Why For 'Cautious' People? And Why The Scottish Highlands?

Travelling Adventurously,  and Safely

There are lots of reasons for people to be cautious about travelling.  Things that make potential travellers  'cautious' (sometimes to the point of not travelling at all) include age, health, affordability, safety and who know what else.  Scotland is one of those places where people with any of these issues can adventure holiday with a lot less worry.

This blog offers ideas for people like my wife and I.  I am retired and eager to travel, to maintain my health and fitness and to see as much of the world as I can before I can't do it any more, I have learned a bit about travelling inexpensively (absolutely important) , avoiding tourist money traps and staying safe. Hiking in Scotland offers an easy way to accomplish these travel goals while offering memorable travel experiences, on a retiree pension.

Age and Health

One thing I noticed early on, while hiking in the Highlands was the number of people who were older than I am, hiking trails up the side of mountains as if they were teenagers.

Imagine hiking this path (on Ben Nevis)!

Tip:  test yourself on the first couple of days, by trying out the easier or shorter hikes first.  Know your limits. Once you get a good sense of what you can do, work up to the tougher ones.  Ask people where you are staying  what the most suitable trails are for your level of fitness.  Tip:  before you leave home, as you are beginning to plan your trip check out  Walk Highlands on the internet.  This site has lots of tips for hikers, has searchable maps that can give you a good idea of the hikes in any area of Scotland, and provides ratings on the difficulties of individual trails.  The hikes can also be downloaded onto Google Earth to give you the satellite view.

Which trails are for you?

The higher and longer trails, usually well constructed and signposted (a few look like well ordered rock slides),  offer the best views, at least until you get into cloud.  Tip:  If you are high enough in elevation, you risk the clouds coming in.  If you see a cloud coming in, stop and consider whether or not to turn around.  If you are in the clouds on a relatively poorly marked trail, stop where you are.

Cloud coming in on Ben Nevis

Older people, like myself, see some of the trails as physical  challenges which can be overcome by preparation and going at a reasonable pace.  Completing a difficult trail will give you a deep sense of accomplishment.

The lower trails  are often loops, taking you along loch shores or around hills  can range from very short woodland walks to longer rambles through upland scenery.

A short hike to a neolithic hill fort on Skye
  

Short forest walk near Plockton

Doing a couple of these easier walks provides great exercise and a chance to enjoy some very tranquil scenery.  One thing you might notice in Scotland's Highlands is that you can seem to be in a very uninhabited region, with services right around the corner. So, if you need assistance, it isn't that far away.

Tips:

• Carry a day pack for over the shoulders. Water, compass and snacks and something waterproof that you can use to sit on during breaks. 

• Take hiking poles with you.  On the steeper or rockier inclines, they will keep you safe and spread the load off of your legs a little bit.  They come in all price ranges, but try to get poles that telescope for convenience and adjustment, and lighter poles are less of a burden by the end of the day.  How to choose a hiking pole 
• Take a compass and a map / or an offline map app on longer hikes, and always know where you are.  Tell someone at your accommodations what your plans are for the day and when you will be back.  
• If you are into technology, take a cell phone, and if you can, a pay as you go 'dongle' for internet signal.  
• Hiking on the rougher trails can be done in running shoes, but I wouldn't recommend them.  I bought myself a good pair of hiking boots that come up the ankles.  Some trails can be muddy, or in extreme cases, you might find yourself in several inches of water.  Better to stay dry, I say. How to choose  hiking footwear
• It's Scotland, so take rain gear with you.  Likely, you will not need it, but it's best to prepare for rain. Umbrellas are good, but a plastic poncho is easier to carry.  Even better, folding nylon clothing that fits easily into a day pack works very well.  Heavy rain gear is not such a good idea. 
• Depending on where you go, midge spray or a head net helps keep these pesky critters off.  Here's some advice on Scottish midges.   The product I most often use is called 'Smidge' and is found at just about any outdoors store. I prefer a spray to a net - simply because the net impedes your views of the marvellous scenery.