There’s something of a walking revolution taking place with the well-known walking charity, The Ramblers. As the organisation celebrates its 50^th anniversary a campaign has been launched to widen the age range and appeal of the walking network. The aim is to encourage more people of all ages to take up walking and with this in mind Ramblers Scotland will host a special Get Outdoors Scotland this weekend (August 1 to 3). The weekend will play host to dozens of varied and interesting led walks for people of all ages and abilities across Scotland. There are also 100 prizes to be won as part of the special walking weekend. Share photos of your adventures with Ramblers Scotland to have a chance of winning a two-night stay for two people at Gleneagles Hotel, a Páramo fleece and windproof jacket and a Highlander Blackthorn2 tent. There are also Pocket Mountain guide books, Nikwax products, walking socks and water bottles up for grabs. Jess Dolan, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Get Outdoors Weekend is a great way of celebrating our 50^th birthday by showcasing all that Scotland’s fabulous countryside has to offer. “With the long summer days, there’s no better time to go exploring on foot and discover new places, paths and views.” The Ramblers weekend has many other walking ideas to inspire new-comers and more experienced walkers alike. These include Scotland’s 26 Great Trails, including the west Highland Way, local health walks supported by Paths for All and walks in the Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Ramblers Scotland also has 450 mapped routes as part of their innovative Medal Routes project. The short, circular routes of bronze (15 minutes), silver (30 minutes) and gold (60 minutes) can be found in locations from Orkney and Shetland to the Borders. They can be downloaded free from the Medal Routes App or the Ramblers Scotland website.

Younger walkers join the Ramblers

If you think that the Ramblers is only for people in their later years, you’ll be surprised. In the 21^st century, the walking organisation has plenty to offer all ages, and including many new “Young Walkers” groups. Four Scottish groups, based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Tayside and Aberdeen, have attracted a growing number of walkers aged between 20 and 40. A spokesperson for Ramblers Scotland said: “Our younger walkers groups are growing and thriving. They appeal to people who want to get together with others of a similar age and explore new places together. “There are Ramblers Scotland groups and led walks that will appeal to all ages.” Find out more at Ramblers Scotland.