HIKE OPTIONS

Whether it is walking up a Munro or along more undulating landscapes, the benefits of walking cannot be underestimated.  No matter what level of fitness you are, Healthy Hikes can provide a level of walk to suit you.  Participation in regular walking activities can provide a positive impact on your physical health and in an environment where you can 'switch-off' from everyday stressess and 're-charge your batteries'.  It is also a great way to remind ourselves of what our natural environment has to offer.

Any grade of walk can be accommodated for, but the following guidance will provide you with an understanding of what you can expect.  Please be aware that all walks are at a pace to suit the group.  In particular the walks designated B to D will be at a pace of between 3 to 4 km/hr depending on the group, terrain and weather prevalent at the time.

Distance and heights have different effects both physically and aerobically.  This is where care is needed to discuss the expectations and present fitness of individuals to provide a challenge that all can enjoy and build on.  However, the choice of walks below will accommodate all levels of experience, whether you want the hard climb to the top of a Munro, or to build yourself up through each level of mountain grade.

HIKE DESCRIPTIONS

A. Walks for the Beginner

These walks are in low level areas with a mixture of level and slight gradients.  The walks will generally be on distinct paths with the occasional patch of soggy ground dependent on weather.  The walks will take you along loch sides, forest tracks and through glens.  No particular experience is required.  Walks are taken at an easy pace with time to admire the scenery.

Timing

The walks can either be half-day or full-day activities.

Half-Day   -   2/3 hrs at gentle gradients (height ascent of approx 350m).

Full-Day   -   Approximately 5 hours (same walk profile as per the half-day).

B. Walks for the Intermediate - Donalds and Grahams

 A Donald is      -   over 610m (2000ft) south of the Highland Boundary Fault.

A Graham is    -   a mountain over 2000ft but less than 2500ft.

                              with a drop of at least 150m all round

These walks will require some previous experience of low level walks.  The routes will be rougher under foot (including some boggy parts) with steep sections of ascent and descent.  A reasonable level of fitness will be required to make the most of the day.

Timing

Full Day   -   Approximately 5 to 7 hours.

C. Walks for the More Experienced - Corbetts

 A Corbett is   -   a mountain over 762m (2500ft) but less than 914m (3000ft).

                             with a drop of at least 152m all round.

These walks will require previous experience of hill walking including an appreciation of steep ascents and descents.  The paths will not always be defined and those available will be a mixture of stone, rough grass and at times what can be described as rugged terrain.  Participants will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be exercising on a reasonably regular basis.  Views from the top of these mountains can be quite exceptional.

Timing

Full Day   -   Approximately 5 to 7 hours.

D. Challenging Walks for the Experienced - Munros

 A Munro is   -   a Scottish Mountain over 914m (3000ft)

You will need to have a good level of fitness and have previous experience of hillwalking.  The climb to the summits will be at a more sustained level of physical exertion with some particularly steep sections depending on the mountain climbed.  However, the higher level of walking will provide (weather depending) stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

Timing

Full Day   -   Approximately 6 - 9 hours

 ACCOMMODATION

ARNBEG COTTAGE, Kippen, Stirling, FK83EW

Affordable Luxury Self-Catering Cottage

Tel:             +44(0)1786 870 926

or visit:       www.arnbegcottage.co.uk

or email:    info@arnbegcottage.co.uk