When researching a route, have a look at the amount of ascent you have to climb. The Pentland Hills Regional Park is just to the south of Edinburgh. Hill circuits are usually the most challenging of any type of hill workout because the recovery jog is done at a faster pace. Our walking group arranges a walks programme suitable for people with different levels of experience and fitness. This getaway is full of walking potential, with Ben Lomond (for amazing views) Conic hill (for just as amazing views with less effort) the Trossachs Trail and of course, the West Highland Way runs up the Bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. I know how intimidating it can be – but two years ago I was a stuck in a rut 30 something and I had never climbed a hill – I’ve now climbed Ben Nevis! Other essential hiking gear for beginners includes good walking boots with ankle support, a decent waterproof jacket (look out for Gortex or Nikwax), gloves, a hat and spares in a waterproof rucksack, and if you have older knees like me you will soon realise the benefit of a pair of walking sticks. Subscribe to new posts and our newsletter. Tiso - Scotland’s leading outdoor specialist retailer for outdoor clothing, camping equipment, cycling & climbing gear. Start at a pace that's comfortable for you. There are quite a few peaks in the Pentland’s to bag, but the highest is Scald Law. Time to start Munro bagging – 20 Munros for beginners, Get serious about hillwalking in Scotland, I’ve only climbed one of these, Ben Vrackie, around my birthday this year. In addition to hillwalking in Scotland, there are many coastal and woodland walking festivals. The longest, and most popular and challenging walk in Scotland is the West Highland Way , from Milngavie to Fort William, a distance of 95 miles. With views across to the mighty city of Glasgow and north to Ben Lomond, the Campsies are also easily reachable from the city centre. that’s ok with me. Love this! Dunfermline, Scotland - Fife, UK. Here are five tips to get you started. Buy One Hundred Hill Walks Around Glasgow: Essential Guide to Hill Walking in Central Scotland (One Hundred Walks) 3Rev Ed by Chalmers, John (ISBN: 9781851585366) from Amazon's Book Store. Glasgow Ramblers is a friendly walking group for people of all ages who enjoy walking in the countryside or the city with others who share their enthusiasm. So true in all aspects. Take a picnic and stay a while, I suggest dropping down to just below the summit, even on a summer’s day, it can be a tad windy at the top! I use the Ordnance Survey (OS) App (*there are other GPS apps out there) and always carry an extra mobile phone battery pack. It immediately divides at a t-junction; turn right here along the track, and at the next junction turn left onto a path; this section of the walk is marked by the Thistle symbols of the West Highland Way . Whilst I always carry a paper map of my route, for extra protection against getting lost, I also use GPS (Global Positioning System) to keep track of where I am. Obvious huh? Climbing it you’ll get all the practice in for future Munro bagging – the long slog up, the steep huffing and puffing bits, a wee bit of scrambling around on rocks – plus the amazing views – and you only have to climb 454m (1500ft) to do it. Don’t head off without telling anyone where you are going – and without a rough time of when you will be back. The biggest problem for most folks is getting out the front door. Give me more Scotland! 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