Step Outside, Gain Confidence and Conquer the Hills this spring!

The Step Outside Project is a new project by Ewen’s Room, in partnership with Abacus Guides, to form a small walking group and slowly build confidence, connection and skills over 5 months, and eventually tackle some of our most iconic local Hills. This project is aimed at everyone! Whether you have never worn hiking boots or a proficient walker – we welcome everyone!

Step Outside: Gain the skills, confidence and headspace to enjoy the Outdoors on your doorstep

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the UK but stepping into the hills can feel challenging or overwhelming for a number of reasons. Maybe you don’t know where to start? What routes and walks are best for your level of fitness and experience? Maybe you are keen to explore the mountains, but you don’t have someone to share this excitement with? Or are you indeed an experienced hill walker who’s hung up their boots for a few years and is looking for an excuse to get them out again?

Whatever your reason, this is the call you’ve been waiting for!

Ewen’s Room has partnered with Abacus Mountain Guides to invite you along on a 5-month hillwalking journey. Every other week, we will take you – along with seven other participants – on a walk in the hills of Lochaber. The walks have been planned to help you develop basic mountaineering skills, build up your confidence and improve Wellbeing and Connection to Nature.

What to expect?

The program will run from the 4th March until the 1st July and will include 10 guided walks in the Lochaber area – usually on a Wednesday during the day.

The dates for the walks are:

4th March
18th March
1st April
15th April
6th May
20th May
3rd June
17th June
1st July

The walks will be increasing in length and challenge level, culminating in one final big hike on the 1st July. We are offering transport to the start of all of the hikes from a central pick-up point suitable for the whole group – most likely in or around Fort William. Please let us know if getting to the pick up point would be a problem, and we will try our best to facilitate transport for you.

What does it cost?

The Step Outside Project is support by Active Highlands and is free to attend. We ask that you commit to attending all the guided walks and let us know as soon as possible if you’re unable to participate for any reason so that places can be given to people on the waiting list.

How do I prepare for the Walks?

We will be in contact before each walk to discus what you may need to bring. If getting the equipment for the walks is difficult for you for any reason, please let us know. There are a number of ways we may be able to help with loaned equipment or advise. Abacus Mountain Guides have put together a helpful overview sheet here and a video here.