What we’re about
Hi there! Welcome to the group :-) This group is part of Scottish Hillwalking & Activities Group - but for walking/hillwalking events only. The other part of the group is for climbing events and if you're interested in that, please join https://www.meetup.com/scottish-hillwalkers/
We're a friendly group that was founded in 2008 to be run by the members for the members. We encourage members to "own the group" and help keep the page active by hosting events, but there is definitely no requirement to do so.
We organise a wide range of walks year round including single Munros, multiple Munros, scrambling over ridges, weekends away and a selection of low level longer walks, pub walks and summer evening walks. We also organise child-friendly Munros.
These shouldn't be considered "led walks" with a professional guide. Think of it more as going walking with a group of friends (and while you may not be friends with everyone at the start of the walk, you will be by the end of it!). However, everyone has to take responsibility for themselves as well as for each other, and everyone has a role to play (be it offering lifts to the start, helping with the navigation on the walk or bringing the jaffa cakes!)
The organiser of a walk or event is the point of contact for the walk. Organisers do not lead walks and are not responsible for others or instructing them. Organisers are volunteers who are sharing their own experience with others, so those of lesser experience should be aware of this.
The group is completely free to join, but we may occasionally ask for a voluntary £3 donation to help cover the cost of hosting the group on Meetup.com.
If you have some ideas for walks and activities or perhaps once you have been on a few events, would like to get involved in organising one, please send us a message via Mountain Goat's Meetup profile.
Look forward to seeing you on a meetup soon,
Mountain Goat
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Hard: Ben Nevis by the Carn Mor Dearg AreteGlen Nevis , Fort William
A spectacular and classic route up to Ben Nevis summit, via the separate munro Carn Mor Dearg and a fine arete.
For fit and experienced walkers only. Walk highlands describes the route as suitable for 'experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling but are not climbers'.
Meet across the road from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel https://maps.app.goo.gl/vxCb9TgTYNkQwYwu8 We cannot park in the hostel car park, however there's some laybys nearby.
NB Weather dependent. These mountains and views deserve a good forecast. If the forecast is poor for 2 August i might change date to Sunday 3 August. For any queries on the day 07901 987769.
TERRAIN
Rocky mountain tracks, small boulder field onto the ridge. Minor scrambling. Please read full route description.ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Ben Nevis by the Càrn Mòr Dearg ArêteOur route slightly amends this starting at Glen Nevis YH, joining the main Ben Nevis mountain track to the 'halfway lochan' before we turn north (left) then east along a good path to the CIC mountain hut. From the hut its a short, quite steep climb onto the CMD ridge when we join up with the route descn above ; https://explore.osmaps.com/route/27789204/Ben-Nevis-by-Carn-Mor-Dearg-arete
WALK STATS
Distance: 11 miles, 17.5 km approx
Ascent: 1680m
Time: 9-10 hoursSUITABILITY/PARTICIPATION STATEMENT
You are responsible for deciding if this event is suitable for you, coming adequately prepared and looking after yourself on the walk. If there's any questions about suitability, please contact the organisers.The Scottish Hillwalkers and Activities Group recognises that hill walking, scrambling and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
PACE
You must be surefooted and have the fitness and stamina to complete the walk without difficulty. We will walk as a group at a **moderate pace**CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
You must ensure that you come adequately prepared for this walk, with full waterproofs, warm clothes, gloves and hat and food and water.WEATHER FORECAST
Please make sure you check the weather forecast before you come:
Please remember to check the website the night before the walk - if the weather forecast is very bad we may change or cancel the walk, or move it to a different day.LIFTS/MEETUP TIME
We will be outside Glen Nevis Youth Hostel for approx 8.20am to start walking at 8.30am.If you need a lift please use the comments box below to ask for one. If receiving a lift plse share contact details.
Please arrive ready to walk and we will only wait for 5 minutes before leaving.
RSVPs
• Yes: You intend to come and will turn up.
If you can't make it, change your RSVP to NO to allow someone else to take your place.GROUP ETHOS
Please remember the organiser is not the leader of the walk - we lead ourselves and make decisions and walk AS A GROUP. If you don't like the sound of that, perhaps this walk is not for you :-)Be considerate:
Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for COVID-19 https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/access-outdoors-during-current-coronavirus-outbreak-guidance-public-and-land-managers be aware of farm animals, wildlife and nesting birds, keep all your litter and #TakitHame.If you are unwell or have a cold/flu, please don't come on the walk. The hills will always be there and we will see you the next time.
Not open - Beginners Munro Bagging: Càrn na Caim and A'Bhuidheanach Bheag, DrumochterLayby on A9, 0.75km south of Dalwhinne junction, Dalwhinnie
This is a Beginners Munro Bagging hillwalk. If you're a regular with us, please don't sign up for this as it is for beginners.
This walk is intended for people new to the group who would like to walk with us more regularly and for beginners who would like to get into Munrobagging. These hills are great for beginners because they have a high level start, are mostly grassy lumps and usually have good paths.
Although this is a beginner's Munro bagging walk, I'm not a guide or a mountain leader. As per Mountaineering Scotland guidance, I'm making it clear that this is not a led walk, however I am imparting my experience to people with less experience than me. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves.
