Category: News

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Ian Stewart

Posted on September 29, 2023 - News

It’s time to meet another awesome #ItsUptoUs campaign ambassador, helping us to #SaveMountainPaths in Scotland!

Ian Stewart is the founder of Trail Running Scotland, a Mountaineering Instructor with more than ten years of experience delivering courses, not to mention a former member of the Mountain Safety Team at Mountaineering Scotland! He says:

“I have been fortunate to have spent the last 15 years working and playing in the mountains of Scotland. Originally as a mountaineering instructor this was often about visiting summits and iconic climbing routes, as well as training future leaders on their journeys into the industry.

“More recently this has been as a running guide and coach with my company Trail Running Scotland, where we are working hard towards the vision of a vibrant community of runners; connected through shared values of health, wellbeing, personal performance, and an appreciation of the wild places we choose to play in. We aim to do this by providing the highest quality of skills training and inspirational experiences.

“There is no doubt that the environment in which we run is fundamental to our enjoyment of the sport, both in terms of the things that we see around us, but also the trails under our feet.

“I am conscious of the potential conflict between encouraging and empowering people to participate and explore our wild places with the inevitable impact we then have. That is why I am so happy to support the It’s Up to Us campaign as it builds towards a sustainable model of funding to ensure that we are never involved in a conversation about there being too many people in the hills.”

Find out more, get involved and donate: www.savemountainpaths.scot

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor

Meet our It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Ross Cunningham

Posted on September 24, 2023 - News

We’re excited to introduce another of our amazing It’s Up to Us campaign ambassadors, helping to save upland paths in Scotland. Ross Cunningham is a hillwalker, mental health ambassador and the founder of Mountains Mend Minds.

“I’m Ross, 37, a proud Fifer who has recently moved to the Orkney Islands for work. Hillwalking came into my life in August 2017 when my friend Megan somehow persuaded me to go Munro bagging with her one weekend when I had been struggling with my mental health, which had left me in a very dark place.

“Hillwalking gave me a focus, an activity which made me feel happier, and an environment where I felt comfortable to open up about how I was feeling to others. It’s no exaggeration to say it’s an activity that may have saved my life.

“Last year I ‘compleated’ the Munros and every weekend since August 2017 I’ve been out hiking around Scotland, mostly up hills and mountains, and it brings me a lot of happiness and peace. I feel very grateful to live in such a beautiful country with so many peaks to explore!

“I could not be more supportive of this campaign, which seeks to make our mountains more accessible and to protect the environment for future generations to enjoy. I would encourage anyone reading this to support this fundraiser so that more people can reap the wellbeing benefits of our great outdoors, just like I have been fortunate enough to do.”

To find out more and donate now, visit: www.savemountainpaths.scot

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Meet our It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Lorna (@gurl_on_the_hill)

Posted on September 3, 2023 - News

We’re excited to introduce the next amazing #ItsUptoUs campaign ambassador helping to #SaveMountainPaths in Scotland.

Lorna (better known as @gurl_on_the_hill on Instagram) is a Scottish adventurer and mountain-lover. She says:

“Hi! I’m Lorna and I live in the Highlands of Scotland. I’m a passionate every-day adventurer with a love for the outdoors, mountains, trails, forests, oceans, rivers and lochs.

“My childhood was spent mostly in the outdoors with family camping and hiking weekends, day trips to the hills and local hikes in the forest. From a young age, I always felt a strong connection with the outdoors and the hills and couldn’t wait for the next adventure. I lost that connection in my 20s and early 30s when other priorities in life took over.

“Looking back, I was so busy with the day-to-day pressures I forgot to give myself regular time for an outlet, space to think, reflect, process, and have fun.

“I rediscovered my love for the mountains when my friend asked if I’d like to climb Ben Lomond. I enjoyed every minute. It reignited that passion in me, and I remembered who I really was. I’ve never looked back since. It’s now a big part of my life and I make sure I allow myself time in my busy schedule to do what I love the most. It’s also opened up a door to a wonderful hiking community and I’ve made so many connections and lifelong friends.

“I’m delighted to support the It’s Up to Us campaign and help raise awareness of the importance of maintaining upland paths. It’s so important for the hiking and outdoors community of Scotland to make a difference collectively. It’s up to us to keep our paths maintained so we can continue to enjoy our beautiful mountains together.

“Mountain paths are a fantastic way of looking after our environment, the land and delicate eco systems by minimising our ‘footprint’. Plus, give me a path over a muddy bog any day!”

Find out more, get involved and donate: www.savemountainpaths.scot

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Nav Bakhsh

Posted on August 13, 2023 - News

Each week, we’re introducing you to one of the amazing ambassadors who are helping to #SaveMountainPaths in Scotland by supporting the #ItsUptoUs campaign.

Today, we’re hearing from Nav Bakhsh – a friend of Mountaineering Scotland, and someone we were delighted could join us at the Fort William Mountain Festival back in February.

We asked Nav to tell us a bit more about what he does and why he was excited to get onboard with the It’s Up to Us campaign:

“My name is Nav Bakhsh, I am 46 years old and am Co-Founder of @bootsandbeards (the Glasgow-based organisation who work with diverse communities to build bridges to the outdoors)

“I have been hillwalking for the past six years or so and can honestly it is the most enjoyable activity I look forward to every fortnight. Being born and bred in Scotland, I can say I am proud to be called Scottish, and proud of what Scotland has to offer. It is just beautiful, and I want to play my part in helping keeping it that way for the next generation to enjoy and also to be part off.

“When I am walking, I cannot help but think of how small we humans are against some of the jaw dropping mountains we have as a backdrop. These mountains invite many people to come and explore, but over time things do get eroded and need to be looked after. That is why it was an honour to be asked to become an It’s Up To Us ambassador. Not only is this an honour but being also of Pakistani/ Muslim heritage, this is my way of taking time out and giving back to something which is so dear and valuable to me.

To find out more, get involved and donate, visit: www.savemountainpaths.scot

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Lucy Hamilton

Posted on August 6, 2023 - News

It’s time to introduce another of our #ItsUptoUs campaign ambassadors!

This week, we asked photographer Lucy Hamilton – better known as @loosemooose on Instagram – to tell us how she makes the most of time spent in the hills and why she decided to become an ambassador for our new campaign to #savemountainpaths in Scotland:

“I’m Lucy Hamilton, a relatively recent hillwalking enthusiast, although I went up my first Munro (Beinn Sgulaird) aged 29 which was many years ago.

“I started going into the hills in earnest when I realised that I was perfectly capable of doing so on my own, and I didn’t need to wait for people to be available to come with me. It has been a very important revelation!

“I have definitely got the bug and I feel like it is the easiest way for me, living on the West Coast of Scotland as I do, to have extraordinary experiences. These experiences are enhanced for me because I take my camera up high and document the things I see – I love to share this with anyone who’s interested – there’s always a story involved with a day (or days) in the hills and I hope that it might inspire people to go hillwalking too or at least have a bit of a different perspective on the hills that we see from ground level. For me there are so many aspects to this love of high places, more than I ever dreamed possible.

“More and more I am noticing the paths (or lack of them) leading up to the summits. I suppose in the past I didn’t give them much thought – I was just aware that busier and more popular hills tended to have better paths than the lesser known ones. A good path really can make a big difference to the experience and I am always amazed at the effort that has gone into creating them. It’s always sad to see paths that have become badly eroded as well.

“I didn’t realise, until getting involved with the ‘It’s Up to Us’ campaign from Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) that mountains on privately owned land don’t get any funding to help with making and maintaining mountain paths, and given that they are very well used (and the number of users is constantly rising) it is so important that money is raised to help with this.

“So many people get so much out of this activity and it’s great to be able to give something back.”

To find out more and donate now, visit: www.savemountainpaths.scot

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Markus Stitz

Posted on July 31, 2023 - News

It’s time to introduce another of our #ItsUptoUs campaign ambassadors!

This week, we asked Markus Stitz – author, filmmaker and founder Bikepacking Scotland – to tell us a little about himself, how he makes the most of time spent in the hills and why he supports our new campaign to #savemountainpaths in Scotland:

“My name is Markus Stitz. I wear a number of different heads and like to creatively jump between roles, but my main job is being the director of Bikepacking Scotland and book author. I have recently published two guidebooks – Great British Gravel Rides and Bikepacking Scotland – and have worked across Scotland to develop and promote cycling routes. While my main interest is in cycling, I am also an enthusiastic hillwalker and cross-country skier if the weather allows.

“My time in the hills is spent both for work and leisure. I prefer the solitude the hills offer, but also how much history there is in those landscapes we have on our doorstep in Scotland. A lot of my research for routes and books is done by tracing historic hill tracks and understanding how people moved long before cars and roads were a thing. I love reading old maps, and you will find me most excited if I have managed to retrace those steps on my bike. I am using my gravel bike most times to explore the hills, and I am not afraid to get off and push for a while, but sometimes there are routes I prefer to walk instead.

“I do think that we have great access to the outdoors in Scotland. Unlike in other countries I have travelled to, there aren’t any fees attached to outdoor access in Scotland, and in principle I think that is a great thing. I support the efforts of the It’s Up to Us campaign to raise funds for vital repairs of existing mountain paths to make sure that those routes can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Find out more and donate now!

In partnership with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor

It’s Up to Us X Summit Stride

Posted on July 21, 2023 - News

Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland are excited to have Summit Stride supporting the #ItsUptoUs campaign to #SaveMountainPaths!

It’s Us to Us is a three-year campaign by Mountaineering Scotland and Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) to raise awareness of the urgent need for investment in the repair and maintenance of informal mountain paths across Scotland.

Summit Stride are a recently-launched provider of high-quality, eco-friendly trail running apparel. They have generously offered to donate 10% of profits from each purchase made via their online store to support the campaign.

CEO and Founder, Chris Stratford, said: “Being out in the mountains is a big part of my life and when I heard about It’s Up to Us, I knew we had to support the campaign. Giving back and keeping our environmental impact to a minimum is a big part of our ethos.

“Speaking to the team also allowed me to realise how much work needs to be done on our mountains to keep them maintained for many more people to enjoy them, like I have.”

We would like to say a huge thank you to Chris and the team! If you haven’t already checked out their new website, visit: www.summitstride.co.uk to find out more.

Find out more about our other supporters or, if your business, organisation or club would like to donate or get involved, email the team now. It’s Up to Us to save Scotland’s mountain paths!

Arnold Clark supports It’s Up to Us with generous donation

Posted on July 11, 2023 - News

Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) were delighted to hear that Arnold Clark have made a generous donation to #ItsUptoUs, after one of their keen hill-walking staff noticed the campaign on social media.

Anna Traczyk, an Accounts Assistant with Arnold Clark in Glasgow, came to Scotland for a two-week holiday over a decade ago…and never left! Anna said: “I fell in love in Scottish mountains, and this is my 15th year here …I never went back home after my holiday.”

“As soon as I saw this campaign, I had a feeling that I needed to do something to help raise money, so I decided to email our community team and ask. Arnold Clark is a great company, and they are always happy to help if they can.”

A spokesperson for Arnold Clark said: “We’re delighted to support this campaign to save Scotland’s mountain paths. These spaces belong to everyone, and well-maintained paths are vital for the community – their physical and mental benefits cannot be overstated.

“The work being done by Mountaineering Scotland and Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland will improve access for years to come and we hope our donation will help them to make a difference.”

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Arnold Clark for their donation and support!

Together, we can all step up to save Scotland’s mountain paths. Donate now!

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Pawel Cymbalista

Posted on July 7, 2023 - News

Each week, we’ll be introducing you to one of the amazing ambassadors who are helping the #ItsUptoUs campaign by stepping up to #SaveMountainPaths.

This week, we’re meeting the inspirational and record-breaking mountain-runner Pawel Cymbalista, who the Mountaineering Scotland team had the pleasure of hearing speak as part of Tales from the Trails at the 2023 Fort William Mountain Festival. He said:

“Hello! I’m Pawel Cymbalista, a 35-year-old mountain runner, ultra runner, and coach at Pawel Cymbalista My Mountain Lab Coaching. Originally from Poland, I relocated to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands in 2013. It was there that my love for the Highlands blossomed as I explored the local hills and trails through running. Currently, I reside in the picturesque port village of Mallaig on the West Coast in Lochaber.

“Reflecting on my journey, it’s incredible to think how far I’ve come in the past decade. I was never athletically inclined, but Scotland’s influence transformed my life, shaping me into who I am today.

“Over the years, I’ve achieved numerous long-distance Fastest Known Times, including the First Unsupported Cape Wrath Trail completed in 86 hours and 49 minutes. I’ve also achieved Fastest Known Times like the Great Glen Way, East Highland Way, and Unsupported West Highlands Way. Through these endeavours, I’ve raised funds for local charities in the region.

“Apart from personal achievements, I find fulfilment in coaching others, pushing myself through running, and constantly seeking new ways to unlock my potential and reach new heights.

“My long-distance running exploits have led me to breathtaking locations that few have ever witnessed. These places range from untouched landscapes unmarked by human footprints to well-travelled areas frequented by visitors daily. Recognising the need for their preservation, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as an Ambassador for Mountaineering Scotland. This program allows me to give back to the region that has given me so much.

“As someone who utilizes these paths on a daily basis, being part of a team that spreads awareness and helps maintain our invaluable outdoor trails holds great significance for me. I am committed to ensuring that future generations, including our children, can experience the wonders of these paths for years to come.”

Find out more and donate

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Keri Wallace

Posted on June 30, 2023 - News

Each week, we’ll be introducing one of the 16 amazing ambassadors who are helping the #ItsUptoUs campaign by stepping up to #SaveMountainPaths.

This week, we’re meeting Keri Wallace – mountain runner, rock climber, freelance writer and co-founder of Girls on Hills!

Keri tells us: “I am co-founder of trail running company, Girls on Hills – based in Glencoe. Our aim is to empower women with the skills and confidence to become more independent in the mountain environment. We advocate for gender equity in our sport and encourage women to try hill-walking and trail running in the Scottish Highlands.

“Running in the mountains gives a sense of freedom and self-reliance that is hard to quantify. It allows us to escape the rat-race, seek adventure and stretch our comfort zones – to discover what our bodies and minds are really capable of.

“This is made possible by access to a rugged landscape where we have a responsible right to explore but also where runnable trails provide an efficient ingress to remote places and stunning scenery. Trails assist us in linking and journeying through these unique spaces and provide a framework for racing competitively or following in others’ footsteps. They also provide a handrail for those taking their first steps into unfamiliar places, building confidence and finding their way.

“I became an ambassador for the It’s Up to Us campaign to encourage likeminded hill-lovers to step up and help maintain the trails we know and love – as well as and the ones we are yet to set foot upon in our quest for adventure…”

Donate now!