We've recently launched our Supported by Tiso scheme, so what better time to meet our ambassadors? Here's our interview with passionate hill walker and Instagrammer Chris of @walkingscotland.
I’m Chris, I’m 24 and currently live with my partner in Cambuslang, Glasgow. Right now, I’m working two jobs: in a warehouse and in retail. This means I don’t get out on the hills as much as I would like, but I take every opportunity I can. When I do get time off, I head north to walk and camp. I have plenty of plans and ideas for the coming years and I’m motivated to learn new skills like rock climbing and rope skills. This year, I’m hoping to bag my 100th Munro and next year I’m planning to do the Cape Wrath Trail for charity. But the ultimate dream? That’s to climb an 8000m peak. Who knows, I might get the opportunity one day!
My love of the outdoors began when I was younger – I was outside every day. Biking, climbing everything, building treehouses, camping…. I was very adventurous as a youth but it was only about 3 years ago that my friend introduced me to hill walking. The first hill I walked was the Corbett Ben Venue. I was quick to learn that wearing long johns wasn’t the best idea… When I reached the summit, I was rewarded with some of the best views I’d ever seen and this was the day I fell in love with hill walking.
My first Munro was Ben Lomond. I was fortunate to get good weather that time, but living in Scotland you’re quick to realise that the weather report is never 100% accurate! I remember the first weekend camping trip I took with my friends. We headed up Glen Coe for some winter walking, hoping to bag nine Munros. Thanks to the weather, we only completed two. Being outdoors ain’t all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s what I love about it.
My perfect day would be in the Scottish Highlands. Wandering somewhere with friends, clear blue skies overhead, a slight breeze to cool off… And for a bonus there’d be a waterfall for a wee swim after. After a day on the hills I would set up camp, start a fire, cook some food and watch the sunset. Days like this do happen!
I’ve got a few kit favourites. Last year I bought the Scarpa Charmoz Pro GTX boots and Grivel Crampons from Tiso. They’re a great pairing and give me the confidence to get more out of winter mountaineering. Another Tiso purchase is my Garmin Etrex 10 GPS, which is an extra safety feature when I’m out on the hills. Lastly, after a pretty bad wild camping experience in Glen Coe where it took me 40 minutes to boil water, I bought a Highlander Stove which hasn’t let me down.
My aim is to keep exploring Scotland. What I love about this place is that you can take the same photo, at the same location, several times a year and each picture will turn out different in its own unique way. I hope the pictures I share motivate others to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
