Get Outdoors this August to celebrate Ramblers Scotland’s 50th birthday

To mark its 50th year, Ramblers Scotland is encouraging everyone across Scotland to put on their walking shoes and get outdoors this August to discover the fun of walking and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.

Running from 1 to 3 August 2015, Get Outdoors Weekend aims to help everyone across Scotland discover the fun of getting active outdoors and enjoy the health benefits of walking. With over 45 varied and interesting led walks to choose from during the weekend, people of all ages and ability have the opportunity to try something new, meet new people, explore new places and have a great day outside.

Ramblers Scotland Director Jess Dolan said:

“Get Outdoors Weekend is a great way of celebrating Ramblers Scotland’s 50th birthday by showcasing all that Scotland’s fabulous countryside has to offer. With the long summer days now here, there’s no better time to go exploring on foot and discovering new places, paths and views.

We’ve got lots of ideas to inspire everyone to enjoy the outdoors, whether on their own, with family and friends or with others on a group led walk. There’s something for everyone, from families and unseasoned walkers to veteran trekkers and walking enthusiasts. Find out what’s on your doorstep, get adventurous and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer!”

For those looking for short walks in their local area, Ramblers Scotland now offers more than 450 routes, mapped as part of its innovative Medal Routes project. These short, circular routes of bronze (15 minutes), silver (30 minutes) and gold (60 minutes) can be found in locations ranging from Orkney and Shetland down to Dumfries and the Borders. They can all be downloaded for free from the Medal Routes App or the Ramblers Scotland website.

For more experienced walkers, Scotland also offers 26 long distance routes of at least 26 miles. Called Scotland’s Great Trails, they showcase some of the country’s best scenery and make a great foundation for a day trip. Many of these trails are close to local towns and villages, such as the John Muir Way, which runs through the Central Belt from Dunbar to Helensburgh, or the Fife and Ayrshire Coastal Paths.

There are also Munros, Corbetts, Donalds and Grahams to climb and intriguing new walking routes can also be found on Ramblers Routes so lots to explore.

Those who head out during Get Outdoors Weekend also stand a chance to win one of over 100 prizes. Anyone who shares their adventures with Ramblers Scotland in its Get Outdoors photo competition could win a prize, including a fabulous two nights’ stay at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel for two, Páramo fleece and windproof jacket, a Highlander Blackthorn2 tent, Pocket Mountain guide books, Nikwax, walking socks and water bottles.

For more information about Get Outdoors Weekend, or to find a led walk or route, visit http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/get-outdoors-weekend-2015.aspx.