Top Hiking Footwear advice – Boots vs Shoes Yet we generally recommend you wear boots when hiking in Scotland. In this short blog, we take a look at the benefits of each but why you’re probably better off with a boot on your Wilderness Walking trip.
How should I dress for hiking in Scotland?
Upper Body
- Moisture-wicking base layer. Ideally in synthetic or merino wool.
- Light insulation layer such as microfleece.
- Heavier insulation layer to add in colder weather or when stopped (heavy fleece or lofting insulation such as down or synthetic down).
- Fully waterproof and breathable shell jacket.
Do you need walking boots for Skye?
If you do not have riding boots, walking boots are perfect, and ‘wellies’ are also recommended. Trainers can also be worn. We tend to encourage people to bring waterproofs with them – we are on Skye of course! Jackets must be zipped up when riding to avoid them flapping about.
Do you need hiking boots for West Highland Way?
Good walking boots are an absolute must. Don’t try to walk the West Highland Way in anything other than walking boots or shoes (there are some good specialist walking shoes on the market, but if you have to choose, go for boots for ankle support and extra waterproof-ness in the inevitable muddy patches!).
How do I prepare for a Scottish hike?
Adventures in Scotland
- Don’t underestimate the mountains.
- Build your stamina.
- Book your transport as early as possible.
- Use a guide if not experienced in mountain trekking.
- Check the mountain weather forecast.
- Pack for all weathers.
- Make sure you take plenty of water.
- Pack emergency food supplies.
What do people wear in the Scottish Highlands?
Your packing list for the Highlands of Scotland
- Casual clothing: shirts, trousers, skirts, t-shirts, shorts.
- A few dressier items for evenings out.
- Coat, suitable for the season.
- Waterproof jacket with a hood.
- Warm jumper or fleece.
- Sturdy, waterproof footwear.
- Swim suit if you’re planning to go swimming.
What to wear hiking in the highlands?
Top tips: what to pack for a day hike in Scotland
- Long or short pants (trousers)
- Long or short sleeves.
- Boots or approach shoes.
- Gortex or Nikwax Analogue/Paramo waterproofs.
- Hat and gloves.
- Base/Mid layers.
- Rucksack/Backpack.
- Want to get more out of your hike?
Can you wear normal shoes with a kilt?
The shoes that are most commonly worn with kilts are the Ghillie Brogues, which are worn just like a regular shoe, but the laces should be wrapped around the ankles before they are tied in front. Though just about any shoe or boot can be worn with a kilt.
Do you need waterproof boots in Scotland?
Scottish weather is renown for offering up four seasons in one day so be prepared with good waterproof boots and you’ll never have soggy feet. We offer a range of trips but even on our easy trips you are likely to encounter wet and rocky terrain so good ankle support and waterproofing are musts.
What is the difference between a walking shoe and a walking boot?
Walking boots tend to have thicker and reinforced soles with extra grip, which cushions your feet better. Walking shoes offer lighter soles that on more level and consistent terrain are useful for longer distance, especially in warmer conditions to allow for more ventilation.
Are there ticks on the West Highland Way?
It’s true that there are Lyme disease carrying ticks in Scotland and in areas along the West Highland Way but the chances of being infected are very low.
Do I need walking poles for West Highland Way?
Walking poles are totally personal preference. However, if you are going to walk with them, make sure the West Highland Way is not your first time. If you discover in the first mile that you hate walking poles, you might be stuck for a further 95 miles with them.
Can you wear trainers in the West Highland Way?
If you are running the route, trail running footwear is recommended. Some walkers wear trail running footwear although it is worth noting that running shoes are generally not as supportive or durable as walking shoes. Not many people choose to walk the West Highland Way in winter.
What is the most common mistakes first time hikers make?
We’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes beginner hikers make—and how to avoid them.
- Planning a Hike That’s Too Ambitious.
- Not Checking the Weather Before a Hike.
- Wearing the Wrong Clothing.
- Assuming Getting Help or Amenities Will Be Easy.
- Not Bringing Enough Food and Water.
- Not Learning How to Use Important Gear.
What do Scottish people call hiking?
The Challenge is simply an extreme version of what is Scotland’s national pastime: “hillwalking.” The country’s Outdoor Access Code allows people to walk and pitch tents on both public and private land. (There are a few exceptions, such as the British royal family’s Balmoral Estate.)
What is the hardest hill to climb in Scotland?
1 – Inaccessible Pinnacle
In the heart of Skye’s famed Black Cuillin, a vertical blade of rock rests on Sgurr Dearg. Known as the ‘Inaccessible Pinnacle’, this intimidating fin of basalt rock is regarded not only as the hardest Munro to attain, but also the most difficult major peak in the British Isles.
How do I not look like a tourist in Scotland?
- Don’t buy the Scotland tourist outfit.
- Don’t take shots of whisky.
- Don’t be dumbstruck on the sidewalk.
- Don’t overwhelm the Highlands and islands.
- Don’t claim to be Scottish.
- Don’t go to Loch Ness.
- Don’t complain about bad weather.
- Now you know the common tourist mistakes in Scotland, are you ready to be invisible?
Do I need wellies for Scotland?
Sturdy Footwear – If you plan on doing lots of walking, you’ll need good sturdy walking shoes for the uneven terrain. And we’d suggest a pair of wellies too, for walking through shallow water, puddles and mud.
What are the best shoes to wear in Scotland?
Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sneakers
Most of the cities in Scotland are covered in cobbles, so rubber-soled shoes fare best on this, especially when they are wet from a summer shower. If you are heading out into the countryside or to the coast, a pair of hiking shoes or running sneakers will be fine.
Are there bears in the Highlands?
There are no wild bears in Scotland; they now only exist in zoos and wildlife parks. This wasn’t always the case; however, large populations of brown bears roamed Scotland’s landmass for thousands of years but went extinct in Scotland around 450 AD (early medieval period), exterminated from overhunting.
What is the best time of year to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Most people visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September which is when we have the best weather and also the most daylight. Avoiding the peak months of July and August is a wise move if you can manage it, although given the nature of the Highlands there is plenty of wide open spaces for everyone to enjoy.