Latitude 57

11/06/2026

🏔️ Thinking about tackling your first Munro or exploring more of Scotland's mountains?

Mountaineering Scotland has relaunched its free Sofa 2 Summit online course, designed to help people build the skills and confidence needed to enjoy the hills safely. With mountain rescue teams experiencing record numbers of callouts, learning the basics of planning, navigation, weather awareness, and hill safety has never been more important.

At Latitude 57°, we're all about getting outdoors and exploring what Scotland has to offer, but the best adventures are the ones you come home from safely. Whether you're aiming for your first Munro, planning family walks, or looking to build confidence in the hills, free resources like this are well worth a look.

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Have you completed any mountain safety or navigation courses? What was the most valuable lesson you learned?

A free online course is helping people gain the confidence and skills needed to explore Scotland's mountains safely this summer.

Why it matters: mountain rescue teams recorded a record number of callouts last year.

Read the full story 👇

Link in first comment

10/06/2026

A short solo ride with a big reward 🚴‍♂️⛰️

Today I headed up to the Iron Age hill fort at Knockfarrel above Strathpeffer. You can walk, cycle, or drive up to the parking area, but I chose the bike and was rewarded with some incredible Highland views.

From the top, you can look down over Dingwall and the Cromarty Firth, across to Loch Ussie, and north towards the mighty Ben Wyvis. Standing among the remains of an ancient hill fort, it's easy to imagine why people chose this spot thousands of years ago.

One thing that definitely wanted to come home with me was the ticks! 😬 I was covered in them after the ride, so it's a good reminder to check yourself, your clothing, children, and dogs after spending time outdoors. Tick numbers seem particularly high this year.

🔥 After picking off what felt like half the Highlands, a sauna at home was very well deserved.

🎥 If you're unsure how to remove a tick safely, I've linked my tick removal video below.
https://youtu.be/tOII8B5tsvQ?t=279

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Have you been up to Knockfarrel? Do you prefer to walk, ride, or drive up?

🗺️Car Park
What 3 words- ///wept.bedrock.fond
OS MAPS- NH 50519 58549
Google Maps- HFQV+X9, Strathpeffer IV15 9TQ

07/06/2026

🕷️ 🔎 A quick reminder to check yourself, your children and your animals for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Last year I made a video about ticks after someone very close to me was diagnosed with Lyme disease. It brought home just how important awareness and early treatment can be.

This weekend alone, around the croft and with the horses, we've removed dozens of ticks. They seem to be particularly active at the moment.

As much as we love exploring wild places, whether that's hiking, camping, horse trekking or simply enjoying time outside, it's worth taking a few minutes for a thorough tick check when you get home.

The outdoors is an amazing place to be, but a little awareness goes a long way.

Have you noticed more ticks this year?

Please share this info with anyone who is enjoying the outdoors.

Full video on my you tube channel.

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HikingLife HorseLife CroftLife ScottishHighlands FamilyAdventure OutdoorEducation ExploreMore StaySafe FollowMe InstaFollow LikeAndShare

07/06/2026

🕷️🔎 Ticks are rife this year in the Highlands.

03/06/2026

🗺️ **Stop carrying a full OS map when you only need a small section of it!**

In this video, I show you how to use OS Maps online to select a specific area and print a custom map for your walk, hike, or outdoor adventure.

This simple technique can help reduce the amount of paper you carry, keep your navigation focused on the route you're actually using, and make trip planning much easier.

⚠️ **Important:** This method is best suited to shorter routes and local walks where there is little risk of needing to navigate far beyond your planned route. For longer hikes, remote areas, mountain days, or expeditions, I still recommend carrying the full OS map covering the wider area, along with the appropriate navigation skills and backup plans.

⛰️ Perfect for:
✔ Short Walks
✔ Day Hikes
✔ Route Planning
✔ Outdoor Education
✔ Navigation Practice

💬 Do you carry full paper maps or print custom sections? Let me know in the comments.

👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to support the channel.



https://youtu.be/eowscPt95yM?si=dVriqUm3q5XlolHg

01/06/2026

⛰️ The Mountain Behind Our Logo Just Got Some Good News

The outline is inspired by An Teallach in Wester Ross, one of Scotland's most iconic mountains and a place that means a great deal to us.

Recently, a three-year project to repair almost 2 miles (3.2km) of heavily eroded paths on the mountain was completed two months ahead of schedule. More than 700 tonnes of stone were used, along with traditional hand-built techniques, to help protect the landscape and improve access for future generations.

It's fantastic to see investment being made in Scotland's wild places, ensuring they can be enjoyed while preserving the fragile environments that make them so special.



Read more 👉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2p0er352lo

18/05/2026

First proper day out of the year with the kids at Gruinard Bay Beach — and what a day for it. Crystal clear water, sky-blue skies, and beautiful weather. Life’s been busy, so it was good to get back outside and make the most of it.

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🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysrRioyFD95prx2W6
OS maps NG952901

17/05/2026

🕵️Want to keep up to date with what we’re up to at Latitude 57°?

Sign up to our newsletter below 👇 (opt out anytime with the click of a button)

We’ll only send around **one email a month** — because, to be honest, we’re usually too busy being outside, making memories as a family, and getting stuck into real life.

No spam. Just the odd update, story, adventure, product news, and a bit of outdoor inspiration.

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👇 https://squareup.com/customer-programs/enroll/5yPLQRq6RUVj/marketing

23/04/2026

First proper day out of the year with the kids at Gruinard Bay Beach — and what a day for it. Crystal clear water, sky-blue skies, and beautiful weather. Life’s been busy, so it was good to get back outside and make the most of it.

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🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysrRioyFD95prx2W6
OS maps NG952901

25/02/2026

Another birthday offshore.

Not quite the Scottish Highlands — not a mountain in site, panoramic views of nothing but ocean and relentless heat offshore Angola ☀️

Before I left, I was handed a surprise and told “don’t open this until your birthday.”
Along with handmade cards from my girls ❤️

Inside?
A stunning Dalvey pocket compass — solid, weighty, proper craftsmanship.

Dalvey are based in the Highlands (established 1897) so even when I’m thousands of miles away, there’s still a bit of home in my pocket.

Won’t be taking this one into the hills — I’d never forgive myself if I lost it.

It’s a reminder all the same:
No matter where you are in the world…
Know your direction.

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