Helen Webster

Co-Founder and Editor at Walkhighlands

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Articles

Review: Hiking shorts

1 week ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

Summer can be over very quickly in Scotland so it’s good to be prepared with a comfortable pair of hiking shorts. Things to consider when buying include: fit; range of movement including fabric stretch; weight, material type and speed of drying and SPF protection; sustainability, number and size of pockets, type of waistband and fastening, durability and cost. We’ve been testing a range of pairs.
Our picks: the hardest Munros

1 week ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

Which is the hardest of the Munros? It’s a very subjective question – so this is always going to be a personal list. Those who struggle with scrambling or have a strong fear of heights are likely to regard the rockier and more technical mountains with trepidation. For others, fitness may be their limiting factor on days in the hills, and attempting the more remote mountains may require careful planning and the maximum of effort. The name says it all really, doesn’t it?
Peak-bagging Poodle and a Rum celebration win April prizes

2 weeks ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

1st prize for April’s walk report of the month on Walkhighlands was awarded for The Poodle & the Peaks: Conquering the Loch Lochy Munros. A fantastic canine account with great photos. Double congratulations were due to Collaciotach for his Coileanadh / Corbett Completion on the Rum Cuillin which wins the £50 runner up prize. A stunning trip to a wonderful island and a fascinating read. To be in with a chance of winning May’s competition simply post a walk report on the Walkhighlands forum.
Speyside Way closure Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April

3 weeks ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster |Access issues

The stage of the Speyside Way through Ben Aigan forest – on the stage between Fochabers and Craigellachie – is to be closed on 25th and 26th April. There is a suspension of access rights by Moray Council, to allow for the forest to be used for the Speyside Stages car rally. There is no alternative diversion route for walkers out on the Speyside Way – avoiding the forest on either side would involve walking on busy A roads.
Review: Lightweight gas stoves

1 month ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

When you’re out in the hills with everything you need strapped to your back, every gram counts, and in this review we’ve put a selection of lightweight stoves through their paces to see which ones deserve a place in your pack. We’ve tested them all out in real Scottish conditions, but also done a comparative boil time and simmer control test at home; we looked at efficiency, packability, ease of use, durability and value for money.
A Tale of the Kindness of Strangers and Autumn on the Kintail Affric Way are March Winners

1 month ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

An account of a day saved by the The kindness of strangers has won last month’s walk report competition on Walkhighlands. Haslertom will receive a £100 voucher from Scottish outdoor retailer Highlander. Also catching the judges’ eyes was an engaging write up, with great photos, of an autumnal multi-day hike in the Highlands. Tropicallama receives a £50 Highlander voucher for Affric Kintail Way in Late October which he hiked in 2023. Congratulations to both winners and thanks to everyone who posted.
Our picks: 10 great walks with CalMac ferries

1 month ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

Every visit to one of Scotland’s islands is a true adventure. The Hebrides are renowned for some of the most spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes in Europe. Imagine standing on a rugged coastline, overlooking a vast sandy beach, the wind rich with the scent of the abundant machair flowers. Where could be a better place to explore on foot?
Key Cape Wrath Trail footbridge reopens near Glenfinnan

1 month ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster |Access issues

Callop Bridge, which has been closed for the last few years, has now re-opened. The bridge is a vital link on the Cape Wrath Trail, and its closure led to backpackers walking miles along the dangerous verge of the very busy A830 road to reach Glenfinnan. Forestry Land Scotland have undertaken the repair work. This include new marine steps up onto the bridge. The boardwalk on the approach to the bridge has been removed and the ground is very subject to flooding.
Gear review: the best walking socks

2 months ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

The humble sock can make a big difference to the enjoyment of a day out, whether it’s a big hill day, multi-day backpack or gentle dog walk. Here we’ve taken a look at a range of hiking socks, all tested in a range of conditions in the Scottish Highlands. Ideally a sock should provide day-long comfort with good cushioning and support, fitting well to prevent slippage and blisters, keeping the foot warm but not overly sweaty and stinky, it should be durable and easy to care for.
Munros by bus and Californian sunshine are walk report winners

2 months ago | walkhighlands.co.uk | Helen Webster

There were plenty of great walk reports posted in February to keep everyone entertained and inspired. Walk report of the month and winner of a £100 Highlander voucher was to BeinnStob for “Hiking with the free bus pass” – a great round up of Munros completed, pints sipped and buses caught. Californian sunshine clinched it for the runner up prize. A £50 voucher is on its way to gmayle82 for High Sierra Trail – A Week in the Wilderness – wonderful photos from a week’s hiking.