Hillgoers

Meall a’ Bhuachaille

A stunning and varied round, near Aviemore, that is suitable for beginners, families and more experienced walkers, alike. Passing ancient Caledonian pine forests, the photogenic Lochan Uaine (little green loch), Ryvoan bothy and beginning/ending at a cosy cafe. The summit affords superb views over the

Cairngorm mountains, Loch Morlich, Aviemore and beyond.

Corbett:

Meall a’ Bhuachaille (810m) – Hill of the shepherd

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration:

Meet at Glenmore Forest Park visitor centre.

Total distance approximately 8.5km with an overall ascent of 543m.

Expected duration 4-5 hours.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

Please contact us for any additional information.

Beinn Sgritheall

A top-of-the-world hike to the summit of this west coast Munro above magnificent seascapes. The panoramas overlook the sea to the mountains of Knoydart, Skye and beyond. A steep walk (at your own pace) is well rewarded on a clear day, and a round route brings you back to the start. Sir

Hugh Munro himself said “the view remains in my mind as perhaps the most beautiful I have seen in Scotland”.

Munros:

Beinn Sgritheall (974m) – Mountain of scree

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration:

Meet at the first car park in the peaceful village of Arnisdale.

Total distance approximately 10km with an overall ascent of 1095m. Expected duration 5-6 hours.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

Please contact us for any additional information.

An Introduction to Wild Camping with Munros Beinn a'Bhuird and Ben Avon

Join team member Edd for a weekend exploring the tops of Beinn a'Bhuird and Ben Avon, the magnificent large Munros that dominate the eastern side of the Cairngorms. Enjoy one nights camping in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park.

You will be given top tips for successful camping in the remote areas of the Cairngorms. You will learn about responsible camping and leave no trace principles. You will also be given tip on kit and set up of your camp too!

Meeting at the Kieloch car park near Braemar, your group will walk up Gleann an t-Slugain where you might set up camp before continuing on to The Sneck and Ben Avon. If weather conditions are good you may decide on a summit camp! You might want to take in the sunset on top of Beinn a Bhuird! The two days will be very relaxed, taking time to explore this stunning area.

On Sunday, you can possibly do a bit more exploring before heading back down the Gleann again.

We will provide kit advice prior to the event and will host an optional video call to discuss plans and give tips on camping.

You will need to provide your own camping equipment, but we can help with some items. A discount code for our Hiking Equipment shop will be provided on booking. Lightweight tent hire can be arranged too. See our camping kit list here.

Limited to six participants. Contact us if you would like more information.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meet at the Keiloch car park at 8:30am for an 8:455am start.

There is a charge to park of £3 for the day

Total distance covered over the two days would be 38km+ depending on route and campsite location, ascent approximately – 1480m

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms will be sent out the week before the walk

Coulin Forest Weekend

Saturday 4th June: Munro - Maol Chean-dearg (933m - Bald red head) and Corbett - An Ruadh-Stac (892m - The red steep hill)

These hills lie just to the south of Glen Torridon and on a good day offer superb views of the big Torridon ridges and out to the west coast. They are rugged hills but access to the summits is helped by a great network of old stalkers paths. The ascent of An Ruadh-Stac involves some easy scrambling.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meeting Place - Layby on the A890 just south of the bridge at Coulags.

Distance - 17.8km, ascent - 1475m, taking apporximately 7 - 8 hours

Sunday 5th June - Coire Lair Circuit, Munros - Beinn Liath Mhor (926m - Big grey hill), Sgorr Ruadh (962m - Red peak) and Corbett - Fuar Tholl (907m - Cold hole)

A classic round of one of the most scenic corries in the Highlands visiting two Munros and a Corbett. Beinn Liath Mhor offers a great high-level ridge walk, before rough ground leads to the perfect cone of Sgorr Ruadh. Fuar Tholl is often left out of this circuit but is a great way to finish the loop and enjoy views of the impressive Mainrichean Buttress.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meeting Place - Layby on the A890 opposite the entrance to Achnashellach Station

Distance - 17.5km, ascent - 1665m , taking approximately 8 - 10 hours

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS :

Follow current Scottish Government guidelines

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks Scottish Government guidelines or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events

Please contact us for any additional information.

