Participation in outdoor pursuits is for EVERYONE. However, not everyone finds it easy to access the great outdoors. Potential barriers include both external and internal drivers. Some of the external blocks to participation include: accessibility issues, especially for those with disabilities; a lack of supportive infrastructure for travel; limited or no access to information regarding the outdoor environment; lack of time; harsh weather conditions; costs of travel; and cultural norms and expectations. It certainly seems less daunting to venture into the great outdoors if there are supportive and encouraging structures in place to provide affordable, safe and supportive opportunities available. This is where we can certainly do better.
Small changes make big impacts. Widening and levelling trails around parklands allows wheelchair and low mobility communities to enjoy natural spaces. This principle should also extend to infrastructure around these areas, such as car parks and facilities, to limit barriers to access. In terms of hill walking, there are abundant natural spaces in the Scottish national parks that could accommodate restricted mobility groups to explore the hills safely. For instance, wheelchair users or those with prosthetics can be guided to gentle gradient slopes with well maintained and smooth tracks. However, suitable routes must be communicated to those with mobility issues, perhaps through medical centres or online support forums. Similarly, people who have poor fitness can be supported on shorter routes and given ample time to summit smaller hills. There are many ways that effort and reward can be achieved regardless of physical issues. Going out with others of matching ability is also helpful, therefore finding like minded groups with similar goals can be very encouraging.
Other barriers for many are the costs of travelling and equipment. Luckily hillwalking is one of the less expensive pastimes and there are definitely ways to keep costs down. One of the benefits of our online world is that there are many second hand websites where outdoor clothing and equipment is resold at much lower costs. You don’t need a £500 Gore-Tex jacket to stay dry when it rains. Local charity shops are good places to pick up quality rain coats. In addition, many outdoor shops now sell decent quality affordable footwear options.
In terms of travel costs, many of Scotland’s best hill walks can be reached by bus with companies such as Stagecoach actively keeping prices down on their routes into the Cairngorms National Park. You can park in most car parks for free or a small fee, with organisations such as Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland using those modest charges to maintain facilities such as toilets and access projects. There is definitely an inclusive mentality within Scotland’s outdoor organisations to support access to hillwalking. However, we can always do better.
A lack of knowledge is a barrier for many when it comes to participating in hillwalking. In Scotland, we are lucky that most primary schools organise outdoor centric residential trips for older pupils. For many this is their first taste of outdoor pursuits and for some, enthusiasm for the great outdoors is ignited. It’s just a shame that these experiences are mostly limited to one week- we could certainly make the great outdoors more of a major segment of the curriculum from P1 to S6.
Many local authorities have outdoor centres that deliver subsidised programmes throughout school holidays but they often run affordable courses for adults too. Local libraries, council websites and community centres are good places to acquire information about what outdoor activities are available in your area. There are also many online clubs and groups where information regarding routes, car share and recent hill conditions are posted.
One of the most nerve wracking concerns about hillwalking is inexperience with maps and navigation, not understanding safety procedures, and thus having a valid fear of getting lost or injured. Many outdoor companies and organisations offer short navigation courses that can help with basic map reading. For additional peace of mind, there are many hillwalking apps from which maps can be downloaded and GPS can be tracked. Don’t be put off- navigation skills aren’t rocket science but they do require some focus and practice.
Internal barriers to hill walking include lack of confidence in skillset, fear of inclement weather, heights, accidents, fear of not keeping up with a group, and just general anxiety about outdoor environments. This is where Mountain Guides can help greatly by offering a variety of events and providing detailed information such as timings, expectations, route plan, kit list etc as this helps potential participants understand what will be involved. However, more importantly, reassuring every group member that the plan is ALWAYS adaptable on the day and in place to ensure that EVERY participant has a rewarding and enjoyable inclusive. Strong leadership skills, a calm demeanour and sense of humour make all the difference to nervous novices.
For many years hillwalking and mountaineering were dominated by men but more and more women are now summiting and achieving incredible feats. In the hillwalking community there are more women Mountain Leaders, women only groups events and plenty of female solo hikers leading the way for plenty more. Organisations such as Mountaineering Scotland and Girls on Hills continue to advocate for women in the hills. As a Mountain Leader it’s important to be open and supportive for any women who come into our group events. This looks like recognising women need privacy for toilet breaks, information around menstruation in the hills, understanding female cycles and life stages and being aware that some women may be nervous around men. Empowering women is in everyone’s best interests and a good Mountain Leader can create a safe, encouraging environment for both men and women. Rising numbers of women in more demanding hillwalking and mountaineering activities are hugely encouraging.
There is potential to build on the positive advancements made in terms of overcoming obstacles to participation in hillwalking. Long may Scotland’s outdoor communities and organisations continue to be progressive with access and inclusion. The greatest issue with breaking down barriers is often funding related. Government investment in outdoor initiatives can always be improved.
BONNIE TRAILS 