25 Best Gifts for Hikers and Outdoors Lovers in Scotland

Throughout the trials and tribulations of this year, there's been one constant that has always managed to brighten my days and relieve any stress - getting outdoors. From discovering new walks on my doorstep to exploring a little further afield; bagging munros, wild swimming and paddleboarding in the sea. There's nothing quite like the fresh air and feeling of escape that comes from being in the Scottish wilderness. With Christmas fast approaching, you may be wondering how to encourage your loved ones to continue reaping these benefits, so for a little inspiration, here are 25 of the best gifts for hikers and outdoors lovers in Scotland.


West Candle Co Beinn candle, with Cairngorm John and Wild Guide Scotland books

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission from any purchase you make, at no extra cost to you.


1. West Candle Company - Bring the outdoors in and "coorie down" with these Hebridean inspired luxury soy wax candles, made in Aberdeenshire. Their mantra of "less stress, more peace and adventure" will resonate with anyone who enjoys getting outside in Scotland. Their Bothy candle with smoky, whisky notes will take you straight to thoughts of toasting marshmallows and sharing drinks around a campfire, while the Beinn scent is reminiscent of walks through a Caledonian forest, thanks to the strong notes of pine cone.


Browse the full collection on the West Candle Company website.


2. Munro Bagging Collect & Scratch Map - Know someone who's recently taken up munro bagging? This is the ideal gift! They can scratch off each individual mountain from the map of Scotland as they climb them, as well as the areas they've completed, and keep a track of their total number too. We're only at number 15 but there's something quite satisfying about scratching off the name after a long day in the hills.


*Munros are mountains in Scotland over 3000ft. The challenge of climbing all 282 of them is known as munro bagging.


Buy the Munro scratch map here.


3. Wild Guide Scotland - This book is essential for planning any Scottish adventure. From Arran to Aberdeenshire, Angus to Glencoe, and everywhere in between, it features must visit waterfalls, hidden beaches, magnificent mountains and secret caves. Plus tips on where to eat, stay, swim and walk. I flick to the relevant location for inspiration before any Highland getaway.


Find Wild Scotland here.


4. Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue - John Allen spent over thirty years in the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue team, and this account of his experiences is both entertaining and terrifying, and will leave you in awe of all that these volunteers do. It will certainly make you reconsider how well prepared you are when you head to the hills! A must read for anyone who enjoys walking or climbing in Scotland.


Buy Cairngorm John by John Allen.


5. Hillgoers Course - Speaking of being prepared, once you've read Cairngorm John and realised you should probably learn some navigation skills, I recommend checking out Hillgoers. They host "hill skills workshops" at Bennachie, as well as National Navigation Awards Scheme courses, winter skills lessons and guided walks up mountains such as Lochnagar, which would make great gifts for new hikers.


Gift vouchers are available from Hillgoers!


"Into the wild" Juniper Press enamel mug, in the wild (at Glen Doll)


6. Juniper Press prints - Local illustrator Laura sells some of the loveliest outdoors inspired pieces on her Etsy page. I'm a big fan of the Fern print and "The Mountains are Calling" card. Over the years I've amassed a wee collection of Juniper Press goods, including a pretty beaded necklace, a little trinket dish that sits by my kitchen windowsill, and the "Into the Wild" enamel mug, pictured above. It couldn't be more appropriate for our hillwalking and camping trips. You'd best be fast if these come back in stock - I reckon they go pretty quickly!


Shop Juniper Press on Etsy.


7. Jetboil Cooking System - If, like my husband, you get impatient waiting for the kettle to boil on a standard camping stove, you need a Jetboil in your life. This lightweight, compact cooking system boils half a litre of water in just 2 minutes. It's ideal for packing in a day bag to warm up with a freshly brewed cup of tea after hiking in the cold, as it's your kettle, stove and mug all in one!


Find the Jetboil Zip stove here.


8. Hiking Socks - It may sound simple but a decent pair of socks can make or break your day in the hills. We've all been there - your boots repeatedly rubbing your ankles, ending up with disgustingly painful blisters that make even a gentle stroll in the park a struggle for the next week. Nobody wants that. Personally I love 1000 Mile socks for their blister free guaranteed double layer or Bridgedale's merino comfort hiking socks - the lovely cushioned soles make it feel like you're walking on a cloud!


Shop Bridgedale and 1000 Mile socks on Amazon.


