Episode 67: ‘A Confidence Game’ – Gaining Confidence in the Hills
Join me for a weekend course at Glenmore Lodge in the Cairngorms National Park to gain confidence in the hills.
‘A Confidence Game’ is a story about feeling safe and confident in the Scottish mountains. I joined the 2-day Hill & Mountain Skills course at Glenmore Lodge to learn about navigation techniques, what kit to pack, how to plan a route off-trail and how to keep myself safe in the hills.
In this story, I’m taking you with me on a hike in the Cairngorms. You’ll sit next to me in the classroom at the Lodge and learn from our instructor Fi. I also reflect on my hiking experience leading up to the course, and how confidence without skills is really just a mirage. But once you know what to do, it’s about implementing that knowledge on the route – and that’s where the confidence game begins.
Find out more about the Hill & Mountain Skills course at Glenmore Lodge!
After the story, I walk you through my detailed hiking tips for Scotland. We’ll talk about what to wear and what to pack, where to find suitable routes, the role of mountain rescue and more.
If you liked this episode, you might also like some other hiking stories, like ‘Where it all began‘ (Glencoe) or ‘Out of Nowhere‘ (Hebridean Way)
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre which supports people of all backgrounds and abilities to access and enjoy the outdoors.
Links to resources
Join the Hill & Mountain Skills course
Kathi’s blog post: How to plan a hiking holiday in Scotland
Kathi’s blog post: My favourite hikes and walks in Scotland
Kathi’s blog post: Munro Bagging for Beginners
Kathi’s blog post: Great Munros for Beginners
Browse Scotland’s National Nature Reserves for trails
Hiking apps: WalkHighlands (Scotland-specific), Outdooractive, Komoot
Pick up a Pocket Mountains guidebook for your local area in Scotland
Find all my favourite hiking and camping equipment
Raed the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Learn more about Scottish Mountain Rescue
Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.
Credits
Written and hosted by Kathi Kamleitner.
Produced, edited and sound design by Fran Turauskis.
Transcript by Kathi Kamleitner and Michelle Payne.
Cover Art illustrated by Lizzie Vaughan-Knight.
All original music composed by Bruce Wallace.
Field recordings and all photographs by Kathi Kamleitner.
Photos from the Hill & Mountain Skills course
