure you have the right kit with you. See our previous guide to essential summer walking kit.

Anyway, if you are looking to walk a few of the country's easier Munros then Angus is definitely a great place to come to. While the region boasts some of the most amazing scenery, it also has a few Munros that might suit the less experienced or the less fit. If in doubt about navigation, why not hire a guide to take you to the summit? Glentrek can help you with this.

Our top five Munro suggestions in Angus and close by are:

(Click on the name of the Munro to find a route via Walk Highlands.)

Mt Keen 939m. Mt Keen is the most eastern of the Munros and can be climbed either from Glen Esk (quicker) or Glen Tanar (more scenic).

Ben Chonzie makes a great family walk

Ben Chonzie 931m North of Crieff with a summit located above heather-covered moorlands, Ben Chonzie offers a fine day's outing. The quicker climb is from the west, while the more scenic walk is from the east.

Mayar 928m A lovely gently ascent on a clearly seen path takes you to the top of this rounded summit. But just because it's a relatively easy walk doesn't mean the views are any less gorgeous. You'll love this one. (It is often climbed with Dreish, too)

Driesh 947m A steeper climb but it doesn't feel too long. Driesh is situated above Glen Doll.

Cairnwell 933m This Munro is considered one of the easiest of all. There is far less ascent than many other Munros because a road takes walkers to a car park that is within easy sight of the cone-shaped summit. There is a well-marked trail/road heading to the summit, from where you'll be rewarded with great views. Many people turn the walk into more of an outing by ticking off two other Munros, Carn Aosda and Carn a'Gheoidh.

Fab Coast and castles cycle route

2010-06-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

Gourdon, Montrose

Arbroath Harbour

Montrose beach

Sustrans have been a huge bonus in the UK helping to develop a massive network of cycle-friendly routes for all kinds of cyclists. One of my favourites in Scotland is the Coasts and Castles route. This route, also called National Route 1, actually starts in Newcastle and heads to Aberdeen, via Edinburgh. There's a neat guide book to the Coasts and Castles route produced by Pocket Mountain Guides.

The Coasts and Castles route is an epic cycle stretching almost 600km along the North Sea coast from Newcastle to the granite city of Aberdeen via Northumbria's clifftop castles and smugglers' havens, Edinburgh's medieval Old Town and iconic bridges and Aberdeenshire's fishing villages and sandy beaches.

The route could be completed in one go and over a week or so (for fit cyclists) or it can be split into day-long outings. Last month I assisted a group of cyclists heading from Edinburgh to Aberdeen on this route. I had a lot of fun helping to transfer their baggage between accommodations. The group of 12 cyclists were keen to simply cycle and enjoy the trip, but without having to worry about the extra weight of their luggage. Baggage transfer for walkers and cyclists is a growing part of the Glentrek business.

The group of cyclists rode for four days:

Day 1: Edinburgh to Freuchies, Fife

Day 2: Freuchies to Carnoustie

Day 3: Carnoustie to Inverbervie

Day 4: Inverbervie to Aberdeen.

They had a ball and I was able to take some great pictures along the route. If these don't inspire you to head off for this long-distance cycle then I've no idea what will!

Glentrek now plans to offer the Coasts and Castles cycle as a holiday option for our customers. We can help you to arrange accommodation along the route, baggage transfer and bike hire. We can also pick you up from Edinburgh station and set you on your way with your hired bikes, and then collect you at Aberdeen.

This summer is the ideal time to head to Scotland for a cycling holiday.

2010-06-02T07:36:00.001-07:00

Glen Doll: The place for great wild walking in Scotland

We've known this for years but now other people are discovering how wonderful the region of Angus in Scotland is for walking. In particular, it's a great place for remote-feeling and wilder walking. In a recent Times article writer Christopher Somerville has compiled 20 top wild walks in the UK and in the list is a fabulous walk in Glen Doll in Angus.

The full walk, which takes in Glen Doll and the Den of Altduthrie, is graded for knowledgeable and fit walkers only. So if you're in doubt about whether to set off to do the 9-mile route why not take a guide with you? Glentrek can assist with organising a guide and accommodation in the area.

The walk is truly fabulous and well worth the effort. Wilderness eye candy comes by way of magnificent mountains, tumbling burns, waterfalls and the chance to spot golden eagles. You'll also hike Jock's Road, which was once a droving and whisky smuggling track, and traverse a stunning high-lvel plateau.

