Tweeting about walking boots

We've been enjoying a few chats on Twitter recently, in particular there was a good exchange about Meindl boots. Meindl recently won an award in Country Walking magazine for Best in Test for their Respond XCR. (The Ramblers Association mag also recently awarded Meindl with a silver accolade in the Best Walking Boot/Shoe category).

We decided that this tweet was worthy of a retweet and so we found that some of our followers are indeed fans of these boots, too. It's always good to hear of recommendations when buying new boots.

Of course, everyone's feet are different and so some bots will suit some people while some will not. And it does depend on the type of walking or outdoors activities that you're doing.

But here's what two tweeters told us:

Mad Hunter Mike, aka Mike Hardy, of Arbroath, recommends Meindl boots. He's on his 6th pair and reckons the boots are the best. Check out MadHunterMike

James Campbell of Campbell Tours, based in Scotland, is also a big fan of Meindl boots. He says: "I wear the Kopenhagen shoe with my kilt. They are great for easy to moderate walking."

Another boot brand that's worth checking out according to another outdoors person that Glentrek is following is Hi-tec. FionaOutdoors tried a ladies boot while her daughter Little Miss Outdoors put a kids boot through a rugged hill walk. They both recommended their boots for light to moderate walking.

We'll be keeping you updated on any other boots news that comes our way via the fun and newsworthy Twitter network. Why not join in the chat? Glentrek on Twitter

Top 5 romantic walks in the Angus Glens, Scotland

Summer sunshine and gorgeous scenery can so easily put you in the mood for romance. And where better to head with your loved one that on a beautiful walk in the truly idyllic Angus Glens, in Scotland.

Here we bring you our top five favourite romantic walks in the Angus Glens.

Airlie Circular: This gorgeous 8km circular walk takes in some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, as well as a poignant monument erected in the memory of the 9^th Earl of Airlie. The views are wonderful from the easy-going ridge.

River Esk Circuit, Cortachy. A lovely short wooded walk via a glen and alongside the picturesque River Esk. Take a picnic and a small bottle of champagne for a real treat.

Beautiful Falls of Unich

Forest walk up White Water, Glen Clova. Concentrate on your loved one as you take in this leisurely walk through forestry alongside the atmospheric tumbling white water burn. The mountain views are fantastic.

Loch Brandy, Glen Clova. You'll need to work a little harder for the rewards on this walk but the navigation is not difficult and the perfectly located mountain corrie offers a true feast for the eyes. Again, this makes the ideal destination for a romantic picnic.

Loch Lee and the Waterfalls Circuit, Glen Esk. There's something so romantic about a tumbling waterfall and the falls located on this beautiful walk do not disappoint. The circuit takes in Loch Lee and the wonderful Falls of Unich and the Fall of Damff. Leave four to five hours for this walk.

Essential summer hill walking kit guide

There is snow today in parts of Scotland. And in May, for goodness sakes! But this helps to underline the importance of being prepared for all the weather that this country can sometimes throw at walkers, even in the summer. Here we bring you an essential hill walking kit guide, as created by Nick Cole, of NSC Outdoor Adventures, based in Meigle, Perthshire.

You should carry at least the following equipment. And do not assume that someone else will have spares available for your use.

* Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-jacket

* Windproof/waterproof (preferably breathable) shell over-trousers that can be put on without removing footwear

* Waterproof hat

* Gloves

* Personal first aid kit & medication (as required)

* Snack

* Drinks, at least 1 litre of water or similar.

* Map

* Compass (and know how to use it)

* Mobile phone

All spare clothing should be contained in a sealed dry-bag, as no rucksack is totally waterproof.

Optional additional equipment: Guidebook, notebook and pen/pencil, camera, binoculars, trekking poles.

In addition:

For low level walks (up to 300m) and up to 2 to 3 hours in duration

Wear two/three season walking boots and carry a 25 litre rucksack containing the above equipment, plus:

* Gaiters

* Spare socks

* Packed lunch and hot drink

* Pen-knife

* Whistle

* Small head torch

* Solo bivvy-bag/shelter or space blanket

For high level walks (above 500m) or an extended day with inclement weather

Wear three season hill-walking boots, and carry a 25 litre rucksack containing the above equipment, plus:

* Spare gloves

* Spare fleece

* Spare hat

* Drinks, consider at least ½ litre per hour of water or similar

* Food for additional meals or snacks

* Small head torch and spare batteries

* Solo bivvy-bag/shelter and space blanket

Remember that the weight of a small stove and gas canister is similar to a flask and heats up far more water than can be carried in that flask).

As Nick points out: “The weather in Scotland can change markedly over the course of a day and being caught out in a chilly wind without a warm drink or food can be uncomfortable.

“Also remember that nothing is actually waterproof. Even the best materials will only withstand continuous wetting for 3 or 4 hours. Rucksacks will always let rain in so lining it with a dry bag or heavy duty bin bag helps keep things dry.

“If navigating you should use and be proficient with a map and compass. GPS systems are fine within their limits, but are not always reliable.

“Finally enjoy yourself, but don’t be overconfident and be prepared to alter your schedule or route if conditions dictate.”

Even more walkers coming to the Angus Glens Walking Festival

We've know it for years – and now many more people are finding out about it too: the Angus Glens are becoming increasing popular with walkers.

The latest news from the folk at the Angus Glens Walking Festival reveals that with weeks still to go the event has already attracted more walkers than ever before. A large number of guided walks have completely sold out.

Added to this more walkers are travelling from further afield to take part in the walking festival, with walkers from all over the world using the on-line booking system to book places on the Festival’s 24 walks.

However, the Angus Glens Walking Festival, which runs from June 3 until June 6, is about much more than exploring the Angus countryside. Every year, the Festival includes several excellent evening events that offer walkers the chance to enjoy great local food, experience the music, song and dance of Angus and find out more about the highly-skilled local mountaineers and rangers who lead the walks.

On Thursday, June 3, at the Airlie Hotel in Kirriemuir, Festival Leader Mick Pawley will provide a fascinating account of his experiences as Deputy Expedition Leader and Chief Mountaineer on the British Schools Exploring Society’s 2009 expedition to the Indian Himalaya. Tickets for Mick’s slide presentation cost £12, which includes a tasty buffet supper.

Then on Friday, June 4, the Session Band will be performing a selection of toe-tapping Scottish favourites at Forfar’s Plough Inn for the Festival’s evening of traditional music. Tickets cost £12, which includes return transport from Kirriemuir to the Plough Inn and a delicious buffet supper.

The ceilidh is always one of the highlights of the Angus Glens Walking Festival. This year, the Festival will be making a return visit to Memus Village Hall, scene of the highly-successful 2009 ceilidh. Tickets to the Angus Glens Walking Festival Ceilidh cost £15, which includes food and return transport from Kirriemuir.

To find out more or to book events, including the evening events, on-line see here