Winter Clothing: A Guide for Hikers Who Want to Stay Warm Keen hikers will know that, in order to complete a successful and safe hike, a range of equipment and clothing is needed, whatever time of year the trip. When it comes to clothing, certain items - such as boots, waterproof jackets, lightweight base layers, hiking socks and more - are needed all year round, but in winter, there are additional extras that are needed to keep you protected from the elements. Where’s Your Head At? When hiking in the winter, you will also need to ensure that your head and face are well protected. In … [Read more...] about What to Pack for a Winter Hiking Holiday
Archives for August 2015
Battle of Culloden
Fives miles east of Inverness, the windswept moorland of Culloden, saw the last great battle on British soil on April 16, 1746, a turning point in the history of the Scottish nation, when the Jacobite cause was finally defeated. The Jacobite rebellion The second Jacobite rebellion had begun on August 19, 1745, when the standard was raised at Glenfinnan on the west coast shortly after Edinburgh had fallen into Jacobite hands, and Bonnie Prince Charlie had started his march on London. The English however, had appointed the well respected Duke of Cumberland to command their forces, and this … [Read more...] about Battle of Culloden
Beaches, Birds and Whisky Galore on Islay
When you think of Islay the first thought that comes to mind is probably whisky! Not strange considering this relatively small island is home to nine whisky distilleries, all famous the world over for their unique taste and character. A few of the distilleries on Islay such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin produce some of the peatiest whiskies in the world. It's not without reason that Islay is a whisky region on its own. The whisky distilleries attract thousands of visitors each year from all over the world so distilling whisky and the related tourism are an important source of income for … [Read more...] about Beaches, Birds and Whisky Galore on Islay
The Best Way to Explore Glencoe on Foot
Glencoe is famous throughout the world for many reasons. There’s the huge depth of history, the stunning scenery and the world class mountaineering and walking. Although lots of people know Glencoe as a full on mountaineering destination there are lots of easier, more accessible walks too – if you know where to go! Walking in Glencoe One of my most popular walks is a lower level half day trip starting at beautiful little Loch Achtriochtan at the foot of Glencoe’s highest mountain. The history has it that there was a water monster here too – not as big as Nessie as you will soon see! … [Read more...] about The Best Way to Explore Glencoe on Foot
Amazing Scottish Drives, The Road to the Isles
The road to the Isles is considered as one of the best drives in Scotland. Travelling from Fort William to Mallaig you will see some of the best scenery in the whole world with stunning mountain views, white sandy beaches, stunning shimmering lochs, historical places and great views of the isles of Eigg, Rum, Muck, Skye and Canna. The length of the drive is approx 45 miles and worth every minute. Discover some of the best places to stop and see in our guide below. Neptune's Staircase and Corpach Starting from Fort William you will pass Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight lochs … [Read more...] about Amazing Scottish Drives, The Road to the Isles
A History of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The term ‘military tattoo’ originally meant a military drum performance, but it has now come to mean army displays in general. It dates from around the 1600s, and was used during the Thirty Years’ War in the Low Countries. Drummers from the garrison were sent into the towns at 9:30PM each evening, in order to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to the barracks. The whole process was known as doe den tap toe, which was Dutch for “turn off the tap”. It was basically an instruction to the innkeepers that they were to stop serving beer to the soldiers and sent them home for the … [Read more...] about A History of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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