But this is not the only fabulous wild walk in Angus. The award-winning four-day Angus Glens Walking Festival is upon us and will showcase a whole host of great walking in the area. Many walks are fully booked now so why not let Glentrek organise a guided or self-guided walk/walking holiday for you? There's so much to discover in Angus.

Tweeting about walking boots

2010-05-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

We've been enjoying a few chats on Twitter recently, in particular there was a good exchange about Meindl boots. Meindl recently won an award in Country Walking magazine for Best in Test for their Respond XCR. (The Ramblers Association mag also recently awarded Meindl with a silver accolade in the Best Walking Boot/Shoe category).

We decided that this tweet was worthy of a retweet and so we found that some of our followers are indeed fans of these boots, too. It's always good to hear of recommendations when buying new boots.

Of course, everyone's feet are different and so some bots will suit some people while some will not. And it does depend on the type of walking or outdoors activities that you're doing.

But here's what two tweeters told us:

Mad Hunter Mike, aka Mike Hardy, of Arbroath, recommends Meindl boots. He's on his 6th pair and reckons the boots are the best. Check out MadHunterMike

James Campbell of Campbell Tours, based in Scotland, is also a big fan of Meindl boots. He says: "I wear the Kopenhagen shoe with my kilt. They are great for easy to moderate walking."

Another boot brand that's worth checking out according to another outdoors person that Glentrek is following is Hi-tec. FionaOutdoors tried a ladies boot while her daughter Little Miss Outdoors put a kids boot through a rugged hill walk. They both recommended their boots for light to moderate walking.

We'll be keeping you updated on any other boots news that comes our way via the fun and newsworthy Twitter network. Why not join in the chat? Glentrek on Twitter

Top 5 romantic walks in the Angus Glens, Scotland

2010-05-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Summer sunshine and gorgeous scenery can so easily put you in the mood for romance. And where better to head with your loved one that on a beautiful walk in the truly idyllic Angus Glens, in Scotland.

Here we bring you our top five favourite romantic walks in the Angus Glens.

Airlie Circular: This gorgeous 8km circular walk takes in some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, as well as a poignant monument erected in the memory of the 9^th Earl of Airlie. The views are wonderful from the easy-going ridge.

River Esk Circuit, Cortachy. A lovely short wooded walk via a glen and alongside the picturesque River Esk. Take a picnic and a small bottle of champagne for a real treat.

Beautiful Falls of Unich

Forest walk up White Water, Glen Clova. Concentrate on your loved one as you take in this leisurely walk through forestry alongside the atmospheric tumbling white water burn. The mountain views are fantastic.

Loch Brandy, Glen Clova. You'll need to work a little harder for the rewards on this walk but the navigation is not difficult and the perfectly located mountain corrie offers a true feast for the eyes. Again, this makes the ideal destination for a romantic picnic.

Loch Lee and the Waterfalls Circuit, Glen Esk. There's something so romantic about a tumbling waterfall and the falls located on this beautiful walk do not disappoint. The circuit takes in Loch Lee and the wonderful Falls of Unich and the Fall of Damff. Leave four to five hours for this walk.

Essential summer hill walking kit guide

2010-05-12T02:52:00.000-07:00

There is snow today in parts of Scotland. And in May, for goodness sakes! But this helps to underline the importance of being prepared for all the weather that this country can sometimes throw at walkers, even in the summer. Here we bring you an essential hill walking kit guide, as created by Nick Cole, of NSC Outdoor Adventures, based in Meigle, Perthshire.

You should carry at least the following equipment. And do not assume that someone else will have spares available for your use.

* Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-jacket

* Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-trousers that can be put on without removing footwear

* Waterproof hat

* Gloves

* Personal first aid kit & medication (as required)

* Snack

* Drinks, at least 1 litre of water or similar.

* Map

* Compass (and know how to use it)

* Mobile phone

All spare clothing should be contained in a sealed dry-bag, as no rucksack is totally waterproof.

Optional additional equipment: Guidebook, notebook and pen/pencil, camera, binoculars, trekking poles.

