Walk Fife : Walking Routes

Heritage Trail Launch to take place in Pittencrieff Park – Dunfermline

Walk Fife Admin — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 17:34:28 +0000

Pittencrieff Park will play host to a Celebration Day to launch nine new heritage trails around the Inner Forth on Saturday 19 October.

The event is one of eight planned during October at locations all around the Inner Forth.

Activities range from art walks to birding cycles, and from short strolls by the Forth to 26-mile challenge cycles.

The free, drop-in, family-friendly event will include storytelling, face painting, a traditional building doctor from the National Lime Centre, guided walks around the Glen, rides in Cycling Without Age’s trishaw, and art activities, as well as a chance to find out more about local walking, cycling and community groups.

Trail guides for all the routes, plus a ‘bonus’ round the Forth ninth route, incorporating elements from all the trails, are available to download from the www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk website, along with GPX files to help people navigate the routes from their smart phone or GPS devices. Two of the routes can be started from Dunfermline – the 35-mile FifeThirtyFive, and the 11-mile Abbey to Sea trails.

The Wanderings and Windings project, led by Inner Forth Futures, has been funded through a £47,000 award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with an overall value of £67,000.

The routes use existing paths and tracks to encourage local people and visitors to the area to explore the landscape and discover some of the many hidden gems to be found around the Inner Forth. They include nature hotspots, historic buildings, riverside views, cultural landmarks or simply places to escape from the bustle of urban life.

Inner Forth Futures appointed Ian White Associates Landscape Architects to develop and deliver the trails. They ran 12 co-design workshops to work with local communities to design the routes and identify the key points of interest along the way.

A celebratory video has also been released, created by pupils from Falkirk High School, in conjuction with film makers D Fie Foe. You can also watch it via the Wanderings & Windings page of the Inner Forth Futures website.

If people can’t come along to the events but would still like to get more involved, IFF have a Facebook Group called Inner Forth Wanderings and Windings, which they can request to join.

For more information, please contact the Inner Forth Futures team, [email protected]

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The Alpkit Brevent Rucksack – Review

Walk Fife Admin — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 17:48:07 +0000

Walkers all know that carrying all the kit you need for the day ahead can sometimes be challenging.

There are hundreds of carrying solutions for the walker and in all shape and sizes and it can be confusing when it comes to picking one for yourself.

Each member of the Walk Fife team have had the same feeling at one time or another and we decided to start to share our experiences by reviewing some of our favourite backpacks, rucksacks and other solutions with you through our website.

Alpkit is a British outdoors company renowned for their high-quality and budget friendly products for walkers, climbers and cyclists. I personally own a number of different products produced by the firm and I honestly think they richly deserve their reputation so, when I needed a new daypack, I knew where to turn.

The Alpkit Brevent Rucksack

The Brevent is a 22 litre capacity rucksack is manufactured here in the UK and is constructed from waxed cotton throughout it’s main form. This may sound like old technology to some of you given most rucksacks available today.

Waxed cotton is naturally water resistant and has a proven track record other the centuries for being flexible, hard-wearing and easy to maintain which is ideal for the production of rucksacks.

The use of cotton is not the only thing that is harkening back to the golden age of walking as the overall design has a distinct retro feel about it. Alpkit have done away with the use of the usual black plastic quick release clips (apart from the sternum strap) and have instead used alloy fastenings which are designed for a tough and long life.

The Design

The pack is quite simple in form. The main cargo compartment is closed with a draw cord and a fold over flap which keeps your gear secure and dry.

Inside the compartment is a padded sleeve to allow you to store a laptop or what other gadgetry you wish to keep safe. In the flap there is a small zipped compartment where you can store your compass, sunscreen, bug spray etc there is also a handy key clip so you always know where your keys are when returning home after a day’s walking.

Mounted externally on each side of the pack is a bellow-style pocket which is designed to fit your water bottle and each can be adjusted through an integrated compression strap. These work really well.

