A beginner’s guide to Scottish hillwalking

Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

On a drizzly summer’s day, Jackie heads out to Ben Lomond to meet two people who feel at home in the hills. First, Jackie, president of the National Trust for Scotland, goes for a stroll with Zahrah Mahmood, president of Ramblers Scotland and an online influencer known as the Hillwalking Hijabi.

As they stretch their legs, they discuss the joys waiting to be found on Scottish slopes, and Zahrah tells the story of how she first discovered a passion for hiking as an adult. Then, Jackie meets Alasdair Eckersall, ranger and property manager at Ben Lomond, who has been working at the site for 31 years.

He reveals how he keeps Ben Lomond’s 50,000 annual visitors on the right path and gives his top tips for a safe day in the hills.

To find out more about Ben Lomond, visit www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/ben-lomond

For more outdoors inspiration, visit www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/search?place-category=Outdoors#results