In addition:

For low level walks (up to 300m) and up to 2 to 3 hours in duration

Wear two/three season walking boots and carry a 25 litre rucksack containing the above equipment, plus:

* Gaiters

* Spare socks

* Packed lunch and hot drink

* Pen-knife

* Whistle

* Small head torch

* Solo bivvy-bag/shelter or space blanket

For high level walks (above 500m) or an extended day with inclement weather

Wear three season hill-walking boots, and carry a 25 litre rucksack containing the above equipment, plus:

* Spare gloves

* Spare fleece

* Spare hat

* Drinks, consider at least ½ litre per hour of water or similar

* Food for additional meals or snacks

* Small head torch and spare batteries

* Solo bivvy-bag/shelter and space blanket

Remember that the weight of a small stove and gas canister is similar to a flask and heats up far more water than can be carried in that flask).

As Nick points out: “The weather in Scotland can change markedly over the course of a day and being caught out in a chilly wind without a warm drink or food can be uncomfortable.

“Also remember that nothing is actually waterproof. Even the best materials will only withstand continuous wetting for 3 or 4 hours. Rucksacks will always let rain in so lining it with a dry bag or heavy duty bin bag helps keep things dry.

“If navigating you should use and be proficient with a map and compass. GPS systems are fine within their limits, but are not always reliable.

“Finally enjoy yourself, but don’t be overconfident and be prepared to alter your schedule or route if conditions dictate.”

Even more walkers coming to the Angus Glens Walking Festival

2010-05-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

We've know it for years – and now many more people are finding out about it too: the Angus Glens are becoming increasing popular with walkers.

The latest news from the folk at the Angus Glens Walking Festival reveals that with weeks still to go the event has already attracted more walkers than ever before. A large number of guided walks have completely sold out.

Added to this more walkers are travelling from further afield to take part in the walking festival, with walkers from all over the world using the on-line booking system to book places on the Festival’s 24 walks.

However, the Angus Glens Walking Festival, which runs from June 3 until June 6, is about much more than exploring the Angus countryside. Every year, the Festival includes several excellent evening events that offer walkers the chance to enjoy great local food, experience the music, song and dance of Angus and find out more about the highly-skilled local mountaineers and rangers who lead the walks.

On Thursday, June 3, at the Airlie Hotel in Kirriemuir, Festival Leader Mick Pawley will provide a fascinating account of his experiences as Deputy Expedition Leader and Chief Mountaineer on the British Schools Exploring Society’s 2009 expedition to the Indian Himalaya. Tickets for Mick’s slide presentation cost £12, which includes a tasty buffet supper.

Then on Friday, June 4, the Session Band will be performing a selection of toe-tapping Scottish favourites at Forfar’s Plough Inn for the Festival’s evening of traditional music. Tickets cost £12, which includes return transport from Kirriemuir to the Plough Inn and a delicious buffet supper.

The ceilidh is always one of the highlights of the Angus Glens Walking Festival. This year, the Festival will be making a return visit to Memus Village Hall, scene of the highly-successful 2009 ceilidh. Tickets to the Angus Glens Walking Festival Ceilidh cost £15, which includes food and return transport from Kirriemuir.

To find out more or to book events, including the evening events, on-line see here

5 great family walks in the Angus Glens

2010-04-29T01:48:00.000-07:00

Families who exercise together are more likely to lead happier, healthier lives. It's what the experts suggest and, really, it's commonsense. If parents can create a keep-fit routine for all the family then the children will learn by example, and will be more likely to take these good, healthy habits with them when they go on to lead their own lives.

And one of the best ways to enjoy exercising together is walking. Now that spring has arrived there are many more opportunities to step out into the hills, along rivers, beside lochs or wherever the fancy takes you. Make sure, though, that you choose a walk that is pitched to suit the youngest in your family.

In the Angus Glens we are lucky enough to have a host of walks ideally suited to families. Here we bring you five of our favourites. All these routes can be found on the award-winning walks website Walk Highlands.

1) Reekie Linn, Glen Isla, 1km, 40 minutes. The Reekie Linn is a stunning waterfall and this short walk takes in this awesome sight (sure to keep the kids happy), as well as some lovely woodland.

2) Corrie Fee, Glen Clova, 7.5km, 2.5hrs. This walk is better suited to families with older children as there is an uphill hike (gentle but quite long) to the viewpoint. But the effort is worth it for the stunning views in this National Nature Reserve.

