Backpacking/hiking Scotland, need input

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would strongly suggest you sort out every detail of your trip with Jock Scot-- despite what you may have heard about the ability to "roam where you want" land owners in Scotland do have rights, including the right to "reasonably restrict access". Land owners include the government, the National Trust for Scotland, the Ministry of Defense as well as Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and the local crofter. Reasons for land closure can range from lambing season, to disease control, to closing an area because it's deemed to be an area of special scientific interest. And of course the ubiquitous endangered species habitat, now being introduced by the European Union.

Midges can be ferocious-- they're not called West Highland Pirhana Midges for nothing. When "Monarch of the Glen" was filming several of the cast and crew had to receive medical attention for midge bites. Even outside of midge season there are midges (not all of them seem to get the word that midge season is over).

Back in 1971 I did two weeks hiking in the west-- all I took were a pair of stout hiking boots, three pair of hose, a 16oz kilt cut high for hiking, two heavy wool shirts, long john top, an anorack, a boy scout poncho, canteen, first aid kit, some beef jerky, and my back pack, sleeping bag, and a super-light weight two man tent.

After three days hiking I posted the kilt and hose back to my flat in Edinburgh, bought some hiking trousers and four pair of boot socks, as well as loading up on LemSip for the head cold I had acquired. I also got some stuff at the chemist to put on all of the midge bites, and as soon as the itching stopped and the swellling went down, I happily went back to wearing underwear.

I never really became lost, but I sure as hell got "confused" on more than one occasion. And like Jock Scot and others have said-- don't hike alone. You can die if you make a mistake out in the hills.

Anyhow, plan, plan and plan your trip. Despite all of my mis-adventures, it was absolutely THE BEST DAMN HIKE I EVER TOOK. And if you don't do it, you will always hate yourself for having woosed out.

Good Luck and talk to Jock Scot.

[Graywolf]

And of course the ubiquitous endangered species habitat, now being introduced by the European Union.

Midges can be ferocious-- they're not called West Highland Pirhana Midges for nothing. When "Monarch of the Glen" was filming several of the cast and crew had to receive medical attention for midge bites. Even outside of midge season there are midges (not all of them seem to get the word that midge season is over).

And you are not allowed to swat them. They are a Scottish National resource

[Monkey@Arms]

After three days hiking I posted the kilt and hose back to my flat in Edinburgh, bought some hiking trousers and four pair of book socks, . . .

Not in that order, I hope

Best regards,

Jake