These boots are made for walking....

I recently invested in a new pair of hiking boots and was keen to try them out properly on the hills, a weekend back at my parents' provided that opportunity :-).

 

Although the boots I had on the Great Wall of China served me well they let me down on the West Highland Way as it turned out they weren't waterproof in the slightest! For walkers boots are the most important piece of gear you'll ever buy, they do the most work and provide more security than any of the other climbing gear on the market. Moreover, they must fit perfectly to avoid a world of pain! And so Tiso it was....

 

I had researched various boots online and was keen to try a number of boots by Scarpa, Hi-tec and Saloman. Most of the boots available these days seem to be made in Italy and that pushes the prices up as the Euro doesn't go far. Still, I had recently worked a bank holiday at work and set aside my double pay for the privilege ;-) After trying on at least 6 different pairs of boots at Tiso and seeking the advice of a member of staff I eventually decided on the new Baltoro from Scarpa. combining elements of previous ranges to produce their most comfortable, lightweight boot yet. The Gore-tex XCR membrane prevents water getting in, whilst allowing breathability and the Vibram sole which I love on my Merrell trainers provides a great level of grip. Added to that these boots actually look attractive, especially with the the pink bits peeking through the grey :-)

 

I wore the boots around the flat initially just to break them in but to be honest, being fabric rather than leather they are already quite flexible and didn't need much breaking-in. However it wasn't until my Dad agreed to climb a Munro with me that I had the opportunity to wear them on the hills. We decided to climb Shiehallion, just past Aberfeldy. Situated in higher Perthshire, Shiehallion is one of Scotland's best known Munros and also viewed as one of the easiest. With this in mind Mum decided to join us and we were all impressed with her efforts, conquering the summit in good time.

 

The walk certainly started off easier than the previous Munros I have faced with a well constructed path gradually climbing, however the terrain become tougher as we neared the summit with thousands of quartzite boulders littering ridge and slowing progress. Added to that the elements were against us with drizzle and mist and a strong wind. At times I was sure I was going to take flight and Dad nearly lost his hat! We enjoyed our picnic at the summit but soon felt the colder and the fleeces and gloves had to put on hastily! On our descent the weather improved and we were treated to views across Loch Tummel and towards the Ben Lawers massif. My new boots did me proud and it was great to tick off another Munro in my training programme for Peru :-)

 

My new boots :-)

 

Sx