3) Rocks of Solitude, Edzell, 10.5km, 3hrs. A beautiful circuit walk along the North Esk river taking in a dramatic gorge and woodland.

4) Seaton Cliffs, Arbroath, 12km, 4hrs. The coastline in this part of the world is stunning and this walk heads along the top of sandstone cliffs for even better views. Suited to older children because of the cliffs.

5) Montrose Basin, 6km, 2hrs. The Montrose Basin is a huge and fascinating tidal basin comprising mud, sand, marshes and reed beds. During this walk you'll also visit two wildlife hides.

As with all family walks remember to wear comfortable boots and waterproofs. If you're going off the beaten track ensure you have a map and compass with you. And children always welcome snacks and drinks along the way.

So where will you be walking with your family this spring and summer?

Survey reveals four top walking boots

2010-04-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of replacing your walking boots, or perhaps buying your first pair in preparation for summer in the Scottish hills? The latest news is that a study has found that you don't need to splash out to get a decent pair of walking boots. The Which? report revealed four best buying walking boots in a price range of £90 to £115.

The four boots included:

Berghaus Explorer Light: "Comfy with a good grip". £100

Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Ultra Luxe: "Waterproof and suitable to wear all day." £100 (For a good review of Hi-tec boots see FionaOutdoors' blog)

Brasher Lithium GTX: "Snug and flexible, but poor at letting moisture out." £90

Salomon 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX: "Light, durable and very flexible but little ankle support." £115

Two "easy" Munros for starters

2010-04-16T02:39:00.001-07:00

Corrie Fee

By definition the summit of Scotland's 283 Munros must be at least 3000ft (914.4m). Of course, some are much higher than this (think Ben MacDui at 4295ft and Ben Nevis at 4,409ft, to name a few biggies). Some Munros also require a significant expedition and others require guidance if you are not an experienced walker. But there are a number of Munros that are at the other end of the scale. Some that might even be classed as "quite easy" outings, so long as you're relatively fit.

As luck would have it two of the "easiest" Munros are located in the Angus Glens. These are Driesh (3106ft) and Mayar (3044ft), in Glen Clova. It's possible to summit these peaks on two separate occasions, or as a pair in one 5hr outing if you fancy a longer day. The circular outing is around 8 or 9 miles. The total ascent walking to the peaks of these two Munros is a manageable 2700ft. The reason for this lowly figure is that the start point (at the car park at the end of Glen Clova) for the walk is not at sea level - more like 850ft - so you do not need to climb the full 3000ft to the top of each peak.

Driesh

Another interesting point is that while to qualify as Munro there needs to be a drop and ascent of at least 500ft between mountain tops this can sometimes mean that it's possible to reach the summit of a number of Munros one after the other with only a 500ft descent and ascent in between.

Mayar

The other bonus of Mayar, in particular, is that the path to the top is a reasonably gentle incline. We're not talking easy-peasy here but it isn't hugely steep either.

But this "easier" Munro bagging outing in Angus doesn't mean that walkers need to sacrifice fine landscapes and views. The walk heads through some stunning scenery and takes in Corrie Fee, a national nature reserve where you find many wildlife treasures. On a clear day the views from the top of these Munros are gorgeous. You'll feast on vistas that take in the Lochnagar Hills to the north, Glenshee to the west and even out to the North Sea on the east. From Mayar there are views of the Southern Cairngorms. Awesome!

Glentrek can offer more information about this splendid walk, or we can guide you or a group. If you want to self-guide then why not let us find accommodation for you in the area?

Alternatively you can check out a range of websites that offer route information including Walking Highlands , Walk Scotland or record breaking Munro bagger Steve Fallon's site

Over-50s are looking for adventure

2010-04-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

So it seems that a new holidaying trend is “active and adventurous breaks for the over-50s”. Apparently the “greying brigade” is looking for a combination of “adventurous day-time activities” combined with “good-quality accommodation options and fine dining”. The 50-plus traveller is not, it's clear, up for roughing it.

Now, in our opinion, 50 is not old. Indeed, in the 21st century many people believe that 50 is the new 40. But what is significant is that after the age of 50 many people find they have greater freedom (from kids or work ties) and a little extra cash in their pockets. For a growing majority, too, their later years are the time to explore and discover new activities and destinations, many of which may not have been possible due to family commitments etc.