Highlighting that my pace going uphill is quite slow; this is worse in hot weather. When I say slow, I mean 1 or 2 km an hour. I can walk faster on the flat and downhill. Overall, the walk pace is quite slow so if you know you're a faster walker, be aware that you'll have to wait for people to catch up, and rest. It's a good chance for a chat though :-)
THE HILL(S) & TERRAIN
The east side of Drumochter pass is bounded by a steeply rising moor, riven by gullies. Suprisingly given its unimpressive appearance, there are two Munros on the plateau above. The hills themselves lack interest but this walk gives a real feeling of space. The tops are the haunt of dotterel and ptarmigan.
Vehicle track up to the plateau, then faint boggy paths; tricky navigation in bad weather.
ROUTE
Walk Highlands routeWALK STATS
Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours. For a beginners walk, estimated 6 hours and possibly more.
Map: OL51 AthollSUITABILITY/PARTICIPATION STATEMENT
You are responsible for deciding if this event is suitable for you, coming adequately prepared and looking after yourself on the walk. If there's any questions about suitability, please contact the organiser.The Scottish Hillwalkers and Activities Group recognises that hill walking, scrambling and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
PACE
- We will walk as a group at an easy pace. Easy pace, for me, means 1 or 2km/hr on ascent, 4.5 km/hr flat and descent.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
You must ensure that you come adequately prepared for this walk, with supportive boots, waterproofs in case of rain, warm clothes, gloves and hat and food and water.I've put the map number above as I always carry a paper map as a backup. I do use downloaded routes on Outdoor Active app on my phone, which I pay for. WalkHighlands has an app which is free so that's usually a good starting point.
WEATHER FORECAST
Please make sure you check the weather forecast before you come, I'll add it in here a few days before the walk. If the weather forecast is very bad we may change or cancel the walk, or move it to a different day.Met Office: summit forecast
MWIS forecast
Another forecastLIFTS/MEETUP TIME
We will be at the start of the walk: for 9:30am. The starting point is a layby on A9, 0.75km south of Dalwhinne junction. Google Maps link.If you need a lift please use the comments box below to ask for one. As I'm organising, I'm not offering a lift, however other people might sign up who can offer one.
If receiving a lift, please agree beforehand with your driver how you're splitting costs, remember to share contact details, bring a bag for dirty boots afterwards and commit to not leaving a mess.
Please arrive ready to walk and we will only wait for 10 minutes before starting. If you're running late or get lost, please text me on 07894 330648.
RSVPs
• Yes: You intend to come and will turn up.If you can't make it, change your RSVP to NO to allow someone else to take your place.
Do ensure you give adequate warning if you decide not to come on the walk, at least 2 or 3 days is sufficient for a day walk and allows others waiting to make travel arrangements in your stead. Less than 1 day should be accompanied by a call/txt or email to the organiser.
GUESTS
Please let me know in the comments box if you want to bring a guest.GROUP ETHOS
Please remember the organiser is not the leader of the walk - we lead ourselves and make decisions and walk AS A GROUP. The organiser does set the pace however and it is good walking etiquette to stay with the rest of the group. It's not acceptable to leave the organiser and walk apart from the group.In a Munro Bagging for Beginners walk, we'll talk a bit more about navigation at the start of the walk, and have more stops for discussion (AKA catching your breath!)
Be considerate:
Be aware of farm animals, wildlife and nesting birds, keep all your litter and #TakithameIf you are unwell or have a cold/flu, please don't come on the walk. The hills will always be there and we will see you the next time.
- Ullapool weekend 2026Needs location
The organisers have agreed a date for the Ullapool weekend in 2026, taking on board some of the feedback we received about avoiding the bank holiday weekends. As we like going in May, we've decided on this weekend.
We're giving notification now so that people can book accommodation in advance.
For those of you who don't know the town, it's about 50 miles north west of Inverness and sits about two thirds of the way down Loch Broom. There are loads of different options for walks and hillwalks within an hours drive (if that), from big long multi-Munro challenges to easy scrambles to long coastal walks.
RSVP for this event to book your space so we know you're coming along.
Would you like to organise a walk you know?
If you'd like to come along and organise a walk yourself, please leave a comment at the bottom.Suitability
The Scottish Hillwalking and Activities Group recognises that hill walking, scrambling and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.You are responsible for deciding if this event is suitable for you, coming adequately prepared and looking after yourself on the walk. If there's any questions about suitability, please contact the organiser.
Anybody that is worried about pace and whether they can keep up with the group - there's all sorts of paces, everyone is different. Whether they are slow going up or fast, there's usually enough variety of walks to cater for everyone.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay in Ullapool, however you should book early to avoid disappointment.
Please book your own accommodation - potential places could be:- Ullapool campsite is huge however doesn't take advance bookings, Ardmair campsite is a bit further north which does, however is a bit out of the way.
- Various hotels and B&Bs - I would suggest not using booking.com as it's a bit rubbish, instead use Google Maps and find B&Bs and book directly.
- The Caledonian Hotel was good although I see they've put their prices up quite a bit for next year. The Royal Hotel is also fairly decent.
- Bunkhouses - as the SYHA at Ullapool books up well in advance, although closer to the time I'd suggest phoning them to see.
- Air B& B - a couple of people booked whole cottages - and remember you can share too!
Hillwalks planned:
Ben Mor Coigach moderate pace - Jim H (doing again due to lack of view in 2025)
Travelling
TBCKeep an eye on the comments box below for specific details.
