Backpacking/hiking Scotland, need input

[Jock Scot]

What a coincidence, I was just thinking today, if there was one mountain to climb in all of Scotland, which would it be? One day I'll make it over there, and a chance to view the highlands from the top would be a pilgrimage I'd be interested in.

The mountain "Ben Hope" 3041ft(almost exactly 1000ft less than Ben Nevis,our highest mountain in the UK) gets my vote.

[Chef]

Yes. See the EU directive on: "endangered species of insect, annoying, small, Scottish", for full details.

In all seriousness though heed the words of Jock Scott and MacMillian. I too set off on a week long walk in a kilt. Luckily I had other clothes with me as the kilt lasted about half a day. To this day, two of the friends I went with remind me of my suffering whenever the subject comes up.

I also agree about not going alone. One of the great risks of the Highlands for summer hikers is hypothermia. It usually is a combination of wet weather and getting lost that does the harm. If you are going to be wild for more than a couple of nights in a row make sure someone is expecting you. Give them your expected arrival time and agree on a margin of error. If you exceed that margin have them contact the authorities. People unfamiliar with the Highlands tend to underestimate how dangerous it can be.

That said it is beautiful and an experience to last a lifetime. While I did quite a bit of hiking when I was younger I preferred the bike. We would ride and camp in someone's field. Occasionally we would be woken up by the farmer with an offer of breakfast. Of course this was a few years ago.

[Darkislander]

There is so much to see in beautiful Scotland. In this day and age you can organise all of your trip through the web. Just type in key words and you'll get what you're after. Try visitscotland.com and also the scottish youth hostels. B&B there are many, averaging around $50-60 per night. Good luck and enjoy.

[Thunderbolt]

Thanks all so much for the advice. This is a dream I've had for quite some time, and as I mentioned earlier, I'm not getting younger. It's time to do this. Wow, what a story it'd be as well.

I understand small biting insects. From the mosquitoes of the Pacific Northwest, chiggers, ticks, midges and the pests I had to deal with in the Army, mainly 2nd and 1st lieutenants, and the occasional captain...

I've spent many day and nights in the outdoors, mainly in the Cascade mountains of Washington State. I'd like to think that I'm reasonably capable of taking care of myself, however, it would be nice to share the experience with someone as well.

I plan on living off what I'd have on my back with resupply probably from boxes I post before I go. Of course, food would be well planned out, with a reserve.

I plan on taking, among other things, maps, compasses and my GPS. There's a lot of cool little gadgets like PLB's, beacons, even the new SPOT might be a grand idea.

I'm planning light, but not ultra-light. Call it medium-weight. I'd like to keep the pack less than 20lbs. The "Big Three", Sleeping bag, pack and shelter making up the bulk.

I'm thinking more of the spring time would be the best. April looking ok. But again, I'm flexable for now.

Anyway, this is still a long way off. I'm going to sit down and plan a timeline soon, and start making small weekend trips with the gear I plan on taking, streamlining my configuration.

Keep your ideas and comments coming, they really help, not to mention the encouragement is great!

T.

[Jock Scot]

OK Thunderbolt, point taken!You have a better than fair idea of the outdoors.Two things that spring to mind that you do need to be aware of are:-
1.Mobile phones cannot be counted on in the glens.
2.There are about to be closures(could be many)in our Post Office world ,any time now,so be careful if you are planning posting supplies ahead.The Post Office may not exist by 2009!

April can be bitter in the Highlands although last April would have been great,well dry at least. Anything else?

[Thunderbolt]

OK Thunderbolt, point taken!You have a better than fair idea of the outdoors.Two things that spring to mind that you do need to be aware of are:-
1.Mobile phones cannot be counted on in the glens.
2.There are about to be closures(could be many)in our Post Office world ,any time now,so be careful if you are planning posting supplies ahead.The Post Office may not exist by 2009!

April can be bitter in the Highlands although last April would have been great,well dry at least. Anything else?

I really don't plan on taking a mobile, unless I have to. The last time I was in the UK, my cell didn't work anyway.

Didn't know about the post office closure. Can you give me more info? That would make a difference on planning the logistics. Thanks for the info.

I'm willing to deal with some cold and wet to get less problems with midges.

BTW, Happy Hogmanay!

T.

[Monkey@Arms]

After three days hiking I posted the kilt and hose back to my flat in Edinburgh, bought some hiking trousers and four pair of book socks, . . .

Not in that order, I hope

Best regards,

Jake

[Alan H]

I wish...............

[Bugbear]

******

[Andrew Breecher]

I'd love to hike the West Highland Way someday. Given that it's only 100 miles it would be a nice quick hike to do on a bit of a holiday (remember, I'm used to 2,000+ mile hikes!).

Andrew.