Tying in with this theme we have found at Glentrek that many more over-50s customers are fit and active – and looking for a “real adventure”. This is not to say they want to push themselves to the limits during a walking holiday (they’re happy to leave this kind of silliness to the 20-year-olds!) but they are keen for a challenge.

One of the most popular walking trips for the over-50s has proved to be the Cateran Trail Holiday. This fascinating, long-ish distance walk offers the chance for self-navigation in beautiful, wild but not-too-remote countryside. The holiday also includes five nights in up-market three star or four star accommodation and all for an attractive price of £289.

As one 50-plus retired couple commented recently: “The Glentrek Cateran Trail Holiday is EXACTLY the type of holiday for us. The walking is challenging enough – not too strenuous but not to easy, either – the hotels are good quality and the price is right.”

A wealth of off-road cycling in the Angus Glens

2010-04-01T01:53:00.001-07:00

Scotland is renowned as a superb mountain biking destination. There are numerous mountain biking centres spread across the country offering a wealth of cycling routes for all abilities. Many of Scotland's off-road trails are also suited to cyclists – and with an eye on the map it's possible to enjoy some amazing get-away-from-it all mountain biking adventures.

In the Angus Glens a network of bike-friendly trails head through atmospheric glens and because the routes are often undulating there are many possibilities for cyclists of all fitness levels. In this region, you'll find easy-going forest tracks, wilder cross-country trails and everything in between.

But if you're new to the area it's not always easy to know where to start. The Angus Glens is surprisingly "uncharted" for mountain bikers despite offering many, many miles of great riding opportunities. If you're looking for a few ideas then why not join Glentrek on one of our guided cycling weekends? Because our biking leaders know the area so well, you'll be able to relax, keep the wheels turning and enjoy the scenery as it rolls on by.

Or make the most of your time with one of our self-guided biking holidays. Our cycling trips can be created to suit your ability and we'll tell you about all the attractions that you might like to see along the way. We can also arrange accommodation en route to suit your budget – and if you want to lighten the load why not let us transport your luggage between hotels or B&Bs? With a self-guided trip you'll enjoy the advantages of enjoying a great, well-planned route but you can decide on the speed and distance that you travel each day.

Cycling is a great way to cover the miles in the Angus Glens – and offers the opportunity for remote-feeling riding but without ever being too far from civilisation. Oh, and if you're looking for something more challenging, we can arrange that, too. You just have to ask!

Let a walking guide lead the way

2010-03-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

For some people the attraction of walking is the freedom to take off on one's own for a self-led adventure. For others, it's guided walks that hold the greatest appeal.

Guided walking has become a fast-growing activity and for many people it offers the chance to walk on trails or to places that might have previously seemed impossible because of experience or ability. Guided walks allow you to concentrate on the walking, the views and the chat without having to worry so much about navigation and route.

Guided walking also offers a number of other benefits, including the expertise and knowledge of a local guide when it comes to the area's flora, fauna and history. Many walkers, especially singles, also like the social side and meeting like-minded people.

But with so many guided walks to choose from where will you head for your next holiday? A new walk that we're sure will become popular is our specially created six-day East Highland Trek.

The six-day guided walking break starts on the Cateran Trail (in Angus and East Perthshire) and finishing in Aviemore. The trek head over high Scottish mountains, follows old rights of way and drovers roads and takes in some of the most stunning scenery of the Angus Glens and the Cairngorms National Park amid the Eastern Highlands of Scotland.

History lovers will also be delighted by the walk and there is a wealth of geological and wildlife interest, too.

The guided walk is 51 miles in total and is aimed at serious walkers. Accommodation is organised along the route and is in hand-picked three-star hotels and B&Bs or hostels according to your price choice.

Why not discover somewhere new on your next walking holiday?

Go long-distance walking

2010-03-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

It started with the West Highland Way some 25 years ago - and now Scotland boasts a wealth of fabulous long-distance, waymarked walking trails. From the Southern Upland Way in the Scottish Borders to the Great Glen Way in the Highlands and from the Kintyre Way across to the Fife Coastal Path, walkers will find a long-distance walking route to suit their destination, as well as their scenic and terrain desires.

Waymarked walks offer walkers of all abilities the chance to safely navigate their way for days at a time through some of Scotland's most atmospheric scenery. (Good map reading skills are still essential in case you miss a waymarker.) It could be that walkers choose to tackle the whole route during one holiday, or they might decide to visit the walk for a day or a weekend at a time.