9. Walking Poles - Ever tried descending a hill with a rocky, uneven surface? It's pretty hard going. With a set of walking poles, you can relieve the strain on your knees by planting them into the rough terrain before each step. They'll help with balance on slippy surfaces and you can use them to pull yourself up on an incline too! These days they come in all shapes, sizes and prices. I'd recommend a lightweight, collapsible set, convenient for carrying on long treks.


These Andes walking poles are a bargain.


10. Bothy Tales: Footsteps in the Scottish hills, by John D Burns - Sharing stories of nights spent in hidden bothies in the highlands, and the people he meets along the way, this book by John D Burns is a joy to read. His first book, The Last Hillwalker, is a similar style but documents John's outdoors life, from walking the Pennine Way in the 1970's to moving to the Cairngorms and falling in love with the Scottish hills.


Bothy Tales is currently available for free on Kindle Unlimited!


Guithas facemask by Fernweh


11. Fernweh Face Masks and Bags - "Inspired by adventure, made in Scotland", Fernweh offers quality waxed canvas bags and accessories handcrafted by owner Laura in Aberdeen. The latest Fiadhaich collection takes inspiration from the rugged landscape of the Cairngorms, using colours reminiscent of a crisp Autumn day in Scotland. I have the Finnoch field bag high on my own Christmas wish list! Other accessories include a carabiner mug, ideal for clipping to your rucksack.


Shop Fernweh here.


12. National Trust for Scotland membership - From just £4.50 a month for a gift membership, this is an ideal present for anyone passionate about supporting Scotland's unique heritage. The NTS doesn't just care for castles and historic buildings, but maintains landscapes including 8 national nature reserves, such as Glencoe, and 46 munros! Their work includes wildlife conservation, protecting natural habitats, woodland regeneration and maintaining mountain footpaths and trails. Membership not only helps to support this work, but includes access to all Trust places, a member's magazine, newsletter and guide, and free parking in NTS car parks.


Browse membership options on the NTS website.


13. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer - This true story follows Chris McCandless' adventures living wild and free across America. Despite the tragic ending in the Alaskan wilderness, it's an inspiring look at a life lived outdoors, connecting with nature, far away from the constraints of modern life. You may have seen the film?


Find Into the Wild here.


14. Smidge Spray or Net - Anyone who's ever spent time in Scotland during summer, will know all about the infamous midge! These tiny wee biting beasties have ruined many a west coast camping trip or loch side amble. Smidge is renowned as one of the best insect repellents on the market with their DEET free formula, and is one of the top recommended items to bring to the highlands and islands. They've also developed a midge-proof headnet - not exactly stylish, but considered essential by some. It'd make an excellent stocking filler!


Smidge spray is available on Amazon and most outdoors shops.


15. Citronella Incense - Another midge repelling method, and one we picked up at a campsite on Arran, is citronella incense sticks! I've always been aware of candles being used for the same purpose, but actually found this more effective as the scent seems to travel farther. Perfect for a picnic or camping trip as they won't take up much space in your bag either!


Buy citronella incense sticks here.


Personalised Bennachie print, framed on a shelf


16. Bennachie Print - Most hillwalkers in Aberdeenshire will be well acquainted with beautiful Bennachie, and this A4 print by Amy Singer Art makes a great gift for local hikers. You can even have it personalised, as my sister did when she bought it as a 1st anniversary present for us. Amy's Highland Cow and Stag prints are lovely too!


You can shop Amy Singer Art on Etsy or pop into Cloudy Blue on Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.


17. Hidden Scotland magazine - Created by one of the most popular Scottish Instagram accounts, the Hidden Scotland magazine is a perfectly curated collection of stories and imagery to help you discover Scotland. The first issue features everything from wildlife tours on the Isle of Mull to haunted castles in Aberdeenshire. It shares unique accommodation experiences, alongside beautiful products made in Scotland, to add to your own Scottish sanctuary. At just £15, the magazine itself will make a charming addition to any coffee table.


Hidden Scotland magazine is available here.


18. Woodland Trust membership - After watching David Attenborough's latest Netflix release, more and more people have become passionate about "rewilding". Planting trees and maintaining woodlands are some of the easiest ways to do this. Enter the Woodland Trust. Membership starts from £4 per month and may be greatly appreciated by the little eco warriors in your life! They'll receive a welcome pack, directory of Woodland Trust woods, a tree identification guide and four copies of their magazine a year, as well as the satisfaction of knowing 80% of the membership fee goes towards protecting woodland and wildlife around the UK. Family membership includes stickers and seasonal activity packs too.


