First trip to Scotland

[Edd101]

I'm off on my first trip to the very North of Scotland (Melvich) in a couple of weeks time. it's shaping up, for me, to be a trip of a lifetime. I'm going with two people who are super experienced but I'm a relative novice when it comes to this sort of stalking.

We're being guided etc although I think there is the opportunity for unguided if it feels right.

What should I be thinking about in terms of gear and just general tips for the hill. I'm pretty experienced trekking outdoors in poor conditions but not in a stalking type scenario in that terrain. There's a million and ones things you don't need and a few you do so I don't want to turn up like a packhorse but equally don't want to be underprepared.

In no particular order anything else you think I might need:

A rifle!!
a knife
Binos, possibly a thermal although that might stay in the truck.
Some gloves (warm + latex)
Decent clothing....obviously a given!

Past that there's a load of stuff which I don't know if it's worth having:

Bipod - might remove this for weight purposes although I am using a .243 which is light enough anyway.
Thermal - although that might stay in the truck.
Quad Sticks
Map/Compass

What else should I be thinking about? Any tips are gratefully received.

 

[Essexsussex]

If you are solo a rudimentary first aid kit with at least an Israeli bandage / tourniquet and cellox granules are on my list. Drag rope or strap?

 

[farrieral]

Some sort of rifle carrying system other than a basic sling! Especially if you're walking good distances.

For me a Vorn backpack is essential for the hill... I use the 12L one. It's big enough to get all the essential extra bits in, but not too big that you can fill it full of shite!

Expensive kit in the grand scheme of things but 100% worth it

 

[Corvid8x57]

Plenty of snacks to keep you going

 

[WalkedUp]

I'm off on my first trip to the very North of Scotland (Melvich) in a couple of weeks time. it's shaping up, for me, to be a trip of a lifetime. I'm going with two people who are super experienced but I'm a relative novice when it comes to this sort of stalking.

We're being guided etc although I think there is the opportunity for unguided if it feels right.

What should I be thinking about in terms of gear and just general tips for the hill. I'm pretty experienced trekking outdoors in poor conditions but not in a stalking type scenario in that terrain. There's a million and ones things you don't need and a few you do so I don't want to turn up like a packhorse but equally don't want to be underprepared.

In no particular order anything else you think I might need:

A rifle!!
a knife
Binos, possibly a thermal although that might stay in the truck.
Some gloves (warm + latex)
Decent clothing....obviously a given!

Past that there's a load of stuff which I don't know if it's worth having:

Bipod - might remove this for weight purposes although I am using a .243 which is light enough anyway.
Thermal - although that might stay in the truck.
Quad Sticks
Map/Compass

What else should I be thinking about? Any tips are gratefully received.

A lovely area! I know Melvich well. Let me know if you need any food or drink recommendations. Great beaches too but may be quite wild at this time of year. Let us know how you get on

 

[Toller]

Keep the bipod. A tall one to get you up out the heather.

 

[Mungo]

I'm off on my first trip to the very North of Scotland (Melvich) in a couple of weeks time. it's shaping up, for me, to be a trip of a lifetime. I'm going with two people who are super experienced but I'm a relative novice when it comes to this sort of stalking.

We're being guided etc although I think there is the opportunity for unguided if it feels right.

What should I be thinking about in terms of gear and just general tips for the hill. I'm pretty experienced trekking outdoors in poor conditions but not in a stalking type scenario in that terrain. There's a million and ones things you don't need and a few you do so I don't want to turn up like a packhorse but equally don't want to be underprepared.

In no particular order anything else you think I might need:

A rifle!!
a knife
Binos, possibly a thermal although that might stay in the truck.
Some gloves (warm + latex)
Decent clothing....obviously a given!

Past that there's a load of stuff which I don't know if it's worth having:

Bipod - might remove this for weight purposes although I am using a .243 which is light enough anyway.
Thermal - although that might stay in the truck.
Quad Sticks
Map/Compass

What else should I be thinking about? Any tips are gratefully received.

Midge repellant!!

 

[WalkedUp]

Bipod - might remove this for weight purposes although I am using a .243 which is light enough anyway.
Thermal - although that might stay in the truck.
Quad Sticks
Map/Compass

I would take all of these, although the bipod is unlikely to be much use due to the length of cover. Still handy for setting down the rifle without it getting covered in muck.

 

[Edd101]

It's February on the same latitude as Norway...I reckon I'll be fine..but thanks

 

[Edd101]

Midge repellant!!

It's February on the same latitude as Norway...I reckon I'll be fine..but thanks

 

[WalkedUp]

It's February on the same latitude as Norway...I reckon I'll be fine..but thanks

I can ask for a midge forecast from my family there. I was bitten by a mosquito yesterday off the Dee!

 

[VSS]

A decent stick to walk with.

 

[mudman]

Drag rope or Roe sack ( if you are shooting…. Roe)

 

[Mungo]

It's February on the same latitude as Norway...I reckon I'll be fine..but thanks

Ah!

I missed the February bit.

Really good boots and two sets of waterproofs.

 

[Dave_45]

If your going with James you’ll enjoy yourself

 

[roebuck220]

A tip for the stalker.

 

[esau]

Tissue /absorbent paper in a sealed plastic bag for cleaning optical lenses.....it might rain.

 

[Edd101]

A tip for the stalker.

I was actually going to ask this. I know what sort of tip is right for the keeper on a driven day but not sure what kind of tip is right for a stalker?

 

[Sitka]

Spare pair of shoes...at some point one foot or both will find a watery hole.

 

[sikamalc]

Well worn in good walking boots and gaters.