The back support of the pack is lightly padded and as with the rest of the pack it is simple, effective and comfortable. All of these design choices mean that the Brevent only weighs in at 780g.

Adjustments & Comfort

The waist strap is generous in length and comfortable to use. Seldom have I seen a 22 litre pack which allows for winter layers which is good to see. The sternum strap is basic and mounted a little high on the padded strap for people with broad shoulders but this is a minor issue for many.

The shoulder straps are lightly padded but again are generous in length. Some people have asked me if the lack of padding is an issue in a daypack like this but it hasn’t been for me so far. Obviously if you are carrying a heavy load then padding is essential but, when you consider the weight of the typical kit you need for a day on the hills, then padding is less of a concern.

The pack is also covered with a 25 year Alpine Bond warranty which allows you to get your pack repaired should it fail in anyway.

Summary

I have been using the Brevent rucksack for almost three months over multiple terrains and through some really superb and horrific weather and I found it to be a good performing piece of kit for the walker.

The waxed cotton stands up really well to moderate showers but it does need a cover over it to make sure your kit doesn’t get overly soaked.

The pack is really comfortable to wear over long distances and the 22 litres is more than enough space for a day on the hills. The position of the sternum strap is annoying as I have very muscular shoulders and I would like it to be lower down but this is only a small problem and one I am going to correct myself at a later date.

Overall the Alpkit Brevent Rucksack is a superb rucksack for a day’s adventure on the paths and trails. Top notch!

Specifications

Capacity: 22 Litres
Construction: Waxed Cotton
Price: £80
Available from: Alpkit

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Walk Fife Podcast 44 – Fife Pilgrim Way and Out There Awards

Walk Fife Admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 18:16:35 +0000

The Kingdom of Fife is truly great for walking and the weather has never been better for exploring the region.

This episode of the Walk Fife Podcast is packed full of more walking advice and news.

Listen online

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Sean kicks off the show by letting us know about International Geocaching Day which takes places on 18 August. The Walk Fife team love geocaching and Sean shares with us what we can expect from this great annual outdoor event.

Fife Pilgrim Way opens to walkers

The Fife Pilgrim Way is a new long distance walking route that brings the northern and southern edges of Fife together. Sean shares new on how Walk Fife are going to support walkers planning to walk this great new trail.

Fife Coastal Path Map Update

Footprint maps recently released an update to the map of the Fife Coastal Path. Sean runs us through some of the changes you can expect from this new edition.

A walkers guide to gaiters

Staying dry, clean and comfortable is key to having a good day’s walking so having the right kit to protect yourself against the elements is essential and gaiters are one piece of equipment that are often overlooked by new walkers.

Out There Award

Ramblers Scotland has launched a new award scheme. The award offers young adults a free and inspiring introduction to Scotland’s outdoors. Anyone aged 18 to 26 can apply at ramblers.org.uk/OutThereAward for the free Out There Award events.

Win a Garmin eTrex® Touch 35 with Walk Fife

We have one of these fantastic hand held GPS devices to give to one lucky winner. Sean explains what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize.

Get in touch

If you have any suggestions for future episodes of the Walk Fife podcast then please get in touch with us through our website or you can even drop us a line through Twitter or Facebook. Please email us at [email protected]

Show Links

Geocaching – http://www.walkfife.org/geocaching-in-fife/
Maps of Fife – http://www.walkfife.org/maps-of-fife/
Guide To Gaiters – http://www.walkfife.org/a-walkers-guide-to-gaiters/
Out There Award – http://www.walkfife.org/ramblers-scotland-launch-new-out-there-award/
Competition – http://www.walkfife.org/win/
Fife Coastal Path GPX File – http://www.walkfife.org/the-fife-coastal-path-gpx-file-of-the-full-route/
Fife Maps – http://www.walkfife.org/maps-of-fife/
Rewilding Conference – https://www.scotlandbigpicture.com/conference

Other outlets

Save

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Rewilding conference signals fresh thinking

Walk Fife Admin — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 09:50:38 +0000

A major conference in Stirling this September will examine how Scotland can reverse its widespread depletion of nature and become a world leader in restoring its land and seas to good health, so wildlife and communities can flourish.