An Teallach (The Forge)

This day trip offers a magnificent mountain day in the North West Highlands with absorbing scrambling and breath taking views. Kept safe using a harness, helmet and rope, the grade 3 scrambling sections can be taken direct (or bypassed in places), to traverse one of the best ridges in mainland UK and take in two Munro summits.

The route follows a good track with views west to the days objective. After a very steep ascent to the summit of Sail Liath the ridge can be seen in all its glory. A short descent then brings you to the start of the scrambling at ‘The Bad Step’. This grade 3+ section can be tackled directly to then lead up, down and round numerous sandstone pinnacles in fantastically exposed positions (the hardest bit can be bypassed). The final steepening leads to the overhanging wall of ‘Lord Berkley’s Seat’. From here, the most exposed scrambling is almost over, and the Munro of Sgurr Fiona, 1060m (White Peak or Wine Peak) is soon reached. A down and up then brings you to the trig point on the second Munro, Bidein a’ Glas Thuill, 1062m (Peak of the Grey Hollow). There are a few options for the rough descent, but all give plenty of time to reflect on a day in the Great Wilderness.

Your Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor for this event Is Iain. Each date is limited to 2 places.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meet at on the layby on the A832 at Corrie Hallie, 8.45 for a 9am start.

Estimated duration of 8-10 hours, 20km, 1400m height gain.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the event. We will provide the techncial equipment required but you are welcome to use your own harness or helmet.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

Price is per person. Minimum of two persons required for each trip to go ahead or higher cost for the day will be offered for 1:1 as an alternative.

COVID-19 precautions :

Follow current Scottish Government guidelines

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks Scottish Government guidelines or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events

Please contact us for any additional information.

With the start of the new year, we all want to smash our new year's resolutions. What's the top of everyone's list? Becoming more active, of course! We have all put health as our number one priority in the past two years, and so many people want to be more active. When our motivation goes missing it's harder and harder to keep pushing; that's why the way we look at being active must be realistic.  

Being active doesn't mean you should be hitting the gym 24/7. We should look at it holistically and implement everyday habits to help us sustainably achieve our goals. VisitScotland has created a list of ideas for fun winter days out that will help you be more active with as much as 50% off different tours and attractions. The offer is valid until the 18 of February, so don't wait up!

Walking is an excellent way of staying active, and it's often underestimated. Here are five benefits of walking outside. 

It's a great mood booster  

Runner's high is a well-known phenomenon, but did you know that walking can also lead to a walker's high? Walking helps boost your mood by increasing blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body. During and after a walk, your brain releases "happy" chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which elevate your mood. 

 It can help prevent memory loss  

When you walk, you release a protein called BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It's associated with cognitive improvement, alleviating depression and anxiety, and encouraging the growth of new brain cells.

It lowers your blood pressure  

Walking causes your heart to beat faster and pump more blood. Your blood pressure levels will decrease gradually as your heart begins to pump more blood with less effort. Furthermore, the muscle power needed to climb a road on an incline, a hill or a mountain can help you achieve a greater fitness level. Physical activity such as hiking can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points. 

 It can make you look younger  

Walking and regular exercise supports the production of collagen and improves circulation. The boost in this protein helps to keep your skin firm, supple, and elastic.  

Boosts the function of the immune system  

A study followed 1,000 adults for one week during flu season. It found that those who walked 30 to 45 minutes a day for more than three months experienced 43 per cent fewer sick days and upper respiratory tract infections.   

Walking in winter mountains requires a good level of fitness, experience and knowledge, see our winter skills courses. See also our guided walks page too.

And remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!!

The Dee and Don Expedition - 19-21st July 2022

Join us for a guided expedition to visit the sources of the mighty River Dee and River Don. You will also walk up the 4 highest Munros in the Cairngorm National Park, Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine!

Day 1 - This expedition starts from Corgaff Castle, follows the river Don all the way to its source, Well of Don. From there you will then follow the River Avon and set up camp.

Day 2 - Walks past the stunning Loch A’an, Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui, before dropping down into the Liarig Ghru for camp.

