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Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

Mark Beaumont’s top 10 cycle routes in Scotland

Adventure & Travel

Women Outdoors

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Discover. Explore. Outdoors.

Are you keen to explore Scotland? Fiona Outdoors is your independent guide to getting out into the amazing natural environment of this small but highly accessible country. Whether you are new to the outdoors or already a keen outdoors enthusiast, this website offers a wealth of inspiration, advice and tips for adventures of all kinds, including walking, running, cycling, kayaking, swimming, skiing and travel.

Adventure & Travel

Double above-knee amputee is first to climb highest peaks on all seven continents

Are solid shampoos suitable for an active outdoors lifestyle?

Best party cities in the UK

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour in Scotland – and rest of the UK

Scottish ski tour: Fionn Bheinn, Achnasheen

Why outdoor time helps to reset focus in a digital world

Ski tour: Beinn Dhorain, Sutherland

Why the outdoors still offers us the best sleep we ever get

Beyond the pyramids: An outdoor enthusiast’s guide to exploring Egypt

Why guided tours of England are the best way to explore the country

Rare mountain plants to be restored at Ben Lui

Corbett bagging: Ben Loyal (An Caisteal)

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Women Outdoors

Walking off the January Monday Blues: Beinn Tharsuinn, near Alness

Sustainable hydration: Why a Waterdrop thermal bottle is great for hiking in Scotland

Solo Fiona bagging: Carn na Coinnich

Fiona bagging: Càrn Mhic an Toisich from Glen Moriston 

Review: Breaking the Snowline, written by Anna Wells

Amulree Fionas: Solo walk of Meall nan Caorach and Meall Reamhar

Review: Patagonia Women’s R1® Air Fleece Jacket

16 tips for passing a Summer Mountain Leader assessment in the UK

My kit list for summer mountain leader assessment (also applies to training)

The benefits of testosterone in menopause – sleep, anxiety, cognition and strength

Review: Salewa women’s Alptrek 50+10 backpack

What is Raynaud’s syndrome? How to cope with numb fingers in the great outdoors

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Run

Scottish trail running races 2026: Half marathons, marathons, hills and mountains

Best ultras in Scotland: Scottish ultra running races in 2026

Campaign reminder to ThinkWINTER

What is Raynaud’s syndrome? How to cope with numb fingers in the great outdoors

West Highland Way Race: New cash bonus for setting new record

Some of the most common rituals runners follow after race day

James Killingbeck sets new Ring of Stirling FKT

Review: Berghaus Farren leggings with ZonalAdapt

Review: Camelbak Women’s Zephyr™ Pro Vest for running 

Active adventures in Highland Perthshire, Angus and the Kingdom of Fife

26 things I learned while running the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa

Berghaus launches innovative responsive legwear technology

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Who is Fiona Outdoors?

Fiona Outdoors is created by Fiona Russell, a well-respected journalist. Fiona has explored many areas of Scotland – and further afield –  and enjoys walking, running, cycling, kayaking, skiing and swimming. She writes about these adventures and also loves to write about the stories of other people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.

 

Walk

Walking off the January Monday Blues: Beinn Tharsuinn, near Alness

Double above-knee amputee is first to climb highest peaks on all seven continents

Should I worry about the coastal sea air on my hiking kit?

How Scotland’s shoulder seasons shape multi-day walking route planning

Ski tour: Beinn Dhorain, Sutherland

Rare mountain plants to be restored at Ben Lui

Corbett bagging: Ben Loyal (An Caisteal)

Solo Fiona bagging: Carn na Coinnich

Fiona bagging: Carn Breac and Beinn na Feusaige

Fiona bagging: Càrn Mhic an Toisich from Glen Moriston 

Essential gear for outdoor adventures

The future of hiking – How Will Tech-Enhanced Walking Work?

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Bike

Book review: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs:

Outdoors activities in Argyll & The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and The Trossachs

Essential packing list for a multi-night bike packing trip in Scotland

Campaign reminder to ThinkWINTER

Review: Rudy Project Rebel Carbon Helmet

Review: CamelBak Thrive™ Chug 32oz Bottle with Tritan™ Renew

What is Raynaud’s syndrome? How to cope with numb fingers in the great outdoors

Review: MSR Hubba Hubba™ NX 2-person tent

Review: Camelbak H.A.W.G.® 20, 3L

Review: Camelbak Podium® Steel 18oz Bike Bottle

Donnie Campbell sets FKT gravel ride on The Moray Way

Active adventures in Highland Perthshire, Angus and the Kingdom of Fife

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Kit

Sustainable hydration: Why a Waterdrop thermal bottle is great for hiking in Scotland

Outdoor tech and gear that’s worth investing in

Book review: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs:

Review: Eagle Creek Tarmac Luggage Collection 

Book review: Ski Mountaineering in Scotland, edited by Colwyn Jones 

Review: Breaking the Snowline, written by Anna Wells

Review: Vango Aotrom Thermo Platinum  XL Inflatable Camping Mat

Review: Vango Cobra 600 Down sleeping bag

Review: Patagonia Women’s R1® Air Fleece Jacket

Review: Rudy Project Rebel Carbon Helmet

My kit list for summer mountain leader assessment (also applies to training)

Review: Ultimate Performance Advanced F3D insoles

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Active Menopause

All women will face menopause at some stage. For most, this means the start of peri-menopause in your 40s and menopause from around late 40s to mid-50s on average. In Active Menopause, we address some of the many physical and mental issues of menopause and look at ways to stay fit and active.

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