Seven great reasons for a walking holiday

One of the great attractions of hill walking

is the fabulous views. From the summit of the

Munro Slioch this walker can see

the fabulous expanse of Loch Maree

For some people the reasons for walking in Scotland's great outdoors are obvious. While for others the discovery of this great activity can come out of the blue. Have a read of a guest blogging spot on my friend's website, FionaOutdoors, to find out how one woman has found hill walking to be her mental and physical salvation

According to a number of reports, hill walking is on the increase. So many more people are finding that the combination of scenery, fitness and relatively low outlays for kit add up to the ideal activity.

If you still need a little convincing, we thought we'd bring you a list of reasons why walking is such a great thing to do.

Price is right: You only really need a pair of walking boots, a waterproof jacket and a backpack. And once you have bought these items they tend to last for many years. After this you can add to your hill walking gear to make your outings more enjoyable. It does make sense to buy reasonably good quality kit at the outset because it will not need to be replaced so often but for less than £200 you should be able to buy the essentials.

Great for your mind and body: Walking outdoors for just half an hour each day has been shown to combat depression. Walking is also a great cardiovascular exercise and is ideal for burning calories and toning muscles. The further and faster you walk, or the more hills you climb, the greater the health benefits will be.

Sociable: Walking, especially on guided walking holidays, is the ideal place for meeting like-minded people. Some walking events, such as walking festivals and walking challenges, have even resulted in love matches - and the occasional marriage! Walking holidays are also ideal for groups of friends or for couples.

Exploration: Walking is bound to take you to new, beautiful and remote places. In Scotland once you start walking you'll become hooked on the desire to see many more places. Some people take up pursuits such as Munro bagging, which then leads them to discover a host of new destinations.

Fabulous views: Walking so often reaps great scenic rewards. It doesn't really matter where you walk, from urban to rural destinations, you are almost always likely to chance on a fantastic view or vista.

Be your own leader: Learning how to guide and navigate yourself on walking trips can be a huge confidence booster. Once you've mastered the fine art of map and compass reading you can become your own master of your walking destiny.

It's green: Walking and walking holidays are environmentally friendly. If you also arrive on public transport or via bike then you will further reduce your impact on the environment.

What are you waiting for?

Walk your way to a lighter you

Walk your way to better health and fitness

Most of us are looking for way to be more active. For many adults it's the promise of weight loss and improved health that offers the motivation to get off the sofa and out the front door.

If you're trying to find an activity that is accessible, flexible and leads to new and interesting places then walking could be the answer.

The facts make for good reading. Assuming one hour of walking for a person who weighs 10.5 stones then:

* Walking on the flat and at an easy-going pace burns 170 calories.

* Hiking or faster walking on off-road surfaces and up hills burns up to 400 calories.

* Backpacking, ie carrying a backpack while walking off-road, burns around 450 calories.

Almost anyone can take up walking as an activity. For those who are less fit then it's vital that you start slowly and build up steadily. Why not start by walking to the shops or out and about with the kids? Switch off the TV for half an hour in the evening and take your partner out for a walk.

You will see the benefits of walking within a week or so. Being outside and walking in the fresh air will give your skin a healthy glow, boost your energy and help you to start to lose weight. In the long-term it will also tone leg and bum muscles.

Over the next few weeks you should increase your pace a little and walk further. Then, once you can walk at a good pace for more than an hour, including some uphill sections, it's time to take your exercise off-road.

Walking on trails and in the hills burns more calories and boosts muscle tone - but it's also a great way to see more of the countryside. In or near to most villages, towns and cities you'll find a network of fantastic paths and trails that are ideal for walkers. Start by exploring some of those close to your home and then, at weekends, why not travel further?

Scotland boasts numerous waymarked trails to walk, along rivers, in valley, along glens and over hills. The views are usually guaranteed to be wonderful and if you take along some friends or your family then you can enjoy a walk and a chat at the same time.

Before you know it you'll be signing up to a guided walking holiday or taking part in a charity walking challenge. Oh, and the chances are you'll have also lost some weight.

Walking is great for you and your health

Walking is great for your heart - and your health

If you're already a walking fan then you will not need to be persuaded of the benefits of walking. But if you are new to the pursuit - or still thinking about buying your first pair of walking boots and waterproofs then perhaps you should read on.

There are numerous, proven health benefits of walking. These include:

* Living longer

* Stronger heart

* Improved circulation

* Lower blood pressure

* More efficient lungs

* Reduced risk of breast cancer

* Increased energy levels

* Stronger bones

* Improved stamina

* Better sex

* Stronger muscles

* More flexible joints

* Reduced stress

* Lower weight

* More lean muscle, less fat

* Enhanced mood

* Better sleep

* Less chance of depression

* Reduced chance of arthritis

* Reduced likelihood of osteoporosis.

Shall we continue? Or do you get the general idea that walking is fab for your health and fitness?

Walking is a great calorie burner

* Brisk walking burns up to 100 calories per mile – more if you are very overweight or if you are pushing yourself uphill.

Even more walking advantages

And on top of all these amazing health benefits there are a number of other advantages:

* Walking is a sociable activity and great for keeping up with friends or meeting new people. (One friend met the love of her life while walking a Munro!).

* Walking can provide valuable "me time" away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life.

* Walking is ideal for a range of ages and fitness levels.

* Walking takes you to new and scenic places.

* Walking takes you off the beaten track and on an exciting adventure.

* Walking offers a great hobby, especially if you embark on a goal such as bagging Munros.

* Walking is an activity that you can do all year round.

* It's a cheap activity once you're bought the basic kit.

Once you've read all this you'll be wondering why every single person isn't out walking at every opportunity!