In the Angus and Perthshire areas there are several great long-distance walking trails, including the Cateran Trail. The circular, waymarked Cateran Trail is 64 miles long and starts/finishes in Blairgowrie, Angus. This trail offers walkers the chance to explore an unspoilt part of the Scottish Highlands and heads though atmospheric glens, farmland, forests and stunning mountainscapes.

The Cateran Trail takes its inspiration from the Caterans, the cattle thieves that roamed the lawless regions of the Highlands between the 15th and 17th centuries. The long-distance walking route makes use of many of the old drove roads and tracks once utilised by the Caterans. Today, signposts, stiles and bridges marked with the Cateran Trail logo, as well as direction arrows, allow for easy route identification for walkers. Glentrek have a five day self-guided walking break on the Cateran Trail.

You could choose to do the walk over less or more days and the type and style of accommodation can be booked to suit your budget or requirements. However you decide to walk this waymarked walk we reckon you'll find yourself hooked and keen to tick off a few more of Scotland's great long-distance walking routes.

Choosing the right waterproof jacket

2010-03-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days when outdoor clothing came in only a few sizes, a couple of dull colours and rarely guaranteed to be water and windproof. Today, there is a fantastic range of jackets, trousers, boots and all manner of essential accessories in a huge variety of sizes and splendid colours. Clothes are made to fit men, women and children and even some of the cheapest products offer great protection from the weather.

In the 21st century it's more a case of "too much choice". One of the key items for safe and warm hill walking is a waterproof jacket. And for people who do a reasonable amount of walking in Scotland's hills and mountains it's worth spending a bit of money to ensure you get exactly the right fit and weather protection.

Top of your trying-on list should be:
* Is the jacket long enough to cover the top of your waterproof trousers? Perferrably it should reach your bum.
* Is the jacket roomy enough to allow good movement of arms and shoulders?
* Is there enough space under your jacket for lots of layers?
* Is the jacket made of a good quality material, such as Goretex, and with robust seams so as to keep the rain and wind out?

You should also think about when you will wear the jacket. You may require a lighter weight jacket if you're only a summer walker, while winter walkers should choose a heavier-duty jacket.

A few details that you might not have thought of when buying on a jacket include:
*How will it work while wearing gloves - for example can you pull the cuffs over gloves when it's raining?
* Will your rucksack fit comfortably over the top?
* Will the jacket stow away neatly if you're not wearing it?
* Does the hood offer good visibility yet still protect you from the wind and rain? A wired hood is a great bonus.
* Are pockets big enough to fit your Ordnance Survey map?

And colour is important. This is not about you favourite shade

of pink, but about safety while on mountain. Mountain Rescue team always talk about their preference for walkers to wear brightly coloured jackets. This is so they can more easily spot you if you require to be rescued. So go for bright orange, bright green, red rather than black, navy blue or dark green if possible.

Make tracks for a walking festival

2010-03-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

If you thought that walking festivals were only for men with grey beards and rambler types brandishing walking poles then perhaps you should think again. There's nothing wrong with either (poles are great and in certain unkind lighting I can see the beginnings of a grey beard too) it's the image of walking festivals that's wrong..festivals attract a huge range of walkers, of all ages, with all kinds of interests and from an array of backgrounds.

With the number and diversity of walking fests growing every year in Scotland you may well wonder where to head for. Perhaps you'll choose an area that you've never been to before or you might decide to head to a festival in an already much-walked area so that you can join a guided walk that leads you along a route, or to a summit, that you've always fancied hiking.

There are many great reasons for attending a walking festival. First, you'll find an extensive range of guided walks, including historical themed walks, walks with nature, beginner-friendly walks, strenuous expeditions and a whole host more.

Walking festivals also offer a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded folk. These festivals appeal to solo walkers, couples and families, but they also provide the ideal arena for getting to know new walkers. Single walkers WAKE UP - some walking events have led to romance - and even marriage!

Most walking festivals also offer a range of off-hill events, including evening entertainment and associated outdoor activities.

