Wild Venture Scotland

27/10/2024

🧭 Introduction To Navigation 🧭

Do you wish you had the confidence to head out for a day hill walking, happy in your map reading and navigation abilities? This one day course will help you learn the basic but fundamental first steps to using a map and compass.

This one day course will cover -

Using different map scales
The Three Norths
contours and features
6 figure grid reference
Grid reference to relocate
Bearings, pacing and timing
measuring distance on map
using a compass

See dates below 👇🏻 these are last group events before we move onto our ❄️ Winter Events ❄️

If you would like to know any further information or to book please email [email protected]

26/10/2024

Love this time of year , dark skies mean Aurora Chasing 😍📸

Tonight’s capture at 10pm

Killearn 📍

23/10/2024

The last group & navigation events of the summer season 😁🧭🗺️

Do you fancy learning to navigate with a map and compass ?

Fed up following others or relying on your phone ?

Now’s your chance to learn the basic but fundamental steps to using a map and compass. Starting from scratch this day is packed full of lots of map chat, navigation games and navigation practice 🤓⛰️

There is still a few spaces available on our next event - Introduction to Navigation - 3 SPACES LEFT

Click the link above for full event details & information

To book your place please email - [email protected]

22/10/2024

Ben Lomond Voluntary Path Maintenance day ⛰️⛏️

If only every hiker gave back 1 day a year and done a days voluntary path maintenance on our mountains, what better condition our eroded mountains would be in. They take us on many adventures and if we don’t help maintain and protect them… who will ?

Massive thanks to Alasdair & David at Ben Lomond NTS for having us on board today.

A group of 5 turned into just one 🙈 so huge well done to Callum for joining us today and helping out with some path work 🙌🏻💪🏻 we did have the pleasure of Martin who is a regular volunteer join our wee group today.

After meeting in the morning we grabbed our tools and set off on foot carrying everything we needed for the day. We were working around 700m so a good hike up got us warmed up for the day ahead.

Reaching our stop we had a quick break before David explained what our jobs were, Todays task was to finish off some mounds, make new mounds and turf them ⛏️🪣

Even poor weather conditions doesn’t stop the work going on , as we were battered by 30 - 35mph gust all Morning with showers on and off. We shifted rocks, moved earth and shifted turfs over the hillside 🥵 even the windchill wasn’t enough to keep the sweat off!

It’s absolutely incredible the amount of man hours and power that goes into path maintenance each year, there is minimal machinery used with most work carried out using a Pic axe , Pinch bar , spade and bucket all tools are carried up and down on foot too.

It was absolutely brilliant learning further skills today from David & Martin 🙌🏻 thank you so much. Callum done absolutely amazing and is off North to help out with more path maintenance tomorrow 💪🏻 have a great day and thanks for joining us today.

If you fancy helping out for the day Ben Lomond NTS have lots of opportunities each week! Please contact them to discuss further 😁

20/10/2024

We only have Navigation events left over the next couple of weeks before we move onto our winter events😎❄️🙌🏻

So if you fancy learning how to navigate with a map and compass then check out our events sections or send us an email to book one of the dates below 👇🏻

Don’t fancy a group event or have already been on an intro to navigation ? We have mid week availability for bespoke bookings - catered to yourself, friends or family🧭 send us a pm to discuss further.

📲 To book your place on one of the dates before please email - [email protected]

19/10/2024

Sgor Gaoith - 🥾🎒

Whilst I was out teaching navigation on the campsies, Guide Lisa was out on the last Munro bagging group event of the summer season 🙌🏻⛰️🍂

This event was meant to be held tomorrow but due to the incoming storm we pulled it forward a day. Sadly two couldn’t make it last minute.

It was great to see returning client Lori and meet new clients Patricia and Bernadette😁 well done ladies and thanks for joining us.

Here’s what Guide : Lisa said about the day -

Setting off from the car park we enjoyed the gentle ascent on good track up through the forestry until we came out onto the open hill. Continuing contouring around the hillside we spent some time talking about the local flora and fauna 🌺 and about the rewilding of Glen Feshie itself.

A short break by the Allt a' Chrom - alltain before we started the main, very boggy ascent of the day up onto the summit plateau. From here it was a short walk along to the summit. We enjoyed the stunning views down to Loch Einich and across to the great bulk of Braeriach, not lingering for long on the summit as the wind chill was biting! Retracing our steps back down to join the lower path, we stopped for our proper lunchbreak.

