All articles
90 articles across Scotland: route guides, gear reviews, skills articles and trip reports.
- Blog17 May 2026 · 15 min
What is the NC500? Scotland's North Coast 500, Honestly Explained
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) signposted scenic driving route around Scotland's north Highland coast, starting and finishing at Inverness Castle. Launched in 2015.
Read → - Blog17 May 2026 · 17 min
Wild Camping and Bothies on the NC500: Where, Legally
Wild camping on the NC500 is legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code — for tents, not motorhomes. Where to pitch responsibly, 7 bothies on or near the route, and the motorhome distinction that catches visitors out.
Read → - Blog17 May 2026 · 14 min
Cycling the NC500: Honest 9-Day Itinerary, Bike Choice, Wind & Bealach
Cycling the NC500 takes 5–14 days depending on pace. 9 is the sweet spot. Anticlockwise for tailwind. Gravel bike beats road. The Bealach na Bà is optional. Full itinerary, climbs, gear, accommodation.
Read → - Blog17 May 2026 · 13 min
The 12 Best Hill Walks on the NC500
Twelve hand-picked hills along the NC500 — ranked by character, not height. From Suilven's defining profile to An Teallach's pinnacle ridge. Walk-in times, difficulty, and which day of the route to climb each.
Read → - Wild Camping2 May 2026 · 8 min
Wild Camping in Scotland: The Law, Rights and Rules
Wild camping is legal in Scotland under the Land Reform Act 2003 — the only country in the UK where it is. Here's what the law actually says, where you can camp, and what responsible practice looks like.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 7 min
What Is a Munro? Definition, History and How to Climb One
A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 914m (3,000 feet) — here's what that means, how the list came to exist, and what you actually need to climb one.
Read → - 2 May 2026 · 7 min
What Is a Bothy? Scotland's Mountain Shelters Explained
A bothy is an unlocked, unmanned mountain shelter in the Scottish (and northern English) hills — free to use, maintained by volunteers, no booking required.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 7 min
Snakes in Scotland: The Adder — Bite Risk, Size & ID
Scotland has one native snake: the adder. Venomous but shy — bites are rare and almost never serious. How to identify an adder, how big they grow (60–80cm), where they live, and what to do if one bites.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 7 min
Smidge vs Avon Skin So Soft: Which Midge Repellent Actually Works?
An honest comparison of Smidge and Avon Skin So Soft for Scottish midge protection — what the evidence actually says, how long they last, and which to use.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 9 min
Scrambling Grades Explained: Grade 1, 2 and 3 in Scotland
What scrambling grades mean in practice — the difference between Grade 1, 2 and 3, what skills and kit each requires, and the best introductory scrambles in Scotland.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 8 min
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Your Rights and Responsibilities
Scotland has the most permissive access rights in Europe — the right to walk almost anywhere. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code explains what those rights are, and what responsible behaviour looks like.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 8 min
Páramo vs Rab: Which Waterproof Is Better for Scottish Hills?
An honest comparison of Páramo and Rab waterproofs for Scottish hillwalking — different philosophies, different conditions they excel in, and which to buy.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 7 min
Pacerpole Review: Are They Worth It for Scottish Hillwalking?
An honest review of Pacerpoles — the UK-made ergonomic walking poles with a fixed moulded handle — for Scottish hillwalking terrain, long descents and bothy trips.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 8 min
Munros Without a Car: The Complete Public Transport Guide
Which Munros are accessible by train and bus from Scottish cities — with specific services, timetables, and which hills are genuinely doable on a day trip without driving.
Read → - Hillwalking2 May 2026 · 8 min
Mountain Rescue in Scotland: How It Works and What to Do
Mountain rescue in Scotland is free, staffed entirely by volunteers, and available 24/7. Here's how to call it, what happens when you do, and how to avoid needing it.
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