One of the greatest pleasures in life is hiking in a tranquil frosty glade, and enjoying a unique side of nature that you do not often see.
Winter walking trips in Scotland are filled with a unique beauty that you sometimes do not get in the summer, whilst also being a healthy way to exercise.
However, it is important to prepare in case the weather gets particularly cold, so here are five pieces of equipment you should not be without.
Good Hiking Boots
Traction is the name of the game for a good hike, so you will want a pair of good hiking boots that can handle uneven, slippery and snowy terrain.
If it is particularly snow, do not forget to pack some crampons with you, which are spiked chains that attach to the soles of your shoes to give you more grip.
Face Mask
Not only a requirement to keep yourself protected, face masks give a layer of warmth to a part of your body that is often exposed to the elements.
Thermal Layers
The golden rule for winter hiking clothes is to always dress in layers. This helps keep your body warm when you need it and allows you to take layers off if you are overheating.
Thermal trousers, socks and tops are an important part of any hiker’s wardrobe.
Battery Pack
One of the problems with colder weather is it means that phone battery life is far shorter. If you want to take pictures or are using the phone for navigation, make sure you have a fully charged battery pack in your coat pocket as well.
Gloves
Keeping your extremities warm is vitally important, and a good pair of gloves will protect your hands from the wind, snow and rain. You can get some gloves with interesting bonuses too, such as leather touchscreen gloves which let you use your phone without taking them off.