About OutdoorSCOT

Why this site exists

Most Scottish outdoor coverage falls into one of two camps. There are a handful of excellent niche resources (WalkHighlands for Munros being the obvious one) and a great deal of tourism-board fluff dressed up as advice. The middle ground — practical, honest, Scotland-specific writing across the full range of outdoor pursuits — barely exists.

That's especially true for mountain biking. Scotland has the best MTB trail network in the UK and probably one of the best in Europe, and there is no equivalent of WalkHighlands for it. We're fixing that.

What we cover

• Hillwalking. Corbetts, Grahams, Donalds and beginner Munro guides. We don't compete with WalkHighlands on Munro route cards.
• Mountain biking. Every trail centre in Scotland, the 7stanes network, beginner progressions, racing, and the Tweed Valley scene.
• Wild camping. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code in plain English, regional spot guides, midge survival, and winter camping.
• Sea kayaking. Route guides for the west coast, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and beginner-friendly bays.
• Gear. Honest reviews of kit that actually works in Scottish conditions. We disclose all affiliate links.
• Tools. Interactive trackers, calculators and finders to help you plan trips and bag hills.

Editorial approach

We write like a knowledgeable friend who's done the walk, ride or paddle. Direct, practical, occasionally dry. No tourism-board language. No paid placements pretending to be reviews. If a trail is boring or a route is genuinely dangerous in winter, we say so.

How we make money

OutdoorSCOT is supported by affiliate commissions when readers buy gear, maps or guided trips through links on the site. We only recommend kit and services we'd use ourselves. Read our full affiliate disclosure for the details.

Get in touch

Spotted a mistake? Got a route we should cover? Drop us a line.