The Big Picture Conference will explore the potential for rewilding large parts of Scotland’s forests, peatlands, rivers, moorlands and seas, and the benefits this could bring for declining wildlife such as red squirrel, wildcat and capercaillie, as well as for people’s health, wellbeing and employment.

Hosted by communications group SCOTLAND: The Big Picture at the University of Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre on 21 September, the event will examine why rewilding – the repair and restoration of nature – matters.

The conference – the only event of its kind in Scotland – will focus on solutions rather than reinforcing problems. There will be inspirational presentations and examples from around the world, delivered by leading rewilding practitioners, policy makers and storytellers.

“Scotland is blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes, but huge areas have become ecologically depleted. Woodlands, wetlands and peatlands across the country are all shadows of what they could be. But with different thinking, Scotland could become a world-leader in restoring its ecosystems to good health, for both wildlife and people,” said Peter Cairns, Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

“We’re aiming for a great day of inspiring presentations and thought-provoking discussions.”

Scotland’s biggest habitat restoration project – Cairngorms Connect, a land manager partnership that is enhancing habitats across a vast area of Cairngorms National Park – will feature at the event, as will Lynbreck Croft, whose owners are farming with nature. The keynote presentation will be from the inspiring American Prairie Reserve, where three million acres of public and private lands across Montana, USA are being reconnected to benefit nature and people.

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture says rewilding could provide employment, especially in the Highlands and Islands, where otters, deer, puffins and sea eagles already support a growing nature tourism economy. Nature’s benefits also include beavers reducing flooding, trees providing food, and peatlands soaking up carbon. Increasingly, studies show how nature boosts people’s health, and is good for children.

The organisers hope to encourage debate and discussion, and also cooperation between different groups. They say rewilding can co-exist well with farming, forestry and recreational activities.

Anyone can attend the conference, which is sponsored by The Woodland Trust and Ecosulis. Tickets can be purchased at www.scotlandbigpicture.com/conference.

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is Scotland’s first organisation wholly dedicated to rewilding advocacy and communications. Its mission is to help drive transformational change towards a vast network of rewilded land and sea, where wildlife and communities can flourish. See www.scotlandbigpicture.com.

Image © www.scotlandbigpicture.com

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A Walkers Guide To Gaiters

Walk Fife Admin — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 19:36:18 +0000

The Scottish weather and landscape can sometimes make you feel unwelcome as a walker.

Every walker has had a day on the trails when they just wish they had been better prepared.

The major benefit of Gaiters is that they are often small and lightweight enough to be easily stowed in your pack ready for when you need them and, when do you do need them, they provide a great deal of protection for both your feet and lower legs.

So when do you need gaiters?

Gaiters are designed for when you are walking through terrain and weather where you are at risk of rain, snow or dirt making it’s way into you boots and soaking your feet and lower legs eg, thick wet grassy areas or overgrown scrub, deep snow or muddy and wet conditions.

Benefits of Gaiters

There are many benefits to wearing gaiters some of which include –

They keep your boots and trousers reasonably clean.
They bolster the waterproofness of your boots keeping your feet dry and warm.
They can be used on their own or in conjunction with a pair of waterproof trousers.
They can protect your legs against tick bites if passing through affected areas.
They protect your losers and boots from catches if wearing crampons.

Types of Gaiters

There are many different types of gaiters available to the walker in all shapes and sizes and in this post we are going to run through the most common types and for what conditions they are best suited.