Day 3 - Walk up the magnificent Braeriach then visit the Wells of Dee. Then walk up Munros, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul before dropping down to Corrour Bothy and walking out to Linn o’ Dee.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Please meet at the Ballater car park at 8.15 for a 8:30am collection. Our minibus will take us to the start location at Corgaff Castle.

Approximate distance 75km with 3,400m of ascent (roughly 25km/d which can be vaired depending on conditions). This is a serious walk, and a very good level of fitness will be required to carry an expedition pack for three days.

Our minibus will collect everyone at Linn o’ Dee and transport back to Ballater.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out before the walk. We have a selection of lightweight camping gear available for hire, just get in touch.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books).

COVID-19 precautions:

Follow current Scottish Government guidelines

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks Scottish Government guidelines or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events

Please contact us for any additional information. Limited to 6 participants.

Winter Hill Walk / Skills Event

Extend your enjoyment of the hills into winter! Join us for a winter hill walk in the Braemar area.

On the way, and if conditions allow, you will learn some of the skills required for safe winter hill walking, use of ice axe, walking on crampons, winter navigation, and avalanche awareness too. We will give advice on getting prepared for winter walking, weather forecasts and kit.

Prerequisites

Ideally you should have summer hill walking experience before attending this event. Walking in winter also requires a good level of fitness.

Location

Our minibus will pick up in Ballater and Braemar. Walking location will be dependant snow conditions, weather forecast, and could be up to Munro level. Please note if the snow gates are closed and you are coming from the south, you might miss the start of the course. We recommend staying in Ballater / Braemar area the night before the event.

Joining Details & Kit

We can provide ice axe, crampons and helmet for an addional £15 (select at checkout). You will need winter boots capable of taking a crampon.

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out before the course.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

8:15am collection from Ballater, 8:45am from Braemar.

The Fungle Road

Join us for a guided walk over the Fungle Road, an old drover’s road from Tarfside to Aboyne. The route was one of the most important drover’s roads and said to be heavily used by whisky smugglers too.

Meeting in Aboyne, we will transport everyone to the start location (circa 1hr) where you will then walk the Fungle! The route reaches a height of 600m before dropping back down again to Birse Castle. Then is skirts around Carnferg before taking a nice track through the forest to Aboyne.

The terrain is a mix of 4x4 tracks, single tracks and woodland paths.

Why not extend your day out with a meal or overnight stay in The Boat Inn Aboyne.

You will be given advice on what to bring before the event. Your Mountain Leader will keep you safe along the way, pointing out the interesting features and telling a few stories as you walk.

This walk is limited to 7 participants but a minimum number of 5 is required.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meet in Aboyne, outside the Boat Inn for at 7:50 for an 8am departure (please park up the road and not in front of the Inn or car park unless you have booked a stay).

Our minibus will then transport you all to the start location at Tarfside which is approximately a one hour drive.

Distance is 21.5km (19 miles), with 675m ascent. Estimated duration of 7.5-8.5 hours walking. A good level of fitness will be required

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out before the walk.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books).

COVID-19 precautions :

Follow current Scottish Government guidelines

We recommend participants take a lateral flow test prior to joining

Please wear a mask in the minibus

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks Scottish Goverment guidelines or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events

Please contact us for any additional information.

Hill Skills Workshop - Bennachie

This event will be held completely outside

All Hillgoers walks and courses are limited to 6 places, to give you a great experience and to minimise the impact on the environment.

Some of your fee will be donated to support the Bennachie Centre Trust

Course Content

This course will cover the following but is aimed at beginner level. After this course it is recommended you attend one of our NNAS courses to embed the skills further. Intermediate coaching can be arranged too, just contact us to discuss.

Know the code

Understanding the maps

An intro to the compass

Navigation Strategies

Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, etc)

What to take on the hill

Emergency on the hill

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

The course starts at 10am outside the Bennachie Visitor Centre, finished by 5pm.

You will be walking around 10-12 km with some up-hill sections.

There is a charge to park of approx £3 per day.

 Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the course.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

 COVID-19 precautions

All participants are respectfully required to socially distance with others at all times (except with people from their household)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown rules we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your guide / instructor will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

All kit provided including maps will be cleaned and quarantined for at least 72 hours before handover or alternatively you can purchase your own.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group break social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

Ben Macdui from Deeside

Join us for a guided walk up Ben Macdui, the highest mountain in the Cairngorms, 2nd in Scotland below Ben Nevis. This is a magnificent hill walk, on a clear day the views are superb. Ptarmigan and snow buntings are often seen in the area and perhaps, if you are lucky, you will bump into the local reindeer herd!

This guided walk will leave from the Linn o’ Dee car park and may include a walk over Munro Derry Cairngorm (1155m) on the return depending on weather conditions. You will visit the beautiful Loch Etchachan on the way back down too.

Due to the length of walk a good level of fitness will be required.

All Hillgoers walks and courses are limited to 6 places, to give you a great experience and to minimise our impact on the environment.

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Please meet at the Linn o’ Dee carpark at 8.45 for a 9am start time.

Approximate distance 29km with 1070m of ascent (including Derry Cairngorm).

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books)

Terms & Conditions apply

Please contact us for more information

COVID-19 precautions

·All participants are respectfully required to socially distance with others at all times (except with people from their household)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown rules we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader / instructor will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group break social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

As this really rubbish year draws to a close, it is good to look back on what went well and reflect on the happy memories!

We started off the year with our first Wild Scottish Wedding in Braemar, definitely a highlight and it was a privilege to be part of Aleisha and Jake’s special wedding day. That was to be our first of a few weddings planned for the year, but we look forward to those in 2021 now. Winter walks and skills courses went well before lockdown then we all had a tough few months, restricted to the 5 mile rule and staying mostly at home. Thankful for our health and for those looking after us in the NHS and for the key workers everywhere. That time passed by and as soon as we felt safe to go, and rules allowed, we hit the hills in small groups and caught up well on the months lost.

As a team we guided groups over 100 munros. We ran 28 courses, including National Navigation Award Scheme, hill skills workshops, winter skills and trail running! We also were able to run 13 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Open expeditions. A huge congratulations to those DofE participants who achieved their awards in such challenging times. It is extremely satisfying to help people get out and build confidence, through our courses and award schemes. Please keep in touch and let us know about your adventures!

2020 was not all bad but we will all be glad to see the back of it, next year is looking much brighter. We are looking forward to running new guided walks in different areas of Scotland and going back to our favourite walks too. We are also running hill skills workshops and National Navigation Award Scheme courses in different areas of Scotland next year.

Beinn a'Bhuird and Ben Avon 4-6th September

Join team member George for a weekend exploring Beinn a'Bhuird and Ben Avon, the magnificent large Munros that dominate the eastern side of the Cairngorms. Enjoy two nights camping in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park.

Meeting at 4pm at the Linn of Dee near Braemar, your group will walk up Glen Lui before heading over the Clais Fhearnaig. This hollow is the pass between Glen Lui and Glen Quoich and has a small man-made lochan. From there you will drop down into Glen Quoich where you will find a suitable campsite and settle in for supper.

All of Saturday will be spent exploring the hill tops of Beinn a’Bhuid and magnificent granite tors of Ben Avon. An approximate distance of 27km will be covered and 1160m of ascent. Returning on a circular route back to base camp for dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday, the group will walk back out to the Linn of Dee, approximately 7km.

We will provide kit advice prior to the event and will host an optional video call to discuss plans and give tips on camping. Limited places available. Maximum of 6 participants from 4 households inline with Scottish Government COVID guidelines.

You will need to provide your own camping equipment but we can help with some items. A discount code for our Hiking Equipment shop will be provided on booking. Tent hire can be booked too for £25. See our camping kit list here.

Contact us if you would like more information.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES STILL APPLY)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

Drumochter 4 Munros

Starting from Balsporran Cottages car park, this walk will take you up the rolling hills west of the Pass of Drumochter. Why not spend the night at the lovely Balsporran Bed and Breakfast and extend your weekend, possibly take in the Munros east of the pass the following day? These hills offer exceptional views, especially west to Ben Alder and down to the long Loch Ericht.