On descent back to the cars we again spent time chatting all things flora and fauna, mountain safety and the ladies also had a chat about their aspirations in the mountains for next year.
A very enjoyable hike with a great group who moved well throughout the day. Hopefully see u ladies on the hills again soon ⛰️🤩

19/10/2024

Introduction to Navigation 🧭🗺️

It was great to spend the day with new Clients Jess, Morven & Richard 🙌🏻 huge well done to you all for taking those steps and learning how to use a map and compass.

After some map chat and games in the morning we headed out onto the hillside. It’s been what feels like a long time since I’ve been up the campsies for navigation after such a busy summer in the highlands!

Introducing the group step by step to the basic but fundamental steps to navigation. Using the 5 D’s to help work out our navigation legs, measure distance working out timings and taking bearings to confirm direction of travel or to walk on.
Everyone done absolutely amazing at picking up these news skills today, after spending the afternoon practicing our legs we worked on 6 figure grid references and relocation methods.

A great day with some keen learners, now down to lots of nav practice days 🤩🧭

Thanks for joining me.

18/10/2024

Today I was joined by a lovely group of women who came over to Scotland to Hike Conic Hill & Wild Swim in Loch Lomond 🙌🏻🍂🥶⛰️

Most of the girls coming from Holland and one from Australia ( furthest traveller yet ) it was a pleasure to guide them up Conic Hill, A small hill with big views!
Even on a dreich day like today we still got some views over the Loch across the highland boundary fault line.

After the hike we swapped our boots for wetsuit and took a short walk to the shore where Open Water Instructor Laura took over and enjoyed a chilly dip with the girls 🤩 water temps of 12* and after a few screams all of the group embraced some open water swimming surrounded by the stunning autumnal colours 🍂 Huge well done to you all 👌🏻

A lovely morning with a great group , no gusty winds like forecast and we even managed to keep the waterproofs in the bag!

Thank you all so much for joining us on a wild venture ❤️ I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Massive thanks to Laura for delivering the wild swim.

17/10/2024

🏔️❄️ WINTER GROUP EVENTS ❄️🏔️

Are you looking to get out this winter ? Whether you haven’t hiked in winter conditions before or are looking to advance your skill set …. We have you covered 🙌🏻☃️⛏️ Join us for the day on one of our group events , all under the safety of a Winter Mountain Leader.

☃️ NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ☃️

30th Nov - Creise & Meall a’ Bhuiridh

1st Dec - Ben Starav - SOLD OUT

☃️ JANUARY ☃️

25th & 26th - 2 Day Winter Skills Course - Cairngorms - 2 SPACES LEFT

27th - Sgor Gaoith -Winter Hike - 3 SPACES LEFT

31st - Aonach Mor & Aonach Beag

☃️ FEBRUARY ☃️

1st -Beinn Teallach & Beinn Chaorainn - SOLD OUT

2nd - Aonach Mor & Aonach Beag - SOLD OUT

15th - 1 Day Winter Skills Refresher

16th - Stob Ban & Mullach Nan Coirean - Winter hike

☃️ MARCH ☃️

21st - Maol Chean - Dearg, South Torridon

22nd - Moruisg - Winter Hike

23rd - Ben Wyvis - Winter Hike

🔗 Tap on event links above for full event details & information

Dont fancy a group event ? We can organise a bespoke booking just for you, your friends or family🙌🏻 send us an email for more information.

📲 To book your space on one of the above events please email - [email protected]

16/10/2024

🏔️❄️ WINTER SKILLS EVENTS ❄️🏔️

Winter is on its way and there’s no better time to get yourself booked onto a Winters Skills Course ⛏️🏔️Whether your new to winter hiking or looking to refresh your skill set 🙌🏻

🏔️ New to Winter Hiking -

Are you new to winter hiking or looking to gain new skills to help you on your winter journey ? Our 2 day course is packed full of lots of advice, information and tuition
- 2 Day Winter Skills Course - Cairngorms - 2 SPACES LEFT

🏔️ Winter Skills Refresher -

Already hiked in winter or been on a winter skills course previously and want to brush up on your skills ? Our 1 day refresher course is perfect to strengthen your skills and learn some more!

1 Day Winter Skills Refresher

Please see links for for event details ☝🏻

📲 To book your place please email - [email protected]

08/10/2024

Back on Buachaille Etive Mor today ⛰️🙌🏻😍

It was a pleasure to spend the day with new client Anne 🤗

Setting off we made our way up through Coire Na Tulaich , a good pace was set and before long we were on the bealach. Anne was happy to plod on so we made our way up to our first summit of the day, Stob Dearg.