Browse Woodland Trust gifts here.


19. Dryrobe - Anyone who's ever tried to dry off and change outdoors, after a wild swim or paddle boarding session, will know the awkward balancing act of trying to protect your modesty with a towel at the same time! Dryrobe is designed specifically for these occasions. The lambs wool lining of the towelling robe not only helps with drying, but as insulation too, helping you warm up after a brisk dip in a Scottish loch. They're a little pricey but essential kit for any water sports enthusiast.


Dryrobe is available on Amazon.


20. Kinrara Cairngorm Whiteout Gin - Know a hiker who loves gin? This is the gift for them! Handcrafted in the heart of the Cairngorms, at their Aviemore micro distillery, Kinrara Cairngorm Whiteout gin was created for the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue team. £5 from each sale goes to the team, supporting their hard work and commitment to helping those who enjoy the hills. It's a classic juniper led gin with "citrus and floral notes", perfect when paired with a good tonic and grapefruit or orange peel.


Buy Cairngorm Whiteout direct from Kinrara Distillery.


Walking the dog with donkeys and a llama at Ecocamp Glenshee


21. Book a night in the great outdoors - Nothing beats a night away, far from any distractions (and phone reception!), tucked up all cosy in a wee camping pod or a comfy bothy, gazing out at the stars. We've had some great glamping and AirBnB experiences over the years, including an eco camp in Perthshire with llamas for company! My top recommendation at the moment would be luxury camping in the Cairngorms at the Howe of Torbeg.


Discover 5 Unique Aberdeenshire Glamping Sites.


22. Scottish Mountain jewellery - Inspired by her local landscape, Arran artist Jess Macdonald creates unique pieces of jewellery, reflecting iconic hills such as Goatfell or the Black Cuillins further afield. Her 3D summit cufflinks would make a unique gift for the man in your life.


Browse Jess Macdonald Brass on Etsy.


23. The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd - "A celebration of the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland", this book by Nan Shepherd is considered one of the finest pieces of work ever written about nature. Originally penned during the second world war, the manuscript was finally published 30 years later to critical acclaim. A poetic love story to the spectacular yet harsh realities of the mountain landscape.


Purchase The Living Mountain online.


24. Robertson & Rhodes Alpaca Beanies -  These super soft, cosy hats are made from 100% alpaca wool by a family business in Aberdeen. They have a whole range of colours and sizes available, so you can buy them for babies, little ones and grown ups to keep warm on those wild winter days in the highlands! 


Click here to find Robertson & Rhodes Etsy page.


25. Gourmet Marshmallow S'mores Kits - I just love the idea of these s'mores kits from The Naked Marshmallow Co! Ideal to use at home when you're craving a night by a fire, under the stars, but can't actually do it. Complete with vanilla bean flavoured marshmallows, Belgian chocolate thins and handmade biscuits, the pack also includes bamboo skewers and a non-toxic burner to toast your mallows over.


Buy your S'mores kit here.


Toasting marshmallows on a camp fire in a recycled washing machine drum


Whether you have an outdoorsy friend to buy for this Christmas, or just fancy treating yourself (because you totally deserve it!), I hope that this guide to gifts for hikers will make life a little easier and give you lots of inspiration. Maybe you've discovered a new company to fall in love with? There are so many fantastic local businesses selling lovely, unique pieces and it would be great to support them throughout this festive season and beyond. I hope you find something special here! 


Please share your own gift ideas in the comments below.


You may also enjoy:

5 Essentials to Pack for a Highland Adventure

Isle of Skye Road Trip - 2 Day Itinerary

5 Beautiful North Coast 500 Campsites


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25 Best Gifts for Hikers in Scotland

5 comments:

  1. These are fantastic gifts! I love to hike in Arizona, but this made me want to go hiking in Scotland!

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  2. I loved your recommendations! I’m adding Tahuna bothies and luxe camping in the Cairngorms to my list!!

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  3. Such cute gift ideas for hikers love it

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  4. Aw, I wish I was in Scotland! It's one of my favorite places, and you have some wonderful local vendors and gifts. A magazine dedicated to the hidden parts of Scotland sounds exceptional.

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  5. I love these! I am obessed with Scotland as well : ) I love that you have so many local vendors! It's so great to support local whenever you can!

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