Of course, we're going to be a little biased here in the Angus Glens but we think that our long-standing four-day award-winning Angus Glens Walking Festival is a little bit special. The Angus Glens provide a beautiful landscape and backdrop for a wide range of fabulous walks, and for all abilities. Many walkers return year after year to take in more of the growing range of organised hikes. The evening entertainment is also a real treat.

New at this year's festival, which runs from June 3 to 6, are two history-themed walks that explore the past of JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan who was born in the Angus town of Kirriemuir. There are another two new walks aimed at experienced walkers that head into Glen Clova and Glen Esk.

The festival is popular so it's worth sourcing your accommodation in advance – and booking on to the walks that take your fancy..All in all it's a great chance to see what beautiful Angus has to offer -see you there! .

How to make walking child-friendly

2010-02-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Apparently as responsible parents we should be encouraging our kids to do more walking. A recent report by an English university found that Britain's youth are getting away with being too idle and making themselves way too comfy on the sofa or in front of computer screens.

Added to this the headlines are forever screaming about a generation of lazy, unfit and overweight youngsters, who are seemingly driven everywhere by mum and dad instead of jolly well getting out on their own two feet.

But perhaps this alleged lack of enthusiasm for self-propulsion among the "children of today" is that it's a bit dull. Certainly walking the same old to school, or a club, or the train station doesn't feature high on a scale of attractive outlooks.

In comparison a walk in the country would surely score nine or 10 out of 10 for great views, as well as a host of other attractions such as wildlife and tourist sites.

Hmmm, well, you would think so but any parent who has tried to cajole their child to walk a hill, along a river bank or on a muddy trail could easily disagree. All too often it seems as though children do not like walking - period. Whether it's in town or out of town.

But it doesn't have to be this way. With a some forward-planning – and a little bribery – we reckon it is possible to encourage out little darlings out into Scotland's beautiful countryside and enjoying a wide range of walks.

It's just a matter of how you go about it. Here we bring you a few tips on How to Go For a Happy Family Walk:

* Buy the right kit: Children love new clothes and these days kids' walking kit comes in some great styles and amazing colours. As a minimum make sure they have comfy, well-fitting and waterproof walking boots, a waterproof jacket and hat and gloves for cold weather. A rucksack adds to the look - and means they can carry their own snacks (see "bribe them").

* Bribe them: Just a little, obviously, as there's no point in eating more calories in sweets and fizzy drinks than they eventually walk off. Aim for healthier, but fun, snacks. Why not tell them you'll have a picnic when they reach the top of a hill? Or suggest they can have a small piece of chocolate for every animal, bird or flower spotted on a list you compiled yourself. Or find a pub or tea room for a treat at the end of your walk.

* Go in circles: Walking an out and back route is boring for kids, so try to choose a route that follows a circular trail. Or take a bus and jump off and then walk back.

* Get geeky: Gadgets are a great way to keep the kids interested in a walk. Try a basic GPS, a pedometre and even an old fashioned map and compass. Anything that keeps your child's mind off the walking and on the doing other things.

* Make it an adventure: Kids love treasure trails or tick lists or just stories. Ensure you've planned out you route and can come up with interesting points to stop at along the way. Guided walk companies can assist with these kind of outings as they know the local area well.

* Camping is fun: Why not include an overnight wild camp as part of a two-day walk for older children? Or set up camp near to a variety of walking routes and head out each day to find a new adventure.

As easy as A, B, C?! We want to hear about your tips for successful family walking and the great family walks you've done.

Scotland for Winter 2010

2010-02-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

Glenshee from Glas Maol

Winter skills practice (with a sunbathing twist)

For those of us fortunate enough to have been outdoors in Scotland this weekend, it was a memorable experience. I was with a group from Angus College 'Winter Upward Bound' course and setting off on Saturday morning could hardly believe our good luck. Destination was Glas Maol, Glenshee. Sunglasses were dusted off and firmly in position....not missing this chance to be out for an airing.

Strangely, this was my third trip to the same munro in as many weeks, each time with a different winter skills group. However thanks to the massive mood swings and vagaries of Scottish weather, each weekend has felt like an entirely different venue so no chance of boredom creeping in...

This weekend in comparison to the previous two was like a great celebration of Scottish winter mountain at its best, I'm sure there was fanfare to be heard echoing round the glen as we crunched up the hill. We stopped often, to admire the views and grin at each other like idiots.. Oh the joy of getting great weather when you don't expect it!