We stopped for a break before heading on retracing our steps back to the bealach and over to Stob Na Doire, one of two Munro tops of the day. A day spent in the clag but we couldn’t complain as there was minimal wind and the clag was dry 🙌🏻

Dropping down once again we got some quick glimpses before reascending over the top and onto our second Munro , Stob Na Broige⛰️
Retracing our steps once again we dropped down into Coire Altruim. Bellowing stags all around 🦌😍 as we dropped down into the glen we were surrounded by them so we stopped and watched them for a while.

Back at the car for 3.30pm! Anne moved amazingly well today and it was a pleasure to have spent the day getting to know her as we hiked over these two Munros not meeting another person all day.

A brilliant day with lovely company, thanks for joining me 😄

07/10/2024

🧭 Introduction to Navigation 🧭

More dates have been published for our introduction to Navigation group events 🙌🏻

Are you fed up being the follower ? Relying on mobile phone apps ?

Come and join one of our beginners navigation days, whether you’ve never used a map and compass before or maybe want to brush up old skills 🗺️

‼️ 19th October - 3 SPACES LEFT ‼️

There is a list of dates to choose from 👇🏻 full event details can be found under the events tab.

For more information or to book your space please email - [email protected]

07/10/2024

Dreams do come true….. if you chase them ❤️😇

A day on Stob Dearg , Buachaille Etive Mor with returning client Karen today ☺️

Karen has always dreamed of reaching the summit of this iconic mountain but always thought it would be to much for her. So today we aimed just for 1 Munro , Stob Dearg ⛰️

Having been out with Karen previously we set a nice steady pace and worked on her breathing and movement as we ascended Coire Na Tulaich. Giving her lots of tips to help make things a little easier.
The conditions were lovely and atmospheric, warm sunshine and little wind! A contrast to the past couple of days.

Reaching the bealach we had a well deserved break before a final push to our summit of the day. A broken spectre en route and the summit to ourselves 😍 we enjoyed lunch taking in the surrounding views, chatting about life and listening to the bellowing stags.

Heading off in the warm sunshine we made our way back down into the Coire, working on descending steep terrain ⛰️ it’s been amazing to see Karen’s progression over the past month as she makes her way around her journey of the Munros.

A great day, thanks for joining me 🤗

06/10/2024

Intro to the hills today on Buachaille Etive Beag ⛰️

Finally the high winds dropped to allow us to get back up on the summits today. It was lovely to spend the day with returning Client Sharon and new clients Mandy, Ruth, Megan, Ruth & Linda 🙌🏻 huge well done to you all.

We had a few travelling from far and wide for todays event, Megan travelling up from Newcastle and Ruth coming over from Ireland 😎 it was also Ruth’s 1st and 2nd Munro so we decided to give her a guard of honor on her first summit ⛰️🥰

We had some discussions throughout the day about weather forecasts, sourcing information, skill full walking and lots of other wee hints and tips. We shared stories, chatted and lots of laughter as we made our way over these two summits. The weather was kind but sadly we didn’t get any summit views today ☁️

ML trainee Maria was back out today shadowing another event, once again amazing skills shown and a Total natural guide! Good luck for your assessment and look forward to seeing you next year as an official guide 😎😝

A brilliant day with a lovely group of women who all done absolutely amazing today and moved great as a team. Thanks for joining me girls for the last intro to the hills for this season ❤️⛰️🍂

05/10/2024

Over the recent years hillwalking has became increasingly popular with thousands visiting and hiking to the summits each year. Human foot fall over time has a massive impact on erosion and expansion of paths, scaring the mountain side and effecting the mountains very own fragile eco systems.
In many areas we are lucky enough to have an amazing team of workers and volunteers who maintain our mountain paths but it’s a never ending job and one with more hands the better!

So how can us as hikers and mountain leaders help out and get involved ?

Come and join us for the day, with Wild Venture Scotland and Ben Lomond NTS ( National Trust for Scotland )
A days volunteering - learn how the mountain paths are maintained throughout different sections , what tools we use and help out maintaining a section of the mountain path.

You don’t need experience as you will learn new skills on the day, a good amount of fitness is required as after all everything is moved and maintained by muscles!
If required the group can be split into lower and higher sections on the hill to suit the full groups abilities.

