as Munros, Corbetts or Grahams.
Munros are separate Scottish mountains over 3000ft (914.4m) in height. The original list was drawn up by Sir Hugh Munro and published in 1891. It is subject to occasional revision, and currently (SMC, 2012) stands at 282.
Corbetts are Scottish peaks over 2500ft (762m) in height but under 3000ft (914.4m) with a reascent of 500ft (152.4m) on all sides (220 peaks are listed at present). Mr J Rooke Corbett compiled the original list in the 1920s.
Grahams are a more recent offering, a complete list of Scottish hills between 2000ft (610m) and 2499ft (761m) in height with a drop of at least 150m (492ft) on all sides. The table was compiled by Alan Dawson and Fiona Torbet (née Graham), and includes 224 hills.
The summits covered in this guide include 9 Munros, 3 Corbetts and 7 Grahams.
Planning and preparation
Crossing open ground en route to the distinctive cone of Broad Cairn (Walk 12)
Walking in Scotland is generally a safe activity, although – as with all outdoor pursuits – there is a level of inherent risk. Good preparation and planning play a key role in minimising the chances of getting into difficulties.
Before setting out consider whether fitness levels, experience, available equipment and hill skills of every member of the party meet the demands of the walk. Avoid taking unnecessary risks by tackling an overly long or difficult route. Do not hesitate to cut a walk short if someone tires or if the terrain becomes too difficult. It is better to retreat with all limbs intact rather than push on and risk accident, injury or illness.
It is a good idea to leave word of the intended walk with a responsible friend, relative or neighbour before setting off from home. If on holiday, details may be left with a hostel warden, B&B owner or hotel manager. It is important that contact is made with the person upon return to let them know you are back safely. If you fail to return at a predetermined time the relevant authorities can be alerted and, if necessary, a search or rescue mounted.
A route card – recording name and contact details, a note of everyone in the party, parking location, vehicle registration number, mobile phone number, start date, time and grid reference, intended route and end date, time and grid reference – is an efficient way of leaving details. In Glen Doll, the ranger service provides route cards that can be completed and left at the ranger centre adjacent to the main public car park. Don’t forget to collect your route card when you return so as to prevent an unnecessary rescue callout.
Glendoll Forest and a cloudy Driesh from the Capel Mounth (Walk 27)
Always check the weather forecast before setting out. Television channels, radio stations and newspapers all offer outlooks, while more detailed local forecasts can be found online or at tourist information centres and outdoor and countryside centres. Tailor activities to the weather and be prepared to cut a walk short if conditions deteriorate. The Scottish weather is remarkably unpredictable and it is not uncommon to experience a wide variety of conditions in a single day. However well equipped and prepared a walker is, persistent rain and relentless wind can quickly deplete reserves of energy and erode morale.
While bad weather can spoil a good walk, hot and sunny conditions can be equally unsettling. More liquid must be carried and consumed, while sunburn and heat stroke present very real dangers to the unwary.
Essential equipment
Clothing
Proper footwear is vital, and due to the varied nature of the terrain hillwalking boots are recommended. A good pair of waterproof boots with soles that offer a high level of grip will keep feet dry, warm and comfortable. Ensure new boots are broken in properly to remove stiffness and reduce the risk of blisters before embarking upon longer walks. Those planning to explore the higher peaks in winter should consider four-season or mountaineering boots
Boots should be coupled with good-quality walking socks; the best ones have extra padding around the toe and heel areas. Many walkers prefer to wear two pairs of socks – a thin pair next to the skin with a thicker pair on top – to prevent blisters. Make sure the thin pair does not have raised seams, and avoid socks that are too large or too small, heavily worn or full of holes.
Gaiters will come in handy where routes cross rough heather moor, grassland and reedy patches of ground.
Dressing successfully for the hills is best achieved through a layering system. Clothing can be easily added or removed depending on the weather, temperature or level of activity. A selection of thin layers traps more warm air than a single thick jersey or fleece.
The base layer (closest to the skin) can be a thin T-shirt, vest or thermal underwear top. Avoid natural fabrics like cotton – which trap and hold sweat – and go for a quick-drying synthetic fibre capable of transferring perspiration away from the skin. Fleeces are ideal mid-layers, as are sweatshirts and jumpers. The third and final outer layer, or shell, should be waterproof, windproof and, ideally, breathable. It is always a good idea to pack an extra layer or two, particularly when venturing on to higher ground where temperatures tend to be much lower, and can be reduced considerably by wind chill.
Trousers should be lightweight, loose fitting and preferably quick drying. Shorts are excellent for summer walking, but pack long trousers as a route may cross areas of brambles, nettles or thistles. Carry waterproof trousers too.
Take a warm hat and gloves throughout the year, and in summer pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect head and neck from the sun.
Food and drink
Taking sufficient food and liquid are essential. Hillwalking burns calories at a higher rate than normal activity and these must be replenished throughout the day. Prior to setting off, meals high in carbohydrates – such as rice and pasta – offer long-term slow-release energy. While on the hill, eating little and often is a good philosophy. Sandwiches and snack foods (for example sausage rolls and pork pies) are convenient and filling while dried fruit, seeds and nuts, and cereal bars, provide natural sugars and protein. High-sugar products (chocolate bars and sweets) offer rapid bursts of energy.
Fluid must also be replaced on a regular basis, and drinking little and often is a better way to avoid dehydration than waiting until thirsty before taking a drink. Carry plenty of liquid, particularly on hotter days when consumption will be significantly higher. As an estimate 1.5 litres should be sufficient for a day walk.
Supplementing supplies by collecting water in the hills is a matter of personal choice. While standing water and low-level streams and rivers – particularly those in agricultural areas – should be avoided, fast-flowing streams on high ground are less likely to be contaminated. There is, however, no guarantee that the water can be safely consumed unless treated with water purification tablets or a water purifier.
What to take
To carry the gear necessary for a day in the hills, a rucksack with a 30-litre capacity should suffice. Items that need to stay dry, such as spare clothing, mobile phone and camera equipment, should be kept in a waterproof liner within the sack.
The following is a list of essential items that should be carried on any of the walks in this guidebook.
waterproof jacket
waterproof