Ankle Gaiters

Ankle gaiters are designed to prevent gravel, dirt and water from sneaking into your boots as you walk the trail. While they can be used to wade through shallow water and snow (provided your boots are waterproof), they aren’t really designed for more than helping your boots to protect your feet from the elements. These gaiters are perfect if you like to walk in lightweight walking boots or shoes which aren’t waterproof and they are also ideal to protect your legs against tick bites during their annoying season.

High Leg Gaiters

High leg gaiters (sometimes called high cut or mountain gaiters) are, as the name suggests, gaiters that stretch up a good proportion of your leg covering each of your calves. These gaiters are perfect for wading through water (provided your boots are waterproof), walking through deep snow and across rough wet grassy and scrubland areas.

While these type of gaiters do offer the greatest protection they can cause your lowers legs and feet to overheat due to lack of ventilation (even if they are made from breathable fabric) and this especially is the case if wearing them along with waterproof trousers. It is also advisable to loosen them off at the top or unzip them a little when it is possible to avoid a build of condensation and to let your legs cool down.

What should you look for in a gaiter?

You need your gaiters to be robust, flexible and waterproof. Listed below are a few things to look for when choosing your gaiters.

Fit – It is amazing how many people haven’t tried their gaiters on with their walking boots/shoes prior to buying them. Make sure that they fit your boots and legs snugly while allowing for a good amount of movement and adjustment. Ensure the securing hook towards the front of the gaiter is compatible with your boots and test that the stirrup strap that passes underfoot of the boot can be adjusted to suit.

Breathable – Look for gaiters that are manufactured from breathable fabrics which use systems such as eVent or Gore-tex as they keep you dry while helping to reduce both condensation and overheating.

Zips – Make sure that the zips are heavy duty construction, corrosion proof and you can operate them while wearing gloves and make sure there is a storm flap covering the zip which is secured in place with Velcro or added protection.

Ripstop – Ensure that the outer fabric of the gaiter is made from a ripstop material. Scrubland, heather and the occasional piece of barbed wire can take their toll on your gaiters so make sure they they can take the punishment.

Care of your gaiters

Don’t put your gaiters in the washing machine!

Instead use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt and make sure you clean the zip and remove all the dirt and grit so it can move freely (I use a small nail brush for this task) and ensure that the fittings are also cleaned thoroughly.

After cleaning, ensure that your gaiters are completely dry before packing them away in readiness for your next adventure.

Your gaiters will last for many years if taken care of carefully. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep them in tip top walking condition.

If you have any questions about how to pick the right gaiters or you have any suggestions on improving this guide then please get in touch with the Walk Fife team at [email protected]

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The Fife Pilgrim Way by Ian Bradley – Book Review

Walk Fife Admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 14:33:18 +0000

The amazing Fife Pilgrim Way officially opened to the public in July 2019.

The 64 mile (104 km) trail is a new long distance walking route that brings the Northern and Southern edges of Fife together as it winds its way through the ancient Kingdom’s incredible history.

As the name suggests, this pathway reflects upon the days when Fife was the one the many religious destinations within Scotland for pilgrims between the 11th to 16th centuries. The Kingdom attracted many thousands of pilgrims from across Europe each of who made their way through the region on a journey of faith and discovery.

This modern day established walking route follows some of the region’s ancient pathways and gives the walker a chance to walk in the footsteps of these medieval travellers.

The Fife Pilgrim Way by Ian Bradley – A guide book

To help walkers understand more about the history of the various locations and landmarks that they encounter along the trail, a companion guide has been written by Ian Bradley, Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at the University of St Andrews.

The book begins with an introduction to the Fife Pilgrim Way which gives you flavour of what you can expect from the trail ahead. Interesting the origins of the modern pathway’s logo is also revealed which I myself was thankful for as it is something I have often been asked by fellow Walk Fifers in the past.

The following content guides the walker along the trail offering the history of the locations which have been highlighted by the creators of this modern day Fife Pilgrim Way.