It’s a great day on the hills and one you certainly won’t forget, helping to protect the mountains and paying back a little from the many of adventures they take us on.

This is a VOLUNTARY day so no cost required to join, if our date doesn’t suit you can check out the NTS webpage and sign up to volunteer on many of their other days throughout the year.

All work tools and safety equipment will be supplied - please wear some old hillwalking clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. A kit list will be sent out prior to event.

https://www.nts.org.uk/support-us/get-involved/find-a-volunteering-opportunity

To reserve your place , please email -
[email protected]

05/10/2024

Two days of high winds forecast meant no summits for Mum & Daughter Team, Julie & Molly 🤗

We had some plans which quickly got scrapped with the forecasts the past two days! Being out with these girls a lot the past two years we’ve had our fair share of rough weather and higher winds than forecast which Molly done great with.
But with such low confidence in the weather, a mixed forecasts changing and mixed wind speeds it was a hard one to judge what it was actually going to give.

Our original plan was for Creag Meagaidh circuit, so we decided to head into Coire Ardair and see how things were, since we were already in the area we could still enjoy a lower level walk.

A good walk in got the legs warmed up as approaching the Coire so did the wind 💨
At the Coire we used our wind anemometer to confirm the gusts which at 600M were blowing through at 35gusts. So we got some shelter and had a bite to eat . We all knew heading higher wasn’t an option as safety always comes first so we decided to practice some nav legs and discuss flora & fauna.

Molly navigated us back out the Coire , working out her timinings, distance and taking a bearing to confirm direction of travel 🧭 it’s great to see how much she has remembered! After some nav legs we went over some flora & fauna for the rest of the walk out enjoying all the different colours of autumn.

Fingers crossed weather holds off for the next adventure. A great morning even though we got no summits, but having back up plans and knowing our limits still allowed us to have a great morning in the mountains ⛰️🍂

05/10/2024

‼️ UPDATE - NOW TAKEN ‼️
I have a free day available this Tuesday ( 8th ) for a bespoke day around the glencoe area if anyone is interested 🤗

Please pm for more information

03/10/2024

Stob a Choire Odhair & Stob Ghabhar today ⛰️🍂🦌

A beautiful sunrise this morning and a chilly start to the day. Great to see returning clients Jen & Annie and meet new clients Helen & Vic 🙌🏻 sadly one had to cancel last minute this morning.

A day of chilly air, autumnal colours and bellowing of the stags 😍 as we walked in past clashgour hut and onto the mountain path and made our way to the first summit of the day, Stob a Choire Odhair ⛰️

After a break and bite to eat we headed off down to the bealach and with the girls happy to push on we made our way up and enjoyed a fun we scramble over the mini ridge. A final push seen us on the second summit of the day, Stob Ghabhar 🙌🏻 the clag was just covering to tops and giving us sneak peaks below.

Heading off and not stopping to long with the chilly winds we made our way down hill and enjoyed the walk back to the cars.

A great day on the hills with great company. Thanks for joining me 🤗🍂⛰️

02/10/2024

😎Last chance to join tomorrows event 😎

There’s 1 space left and the weather is looking spot on 🍂⛰️☀️

To book this space please email - [email protected]

‼️ UPDATE - 1 SPACE LEFT ‼️

Last few spaces available for this Thursdays event

The weathers looking pretty decent again this week 🤩 so if you fancy a day out on the hills taking in two munros with a fun mini scramble ,some epic views with a group of like minded people then contact us now to book one of the last remaining spaces 📲

Full event details on link below 👇🏻
Stob Ghabhar & Stob a Choire Odhair - 2 SPACES LEFT

To book a space please email - [email protected]

30/09/2024

🧭 Introduction to Navigation 🧭

More dates have been published for our introduction to Navigation group events 🙌🏻

Are you fed up being the follower ? Relying on mobile phone apps ?

Come and join one of our beginners navigation days, whether you’ve never used a map and compass before or maybe want to brush up old skills 🗺️

There is a list of dates to choose from 👇🏻 full event details can be found under the events tab.

For more information or to book your space please email - [email protected]

30/09/2024

Whilst I was on the West Coast , Guide : Lisa was over in the East with a group on the Drumochter 4 yesterday ⛰️😎

Lovely to meet new Clients Jennifer, Sarah, Jamie, Cathrine and Jill 🙌🏻 a huge well done to you all and thanks for joining us.

