Category: Hiking & Camping Blog
-
West Highland Way – Day 1: Milngavie to Rowardennan
On Monday 29th July 2024, I set off from Edinburgh to walk the West Highland Way, all 96 miles of it, aiming to finish by Friday 2nd August 2024. Most people take 7–8 days to do this one, so 5 days is considered quick, and it means very long hours on the trail every day […]
-
Scottish Wild Camping Laws & Access: What You Need to Know
Wild camping in Scotland feels natural, almost like a birthright. It’s not the only reason I camp, but knowing we can roam and sleep freely on our own land is a big part of it. That freedom is something many countries don’t allow (though they should, at least to some degree). Still, freedom comes with […]
-
OLPRO Beckford 2-Person Tent: A Practical Field Review
I bought the OLPRO Beckford Lightweight 2-person tent on Amazon for around £130 a few months back. I’ve used it as my main solo-use tent for wild camping recently (around Scotland), and it’s holding up very well. I’ve camped with this tent during stormy rain and wind, no leaks or wet corners, completely dry inside. […]
-
How to Defend Against Midges While Hiking
Nothing ruins a perfect Highland evening faster than a swarm of midges. These tiny biting insects are infamous in Scotland (and parts of Canada too). On their own they’re harmless, but in swarms they can turn a campsite into pure misery. Midges thrive in damp, still air, and in Scotland, that can mean almost anywhere. […]
-
IBLUELOVER Down-Filled Camp Slippers: Warm Feet, Small Pack Size
I picked up these IBLUELOVER Unisex Soft Down Slippers on Amazon a couple of months back. They’ve been in my pack on every wild camp since, and forever will be. If you’ve ever pulled off wet, heavy boots after a full day on the trail and stepped into something light and warm, you’ll know exactly […]
-
OEX Traverse 2.5 Sleeping Mat: Reliable Budget Option
I bought the OEX Traverse 2.5 Sleeping Mat for £18.95 on Amazon. The price varies, sometimes for up to £30, but if you find it near £20, it’s a solid deal. I’ve used this sleeping mat on many wild camps, a lot of it being within 1hr drive around Edinburgh, Scotland. I’ve been using it […]
-
Northern Lights in Scotland – Twice in One Year
I managed to catch the Northern Lights twice in 2024. Both times were local near Edinburgh where I live, and it was just absolutely stunning. May 2024: Pentland Hills I was camping solo up in the Pentlands. Proper tent setup, quiet spot, facing north with a clear view over the city of Edinburgh. It’s my […]
-
Review of the Chimera EV 500 Down Sleeping Bag
Two months ago, I made the switch from my 2kg reliable 4-season sleeping bag to the Chimera EV 500 Down Sleeping Bag. As an ultra-light camper, the weight and packability of my gear are always primary concerns. The Chimera EV 500, weighing in at just 1.1kg, presented itself as a perfect solution for my weight-saving […]
-
Wild Camping Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As someone who’s lived in Edinburgh all my life, I think it’s the best city to live in the UK. One particular reason I love living in Scotland is that wild camping is easy and safe to do locally. Living in Edinburgh […]