Obviously given the title, there is a focus on the religious origins of the Fife Pilgrim Way and describes the travels of the pilgrims who made their way through the Kingdom of Fife to some of Scotland’s most historic and interesting sites.

The rich industrial heritage of Fife is also covered as the walker passes through some of the areas in West Fife that supported Scotland’s heavy industry for many decades.

Each chapter is accompanied by beautifully shot and carefully selected photographs and illustrations which will help walkers thinking about walking the Fife Pilgrim Way get a taste of Scotland’s latest long distance walking.

Summary

Ian Bradley has written an excellent guide to the Fife Pilgrim Way and I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job of capturing the fascinating history of this spectacular new long distance trail through the Kingdom

The book is written in a light and almost chatty tone of voice which makes it incredibly enjoyable to read and can understand. We thoroughly recommend it to anyone thinking of walking the Fife Pilgrim Way.

Date Published: 2019
Format: 14 x 3.2 x 20.3 cm
ISBN: 978-1780275925
Cover Price: £14.99
Available From: Amazon

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Lomo LED Emergency Strobe Light – Review

Walk Fife Admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 13:19:15 +0000

Safety is the prime concern of the Walk Fife team.

Being able to signal for help is vital in an emergency situation.

Since Walk Fife began reviewing equipment, we have featured many different pieces of safety kit which we think are essential for the walker. One area where we need to expand is emergency signalling devices.

Lomo LED Emergency Strobe Light

This LED Emergency Strobe Light is manufactured by well respected Scottish outdoor equipment manufacturer, Lomo.

We have already reviewed a few other walker-friendly products made by the firm and when we discovered that they made an emergency strobe light we knew we had to buy one to see if it met their usual high standards.

Why a strobe light?

When sitting shivering on the side of a brutal hillside having the ability to signal for help is something more valuable than all the gold in the world.

A powerful strobe light has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of signalling others that you are in distress and those observing can locate you so rescue can be arranged.A strobe really cuts through the noise of the landscape and the flashing easily catches the eye of potential rescuers over quite a distance.

Design and construction

The strobe unit is constructed from tough bright orange plastic and is fairly chunky little unit when compared with more expensive offerings from other companies. The size may deter some people from purchasing but they would be mistaken in dismissing this unit due to it’s size.

The strobe is waterproof to a depth of 80m making it ideal for the walker who enjoys diving, kayaking and, lets face it as it is Scotland, walking in the rain! The unit can also float which is an added benefit.

The unit is powered by x3 standard AA batteries which sit with the unit in a compact and rattle-free caddy. Unlike similarly priced units, the power switch is of the magnetic variety which ensures that the chances of water ingress is kept to the very minimum.

The strobe light is provided by x4 very powerful LED bulbs which are arranged in a way where the strobe projects it’s light in a hemispherical pattern which increases the chances of you being spotted from multiple approaches.

Lomo claim that the light can be observed from 2000m away which is something that through testing we can agree upon as the strobe is incredibly powerful. Running continuously the strobe can last between 30 and 80 minutes.

At the top of the unit there is a lens which allows you to focus the strobing light towards rescuers.

The strobe can be sat down on even ground, held in your hand using the optional wrist strap for additional security or mounted to your pack or strapped to your arm using the supplied velcro strap. Plenty of options for the walker.

In use

The Lomo LED Emergency Strobe Light while appearing bulky in shape is still quite small when compared to other signalling equipment and I easily found space for it in the header pocket of my rucksack where it accompanied my other emergency kit.

We tested the unit thoroughly in a range of conditions in the hills during Winter, Spring and Summer and have found it to be reliable, well made and effective over quite a distance.

The only issue we had with the unit was battery life which could be as low as 30 minutes in low temperatures but in the warmer weather it ran for 80 minutes without fault so packing spare batteries may be a good idea.

Summary

The Lomo LED Emergency Strobe Light packs a mighty punch for such an inexpensive device and we would thoroughly recommend it for walkers who are on a budget but still want to be prepared for an emergency in the wilds – Good Kit!

