Here’s Why Winter Hiking In Scotland Should Be on Your Radar - Even As A Beginner ❄️

Sep 1

4 min read

All this hot weather has got me dreaming of winter and snow-covered hills, after all it is the best hiking season 👀. Like most beginners, when I first started picturing winter hiking, I imagined expert mountaineers carrying ice axes and tackling frozen summits. The reality?

You don’t need years of experience to enjoy hiking in winter.

You absolutely can hike in winter as a beginner, safely, confidently, and without needing to be an expert. With the right preparation, a few key skills and sensible decisions, winter can become one of the most rewarding seasons to get outside. It’s actually my favourite time to hike (even though I hate being cold).

Here are three myths and misconceptions that stop people getting started.

Myth #1: “You need expensive, specialist gear.”

This is one of the biggest barriers for beginners. People imagine they need £600 jackets and crampons before they can go anywhere.

The truth: You can get started with far less.

What you actually need to spend money on:

Sturdy footwear with good grip
Layers you can add/remove
Spare gloves and a warm hat
A headtorch
Affordable microspikes for icy path

The exciting fancy stuff like ice axes, helmets and crampons only become relevant if you choose to progress to steeper terrain which is where a winter skills course is a valuable investment to keep increasing the fun and challenge of the winter season! Even so you don’t have to fork out for these and can often rent them from outdoor stores pretty cheap!

Myth #2: “Winter hiking is dangerous unless you’re experienced.”

Winter can be dangerous if you head out unprepared… but beginners can absolutely hike safely with the right knowledge.

A huge amount of winter safety comes from understanding:

how to assess the weather
how to recognise changing conditions
how to move on snow and ice
when to turn back (I’ve been here and you have to not let ego get the better of you)
how to make conservative decisions

These are teachable. They’re learnable. And you don’t need years of mountaineering behind you.

Myth #3: “Navigation is impossible in winter.”

It’s not impossible but it is different. Snow can hide paths and landmarks, so map and compass skills become more important. On well-used, lower-level routes the risks are often minimal, but as you head higher you’ll also need to understand hazards like avalanches, cornices and rapidly changing weather.

Once you understand a few simple techniques up in the mountains, it actually becomes incredibly empowering, because you decide where to go, not the footprints in front of you.

Okay So What Should Beginners Focus On?

Here’s 6 pieces of advice that I either learnt the hard way or wish I’d known which are genuinely useful tips that will keep you safe and confident, even as a winter newcomer:

1. Start with small, familiar routes.2. Layer for temperature changes.3. Pack like you’re going to stop often.4. Check multiple weather forecasts.5. Turn back early, not late.6. Do a winter skills course

I know this is going to sound like a really poorly executed way of advertising the Made Wild Winter Skills Weekend but I promise you, it’s not. Years ago when I was interested in hiking in winter but had no clue what to do I signed up to a winter skills course in Scotland. It was great! Not only invaluable advice, but the guide leading was SO passionate about the outdoors and it inspired me so much in my journey to being a mountain leader. I honestly would highly recommend as these courses are designed to introduce you to the key areas of hiking in winter and winter mountaineering.

Speaking of which…

Here’s The Great News…

The sell out Made Wild Women’s Winter Skills Course is back again in January.

It’s designed specifically for beginners and women who want to feel confident in winter but don’t know where to start but also just a great chance to get out into the mountains and experience the magic of a Scottish winter!

On the course, you’ll learn:

how to move safely on snow and ice
how to use winter tools (ice axe & crampons)
winter navigation basics
how to assess conditions and make good decisions
how to stay warm, safe, and comfortable

Plus, you’ll spend the weekend with a supportive group of women, and warm up in our shared accommodation each evening (plus a cosy post hike pub visit ofc).

When: 29-31 Jan ’27

Where: Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands

How much: £520pp (£580pp for sole occupancy bedroom)

*includes 2x nights self catered exclusive accom, equipment hire and all guiding.

You can check out all the details here!

Ps. If you want to see what to expect check out this YouTube video I made during 2024’s weekend.I hope all this winter talk has cooled you off a little and gives you confidence that winter hiking isn’t just for experts, it’s for anyone willing to learn the basics!

See you in the mountains Crew,

Lucy 🩵 x