Walking Sticks

[BigMacMcDaniel]

I'm not sure if this would fall under the advice thread or not so, mods, if need be please move the thread to the appropriate location. I was wondering what the correct name for the really tall walking sticks/canes I see certain members' pictured with them on occasion and would love to own one, but I don't know what to search for or where. Any advice on the matter is welcome.

[Pipersson]

I know them as cromach or shepherds crook...

[Mikilt]

BigMacMcDaniel,
What you seek is typically called a cromach. They range from the utilitarian to the ornate. Fancier ones are sometimes called "market sticks"

[BigMacMcDaniel]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Any thoughts on good vendors for these?

[Mikilt]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Any thoughts on good vendors for these?

Mine was skillfully crafted by xmarker @Thomas H

Highly recommended.

[The Wizard of BC]

A cromach is also, in English, called a shepherds crook. The hook in the end is for grabbing the leg of sheep during herding.

May I ask, do you need a walking stick to assist you when you walk?
Do you have a herd of sheep that you need to control?

Otherwise I have always thought the cromach to be a bit of affectation. A bit of 'looking the part' when there is no real need to carry it other than 'playing the part'.

But please feel free to buy one and carry it about with you if you feel you need it.

Like many items that we think of as "oh so proper" with the kilt they have no practical use today.

A cromach and a laird's plaid are some of those bits of P.O.S.H. that some like to have and show off with. They are the items of costume at the opposite end of the spectrum from the guy with his face painted blue and a double handed broad sword strapped to his back. You see both at Games and yes, they both stand out as 'different'.

[Jock Scot]

Whilst I do agree with you Steve that there are fewer sheep in the Highlands these days, nevertheless, a cromach is still a useful aide whilst out on the hill and particularly more generally when one reaches the age where assorted aches and pains are relieved somewhat with the aid of a stick of some sort. So yes, I do agree a cromach is often an affectation, but as you concede, that is not always the case. They are are also sometimes, a beautiful thing to admire as well as use.

[neloon]

If one feels the crook part (Gaelic "crom" = bent, curved) to be an affectation, a straight staff can be very useful on rough ground - easily made from birch or some such wood. (I'm not sure what the Gaelic for "zimmer"/"walker" is.)
Alan

[tpa]

Shepherds Crook Walking Stick.Wooden Top 52"
eBay item number: 251905456791

[The Q]

Whilst I do agree with you Steve that there are fewer sheep in the Highlands these days, nevertheless, a cromach is still a useful aide whilst out on the hill and particularly more generally when one reaches the age where assorted aches and pains are relieved somewhat with the aid of a stick of some sort. So yes, I do agree a cromach is often an affectation, but as you concede, that is not always the case. They are are also sometimes, a beautiful thing to admire as well as use.

With the ache and pains of getting older I prefer to use one of these. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-stic...ing+stick+seat Though I haven't tried it with a kilt yet.