Specifications

Pack Size: 52mm x 132mm
Weight: 185g
Water Proof Rating: 80m
Power: x3 AAA
Bulb Type: x4 LED – 5000h
Available From: Amazon

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The Cairngorms In Winter – Video Review by Walk Fife

Walk Fife Admin — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:27:28 +0000

The Cairngorms is my favourite wild location in the UK.

The Cairngorms are Britain’s highest and most extensive mountain range and is one of the country’s most impressive and beautiful National Park’s.

The park comprises of not just mountains but rare native forests, spectacular lochs, wild moorland and productive farmland and provides a home for some of Britain’s most amazing wildlife. The Cairngorms are also home to adventurer Chris Townsend.

Chris Townsend

Chris is a passionate hillwalker and over the years has authored over 20 books with the Backpackers Handbook being perhaps the most well known to the outdoor community. I have long been a fan of Chris and have attended several talks given by him covering his amazing record of walking some of the world’s most challenging trails.

As you would expect of someone this experienced, Chris devotes a lot of his time helping others enjoy the outdoors and he was recently given the role of Hillwalking Ambassador for the British Mountaineering Council where is helping to improve access to trails across the UK and promote walking through his regular talks, magazine articles and blog posts.

The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris Townsend

This stunning film was funded through Kickstarter and the 96 minute epic was filmed in an almost continuous 4 month period in early 2013. The film reveals the awe inspiring scenery of the glens and high mountains of the Cairngorms in the depths of winter like never before. Chris makes his way through the ancient caledonian pine forests of the tranquil Glen Feshie onwards towards to the harsh Moine Mhor plateau and the precipitous flanks of Cairn Toul.

Expert advice

Along the way Chris shares advice on what equipment you should consider taking with you in the mountains as well as tips on navigation, setting up camp and lots more valuable advice for living in the outdoors. Chris shares his thoughts on the sub-arctic environment of the Cairngorms respecting its beauty and dangers treating each with equal respect.

I have to admit that I was amazed when I saw the minimal amount of kit that Chris takes with him on his excursions in to the rugged and sometimes unforgiving mountains of the Scottish Highlands.

A true celebration…

Chris Townsend’s decades of intimate knowledge of these Scottish mountains combine with film maker Terry Abraham’s determination to capture the real heart and soul of his subject in a unique film which will inspire both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. A true celebration of the UK’s largest and highest National Park.

While the DVD is now no longer available by the original publisher, it can still be found on ebay and other outlets at a budget friendly price or new through the Striding Edge website – https://www.stridingedge.com/chris-townsend-2-dvd-boxed-set-50-p.asp – and I would encourage you to get online and grab a copy and watch it with your walking friends.

Find out more

You can find out more about Chris Townsend by visiting his website at www.christownsendoutdoors.com

Bushcraft expert Paul Kirtley interviewed Chris for his podcast. It offers a great insight to what drives this man to undertake such inspiring feats of endurance – http://paulkirtley.co.uk/2015/chris-townsend-backpacking-legend/

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The Gerber Dime – Review

Walk Fife Admin — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 23:00:12 +0000

A multi-tool is a useful tool for the walker in the wilds.

Most multi-tools are unfortunately often too bulky to carry with you everyday on the trails.

Step forward the Gerber Dime – a micro tool which is aimed at the occasional user who wants the flexibility of a multi-tool but not the bulk of a full blown option.

The Gerber Dime

The Gerber Dime is a very compact tool that, although while weighing very little, packs a punch. The Dime features 10 fully functional tools within its small frame and these include :

Pliers
Wire Cutter
Bottle Opener
Tweezers
Non-locking Blade
Spring-loaded Scissors
Flathead Screwdriver
Crosshead Driver
File
Packet Opener

The build quality is superb with the main body and tool being constructed from stainless steel making it a tough little unit that can survive a fair bit of abuse while still being capable of performing it’s intended tasks.