Here’s what Lisa said about the day -

A fantastic group on the drumochter 4 munros today. On arrival at the car park we got the car shuffling sorted and set off at a nice steady pace from balsporran. Some early morning cloud was lingering on the tops as we gained height up the boggy path to the summit of Geal Charn ⛰️

Whilst having a break and bite to eat the cloud lifted slightly so we could enjoy some views down to Loch Ericht and across to the Ben alder range 😍 heading off to our second summit of the day, A' Mharconaich, we reached this munro in excellent time and decided not to linger long as the cloud had dropped again and wind had picked up.

The team were moving really well and after dropping down to the narrow bealach above Fraoch-Coire to get out of the wind for a short break we pushed on up to Beinn Udlamain, our 3rd munro for the day. As the team were making such good time we made use of the fantastic shelter cairn on the summit for another break and chatted about all things munros.
Including everyone's munro counts.

Our 4th and final munro of the day was to be Jill's 200th so eager to reach her milestone 🤩 we set off again for our final munro of the day where everyone cheered Jill on to the summit and as the cloud had finally lifted we enjoyed fantastic views all around. Well done on hitting #200 Jill 🎉⛰️🎉⛰️

On the descent we spent some time talking about the local flora and fauna and enjoyed watching the grouse as they flew off whenever we got too close. A great day out with a fantastic group 😁

30/09/2024

‼️ UPDATE - 1 SPACE LEFT ‼️

Last few spaces available for this Thursdays event

The weathers looking pretty decent again this week 🤩 so if you fancy a day out on the hills taking in two munros with a fun mini scramble ,some epic views with a group of like minded people then contact us now to book one of the last remaining spaces 📲

Full event details on link below 👇🏻
Stob Ghabhar & Stob a Choire Odhair - 2 SPACES LEFT

To book a space please email - [email protected]

29/09/2024

Am Bathach & Ciste Dhubh ⛰️

Another day guiding in Kintail today taking in a corbett and Munro 🙌🏻 it was day Two for Jonathan who traveled up from Nottingham to join this weekends hike, and also day Two for Hazel, Julie and Molly 😁 also joining us , new client Donald. A huge well done to you all and thanks for a brilliant day.

A steep pull up onto Am Bathach summit set the legs and lungs up for the rest of the day 🥵 whilst we all managed to breath on ascent wee Molly kept the morale up and chatted the full way hardly taking a breath 🤣
After a bite to eat and break on the summit we headed off for our Munro of the day, Ciste Dhubh.
The hills were filled with the bellowing of the stags, and the autumn colours were outstanding , a cold nip in the air kept us moving at a nice steady pace.

Reaching the summit of Ciste Dhubh we enjoyed lunch and hoped for the clag to push by that was just covering to tops and not giving us any views, but sadly it didn’t after such a great forecast.

Trainee ML Maria was out shadowing today’s event in preparation for her assessment so I gave her a chance to lead the group back down. An absolute natural giving great briefing’s and instruction to the team 🙌🏻 great skills shown, well done and thanks for joining us.

We enjoyed a leisurely walk off hill as we chatted and shared stories. Back at the cars in good timing for everyone to travel down the road.

A brilliant day, with great company. Thanks for joining me ❤️🍂⛰️

28/09/2024

The Brothers Ridge , Kintail ⛰️⛰️⛰️

Great to see returning clients Julie, Molly, Hazel, Sarah, Emily and Jonathan 😁 and also meet new clients Jennifer, Stephanie, Rachel & Julie 🤗 a huge well done to you all 🙌🏻

The weather forecast improved over night from rain to fog/ drizzle and it was still wrong … we got treated to a beautiful morning and even got some sunshine ☀️ 1 hour 15 and the team had pulled straight upto Beleach an lapain ! A great team who moved really well together for a big group.

Before we knew it we had reached the first Munro of the day ⛰️ now up on the ridge the fun can begin… reaching the second summit in no time again we split the group and took them over the rocky crest to reach the cairn of our second munro ⛰️⛰️ after a break we continued on to the third and final Munro of the day⛰️⛰️⛰️ the clag had now settled in and some fine drizzle but nothing at all to complain about after such a good start to the day 😎 we enjoyed quiet hills and only seen 2 others the full day.

Heading off hill now with a final Munro Top to head over before making our way down hill to the Cluanie inn. A great day on the hills with a brilliant group who all done absolutely amazing today 😍 a pleasure to spend the day with you all.

Big thanks to Guide : Lisa who was working along side me today, thanks for all your help as always 🙌🏻🤩