On the munro top the experience just got better (note Ian in his T- shirt) There was none of the usual shivering and battling elements, no-one wanted to leave. The view was incredible and mountain leader Mike spent ages pointing out and naming munros for miles around in all directions. We were on top o' the world. Eventually we packed up and began our descent, skipping as much as our crampons would allow, bonded by our enjoyment of a perfect day on a Scottish mountain.

Angus Glens is a great place to bag Munros

2010-02-15T04:04:00.000-08:00

There are some 14 Munros in the Angus Glens area – and this region has an even closer affinity with Sir Hugh Munro (the chap who first tabulated the lst of the now 283 Scottish mountains with a summit of more than 3000t) as his family estate is situated just outside the Angus town of Kirriemuir.

Of these 14 Munros in the Angus Glens, several, including the wonderfully easy-going mountain Mayar, are widely acclaimed as the most straightforward and leisurely of the lot. But this is not to say they are anything less than gorgeous. Walking Munros – and Corbetts – in this region offers fantastically scenic eye-candy as well as a chance to see some of Scotland's most amazing wildlife.

Hiking Mayar, for example, you will head from the stunning Glen Clova and through the Scottish Natural heritage site of Corrie Fee, a place renowned for its rare and beautiful plantlife. The reserve forms a botanical paradise and attracts nature-lovers keen to see the many arctic-alpine plants that grow on the cliffs and wetlands in the corrie.

Britain’s only population of purple coltsfoot and the rare yellow oxytropis have been found here, as well as more common sightings mountain plants such as purple saxifrage, roseroot and globeflower and lowland species including red campion and wild angelica.

So, the Angus Glens does offer the ideal place for a spot of Munro bagging, especially if you're just starting out and planning to bag a full "round" of the 283. Now, too, you can keep a record of your Munro "bags" thanks to the shiny new website Bagging Scotland Just about to launch, the innovative site provides a platform for baggers to write about their, well, "bags". As well as bagging Munros, you might want to think about bagging Scottish islands, castles, and whisky distilleries. That's the website's suggestions so far but no doubt there will be more categories listed in future. It's kind of like a diary or travel-logue of Munros bagged, islands bagged, distilleries bagged and castles bagged, Of course, the Angus Glens boasts a fair few castles and distilleries, as well as our wonderful Munros.

And if you're looking for some guidance on the Munros, or perhaps walking/mountain biking between castles and distilleries then Glentrek can help

Go on, you know you're "gagging tae go bagging"!

Get kitted out for winter walking

2010-02-12T04:13:00.000-08:00

It's one of the best years we've seen for winter walking in Scotland and the snow is unlikely to disappear in the near future. If you're new to this exhilarating activity then the first step is a winter skills course. See previous post.

After that you will want to invest in some new winter walking kit. Mostly the right gear is about staying safe and warm on the hills – but as we all know there is also something mentally uplifting about setting out to try your shiny new gear. (Or is this just a girl thing?!)

Mike McLaggan, a winter mountain leader who runs Highway 2 in the Angus Glens, gives us his essential winter kit guide:

* Good quality winter (four season) walking boots

* A 55 to 60cm ice axe (not too lightweight)

* 10 or 12 point crampons with front points that must fit your boots (take the boots to the shop)

* Really good quality gloves

* High quality shell waterproofs, including jacket and pants, and preferably brightly coloured

* Plenty of decent insulation layers

* Good quality walking socks.

"Good quality" is a bit of a theme here but Mike is insistent that paying more for good quality winter walking kit means you'll stay warm on the hills and therefore you're much more likely to enjoy yourself and want to go out again and again. So your initial investment will be worth it in the long-term.

Another essential clothing tip is how to avoid ripping your waterproof trousers! I kid you not! Many winter walkers find that while using crampons they end up tearing the bottom of their waterproof trousers because the crampon points can catch on clothing. This can be costly and also rather annoying.

Mike says – and he instructs on this very issue on his Highway 2 winter skills courses – "When walking in crampons you need to learn how to keep your feet wider apart and also how to turn. Crossing your legs is a no-no, and instead you must learn how to make your body turn in a circle so as to avoid the crampon points taking chunks out of your trouser legs."

If this sounds like news to you then before going out to walk alone you need to take a winter skills course. Visit Glentrek to find out more about how to book these courses