The tool is available in both a satin black finish and a more colourful option. I opted for the blackened finish as it is more discreet especially in a work environment. The tool has a ring mount for attaching to a lanyard or keyring but I decided to use that for a paracord pull instead.

In Use

In general use the tools featured in the Dime are fairly good. The pliers and wire cutters performed just as well as it’s larger cousins when used for lighter tasks.

The scissors are surprisingly good despite their size. They aren’t as good as the pair you would find on a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife but they are still capable of many tasks and they have kept their edge well.

The non-locking blade is small and keeps an edge well. The blade itself is fairly short measuring in at only 35mm long but has proven to be useful for many in-camp tasks. It is not a blade I would suggest you would use for heavy tasks but it is quite good for food preparation, kit maintenance etc.

The two screwdrivers are fairly basic in form and I have found that they were useful when in the workplace. The file features both rough and fine sides and I have to admit that I have seldom had to use it but it is handy to have in the tool.

The bottle opener is another tool I have seldom used but again is a good addition and the way Gerber incorporated it into the body is well executed. The tweezers are located inside the body itself and easily slide out for use. They are another nice addition to the tool and I have had to use them quite a few times.

The packet opener is something I haven’t had the need for and I think it’s design is pretty poor in comparison to the rest of the tools within the Dime. I think that Gerber should have perhaps featured a saw or can opener instead as I feel wither one would be more useful for more people.

Despite the Dime having been used fairly heavily over the couple years, the tool remains in good order and the tools remain tight and functional.

Summary

When I first received the Dime I did initially think that it may be a gimmick rather than a useful tool but after over a year of using the tool for outdoors tasks, I have to admit it is a good and useful piece of kit. If you are looking for something you can keep in your pocket and won’t take up too much room while still being an effective tool then the Gerber Dime is well worth looking at.

Specifications

Weight: 67g
Folded Size: 70 x 20 x 13mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Tools: 10
Available From: Amazon

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Ramblers Scotland launch new Out There Award

Walk Fife Admin — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:29:46 +0000

Ramblers Scotland has launched a new award scheme.

The award offers young adults a free and inspiring introduction to Scotland’s outdoors.

Anyone aged 18 to 26 can apply at ramblers.org.uk/OutThereAward for the free Out There Award events.

As well as learning about basic navigation, hill safety and route planning, participants will get a chance to attempt a led group walk. Award events are taking place at locations including Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Tayside, and there will also be some female-only courses later in the year.

Ramblers Scotland’s young adult development project officer Sam Knight said: “We’re excited to launch the Out There Award to help break down the barriers that stop more young people from enjoying the benefits of Scotland’s amazing outdoors.

“Research shows that too often young people lack walking partners and knowledge of where to walk, so I hope that many young adults will grasp this free and fun opportunity to learn new skills, sample local hills and meet like-minded people.”

The Scottish Government’s Active Scotland division has helped fund the Out There Award, which will consist of three training days, focusing on either walking, volunteering or outdoor skills.

The Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government is delighted to support this award scheme, which will provide young adults with new skills and the confidence to make the most of the great outdoor spaces we have on our doorstep in Scotland.

“Being active outdoors is not only valuable for physical health, it also contributes to an improved sense of wellbeing, and I hope all the participants enjoy this experience.”

Everyone who completes all three elements will earn an Out There Award certificate, a neck buff and one year of Ramblers membership, worth up to £35.85. A total of 120 participants are expected to take part – of whom at least half will be women. Participants will be introduced to Ramblers Scotland’s five Young Walkers groups, so they can continue to build their confidence outdoors in future and meet like-minded people.

The award is part of the walking charity’s Out There campaign, which is helping many more people feel the benefits of Scotland’s landscapes and world-class access rights.

To apply visit ramblers.org.uk/OutThereAward.

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