For centuries our hills have been walked for travel, movement of goods and livestock and more recently for recreation. Walking in the hills is a pastime that greatly benefits physical and mental wellbeing and is becoming extremely popular.
Aberdeenshire has a lifetime of walks for all abilities and at all levels of difficulty. The area offers multi day high level routes in the Cairngorm National Park to gentle walks of lesser height and distance with equally fine situations.
The sport is governed by Mountaineering Scotland who produce a considerable number of resources to support beginners and experienced hillgoers: Mountaineering Scotland Safety and Skills
National Instructional courses and leadership schemes are overseen by Mountain Training based at the National Outdoor Training Centre, Glenmore Lodge. The Mountain Training website highlights the pathways and progression routes with the recommended ratios for each:
Live Life Aberdeenshire offers walking courses designed to introduce and develop basic campcraft and hills skills (Gateway to Low Hills) and for the more experienced walker planning to lead groups in low hills terrain (Low Hills Award). For further information about these two courses, contact OutdoorExcursions@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Exemplar risk assessment: Hillwalking
Live Life Outdoors work in partnership with the following approved providers who deliver hillwalking:
