Category: News

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!

Meet the It’s Up to Us ambassadors: Matthew Smillie

Posted on June 23, 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 Matthew Smillie, better known on Instagram as @thescottishconqueror. We asked Matthew to tell us a little bit about himself, and why he felt like he wanted to be a part of the campaign to save Scotland’s mountain paths.

“Hey, my name is Matthew Smillie. I’m a 38-year-old personal trainer based in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

“The mountains are everything for me, my escape and my connection, but this is all new to myself. I’ve never been a huge outdoor person, and I never did much traveling around Scotland.

“From a young age, I got caught up in living in the central belt, and a ‘living for the weekend lifestyle’.

“But the mountains have allowed me to change that mentality and have helped me explore more of this amazing country.

“I can escape from the reality of work and daily stresses by going hillwalking most weekends, exploring Scotland and getting outdoors, being active and bagging Munro’s.

“The mountains have allowed me to live a more adventurous lifestyle and connect to fellow hikers on the same journey.

“I became an ambassador for the Its Up to Us campaign as I want others to enjoy my experience of hillwalking and getting outdoors.

“Without this campaign, and the maintenance of paths and prevention of damage on the mountains, this wouldn’t be possible.

“It’s a great experience getting out walking and exploring but we need to help leave the mountains better than we found them and reserve and restore to help this experience pass on for years to come.

“Big thanks to mountaineering Scotland for letting me be a part of this campaign.”

Cotswold Outdoor backs new campaign to save Scotland’s mountain paths

Posted on June 22, 2023 - News

Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) are delighted to announce Cotswold Outdoor as the official sponsor of a new three-year campaign to raise £300,000 for much-needed path repairs on An Teallach, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. The campaign – called It’s Up to Us – will also raise awareness of the desperate need for investment in the repair and maintenance of informal mountain paths situated on land outside of Scotland’s national parks and NGO estates.

Launched at an event in Perth last month, which was attended by many well-known members of the mountain-using community, It’s Up to Us encourages outdoor enthusiasts, active tourism businesses and organisations that care deeply about Scotland’s hills and mountains to step up and give something back by donating to the fundraising appeal.

One company that has answered the call is Cotswold Outdoor. For almost 50 years, the retailer has been helping people explore the great outdoors together. They have a genuine commitment to minimise their environmental impact, actively protecting the places we love, and helping everyone to enjoy the outdoors in a responsible way. They’re also working towards a more circular economy that’s better for the great outdoors and everyone who enjoys exploring it, too.

Jose Finch, Managing Director for Cotswold Outdoor, said: “At Cotswold Outdoor, we believe everyone’s happier outside, which is why protecting the great outdoors we love to explore is so important. For that reason, we’re proud to support Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland’s new It’s Up to Us campaign, providing funds to support vital mountain footpath repair across Scotland’s incredible landscapes and mountains so we can enjoy them for years to come.”

Mountaineering Scotland CEO, Stuart Younie, added: “Mountaineering Scotland has a longstanding partnership with Cotswold Outdoor, who provide a 15% discount as part of our package of member benefits, and we are delighted they have also chosen to become the lead sponsor for It’s Up to Us.

“It’s important that, as one of the UK’s leading outdoor retailers, they have recognised the need to step up to support this campaign. Reports show that the Sporting and Outdoor Equipment Retailer industry was worth £11.5bn* in 2022, and we hope that more outdoor retailers and gear manufacturers will follow the example of Cotswold Outdoor by getting on board to support the campaign and thinking about donating some of their profits to help repair mountain paths in Scotland.”

CEO of the Outdoor Access Trust Scotland, Dougie Baird, explained: “A key campaign target for It’s Up to Us is get the message across to hillwalkers and all mountain users that we all need to be prepared to give something back to the mountains that we benefit from.

“The extensive path erosion works required on An Teallach have no access to government money of any sort. With the partnership with such a strong brand as Cotswold Outdoor, we are looking to reach out to those who really care for the mountains and to encourage them to give something back to the hills that so enrich their lives; maybe even to consider a small donation every time they head into the hills, what they can, when they can, through our fundraising appeal.”

Don’t forget, you can also follow all the latest campaign news using the hashtags:

#ItsUptoUs and #SaveMountainPaths

*Sporting and Outdoor Equipment Retailers in the UK – Market Size 2011–2029