The Munros:

Geal Charn (white hill) 917m

A’ Mharconaich (place of the horse) 975m

Beinn Udlamain (gloomy hill) 1011m

Sgairneach Mhor (big scree) 991m

The Pass of Drumochter (Druim Uachdair – high ridge) is the main mountain pass between the northern and southern central Scottish Highlands. At 460m the pass provides a reasonably elevated start point for this walk. As well as the views, there is a good mix of wildflowers and wildlife too.

Distance approximately 25km with 1140m of ascent. Duration circa 8 hours. Departs Balsporran Cottages car park at 9am.

Contact us if you would like to walk the east side Munros on the Sunday. Kit advice and discount code for our shop will be provided on booking.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES STILL APPLY)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

The Glenshee 3 - Our come back event extended!

This date was privately booked but we are now running two groups of 4 so have a couple of spaces! We have been up these hills over the last weekend, see our Facebook post for photos of the stunning scenery.

Join us for guided walk over the 3 Munros to the west side of the Glenshee ski centre. The first two Munros are very accessible from the centre, Carn a’ Gheoigh is a wee bit further over and the best of the 3. There’s a good chance we’ll see some ptarmigan, mountain hare and a good variety of wild flowers. This is an ideal beginners walk or for someone that needs to ease themselves back into the hills again.

Glenshee west Munros are:

Carn Aosda (917m)

The Carinwell (933m)

Carn a’ Gheoidh (975m)

Leaving from the Glenshee ski centre car park at 9am, estimated duration of 5-7 hours, 14km, 600m height gain. Contact us to find out more.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES STILL APPLY)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

Mountain Navigation - Glenshee 19th and 20th September 2020

National Navigation Award Scheme - Silver

The National Navigation Award Scheme Silver Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level. It adds skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It teaches accurate compass work. It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country.

Also suitable for those who already have a little hill walking experience and those who have been one of our beginners Hill Skill Workshops in the past. This intermediate course will recap the basics then go on to cover navigation skills and strategies, as set out below.

Course content:

Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies.

Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility.

Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features.

Use a compass to, accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features.

Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line.

Use back bearings to check route following accuracy.

Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies.

Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation.

Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground.

Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills.

Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness.

Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.

Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground.

Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions.

Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside.

Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation.

Day 1, Session 1 - Meet at the Glenshee car park for 10:00am and expect to be off the hill by 5pm. Session 2 will start at 8pm for an hour in Creag Choinnich woods next to Braemar for some night navigation (this session might not be required if visibility is poor during the day).

Day 2 - Meet again at the Glenshee car park for 10am and expect to be off the hill for 4pm. Day 2 is optional but recommended. It involves a small assessment to qualify for the National Navigation Award Scheme - Silver Award.

Distance covered on both days could be up to 15km to Munro level.

See our recommended Accommodation options in Braemar.

Participation forms, kit advice and discount code for our Hiking Equipment shop will be provided on booking.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES STILL APPLY)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.

Driesh and Mayar - Introduction to the Munros - 8th August

Join us for a guided walk up Munros Driesh (947m) and Mayar (928m) from Glen Doll. These rolling hills with their stunning corries offer a perfect introduction to walking the Munros, the walk will be at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops to take in the views.

Corrie Fee is a highlight, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of a glacial corrie in Scotland, with its steep cliffs forming a natural cauldron. The area is a National Nature Reserve and hosts many rare arctic-alpine plants. The importance of the area's flora has been recognised by botanists since the 18th Century, and the site is now protected by numerous national and international conservation designations.

Leaving from the Glen Doll car park at 9am, estimated duration of 5-7 hours, 14.5km, 835m height gain. Contact us to find out more.

This guided walk will be led by team member George who knows the hills well and can keep you informed and safe as you go.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES STILL APPLY)

If the event is cancelled due to lockdown we will move you to another event or offer a refund according to our Term and Conditions.

Follow government guidelines - www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

Please do not attend any Hillgoers event if you are showing any symptoms or suspect you have been on contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they would wear the required PPE.

You must all carry a face covering / buff should close contact be required.

If someone starts to show symptoms or is contacted to say they have been in close contact with a suspected case, the event will be called off and everyone will be escorted back to safety.

Hillgoers accepts no liability if someone in the group breaks social distance rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.