European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 20, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer Scotland is a hiker s dream. From leisurely strolls. Through pastoral Countryside to the challenges of Cross country , Britain s northernmost Region has something for everyone who enjoys walking. A Scotland s most compelling attraction for any outdoors enthusiast is its natural Beauty. Especially in the Northern two thirds of the Region it is a wild unspoiled Larid of. Rolling moors and windblown Lochs of Pristine streams and spectacular Mountain vistas. In general hiking in Scotland can be divided into two categories corresponding to the two main geographical regions a Southern lowlands and Northern Highlands. In the South the Countryside is similar to parts of England. It is mainly an area of farms and Fertile Fields of rolling Hills and gentle valleys. The two biggest cities Are located there a Glasgow in the West and Edinburgh in the East a and towns and villages Dot the Countryside. Because of these factors hiking in the South a the a counties of Dumfries and Galloway Borders Lothian and the Southern part of Strathclyde a is More genteel. Civilization is Seldom far away and the terrain is for the most part not As demanding As it is farther North. There Are rugged areas especially in the West but Hill walking is an Apt term for most of this Southern hiking. In the North the Highlands provide a strikingly v different hiking environment. North and West from Inverness and Loch Ness is country As rugged and wild As any in Europe.  the Scotland of legend and Saga a Region of lonely moors Heather covered hillsides and Rocky valleys of myriad streams and numberless Lochs. And mountains. The highest Peak in Britain a 4,400-foot Ben Nevis a is near fort William in West Central Scotland. There Are Many others in the Highlands Between 2,500 and 4,000 feet. Because the Highlands Are virtually treeless there Are stunning panoramas everywhere. This is partly the result of climate and geology but also of destructive forestry practices in the past a Over cutting for lumber and slash and Burn to produce More sheep pasture. One warning that is repeated Over and Over is that like the sea the Highlands Are Beautiful but unforgiving. The wind is nearly always blowing and even in summer the weather can change dramatically in a very Short time on a recent visit Many of the High peaks still had Snow. One Day in two hours the weather went from sunny and 70 degrees to 45 degrees with cold rain and sleet. Because of the rugged terrain and harsh weather no one should head into the Highlands without proper ,. Equipment developing hypothermia or getting lost could quickly turn a dream hike into a Nightmare. The most necessary piece of equipment is a pair of Good sturdy hiking boots. Because of the abundance of streams and wet ground the new Waterproof ones with Gore Tex Are excellent. Other models offer varying degrees of resistance to moisture but the Highlands is definitely not a Region for sneakers or Tennis shoes. Other essential gear for hiking the  food Compass topographical maps called ordnance Survey maps in Britai warm Wool clothing even in. A. Summer Waterproof Parka Backpack with spare clothes flashlight and first Aid kit. A. A. A. Just As important As equipment is preparation. Those planning Long hikes without a guide should be familiar with Overland navigation and map Reading. Be sure to Check the weather forecast before you set out. At some tourist information offices notices Are posted advising hikers to notify the local police and others Park Ranger hotel proprietor or bed and breakfast owner where they Are staying when they head off into the Highlands. A Standard notification form lists departure and estimated return times area to be hiked equipment carried and color of clothing worn Mountain Rescue teams Are on Call for emergencies. Nearly every Section of Scotland offers hikers a wide Range of options. Day hikes and nature walks Are available in Many areas especially in Parks and nature reserves. Those who want a True wilderness experience combined with primitive camping should head North. Camping is riot restricted to designated campgrounds but hikers should attempt to Check with the landowner before setting  tent in the mountains or moors. Nature reserves Are off limits. \ a a a a Scotland also has Many developed campsites with varying degrees of Comfort and facilities but in thinly populated regions they Are few and far Between. Especially in the Highlands careful planning is required by hikers who want to plan overnight stops in established campgrounds. A a a a in Many regions it is also possible to plan hiking trips. With overnights in a amp is inns or hotels. For those who prefer not to strike out on their own a number of companies organize group hikes or walks in Britain. Here Are three greens Cape u.k., Mil away Lane Croyde Devon ex33 inc England Tel. 0271890677 English wanderer 6 George Street Ferryhill a group of hikers Heads up the Trail on a Rainy Day in Clen Coe National nature Reserve. Sheep Dot a Meadow As two backpackers trek toward a  county Durham dl17 0dt, England Tel. 0740-653169 walking holidays in Britain of holidays limited. Imperial House Edgware Road London nw9 5al England Tel. 081-905-9388. An excellent reference work for hikers in Scotland is wild Britain by Douglas Botting published in England by Ebury press. It includes maps descriptions and even the numbers of ordnance Survey maps for specific regions. List Price is 14.95 pounds $24.50. Another Good Book is Scotland for hiking available for 2.50 pounds $4.10 at Many bookstores and tourist information offices. Also helpful Are exploring Rural Scotland by Gilbert Summers and classic walks in Britain by Bill Birkett. It contains few specifics on hiking but has much Good general a information about the various regions and their natural. A landscapes. List Price is 5.95 pounds $9.75. \ the British tourist authority has available a guide titled where to stay camping and caravan Parks Britain 91. Another Good reference Book is Europa camping and car Vaning 1991, available from stars and stripes bookstores for $14.95. A ordnance Survey maps and other information Are available locally from scottish forestry commission offices. A. A a a a a  a a a a for More information about hiking and other aspects of travelling in Scotland Contact .british.tourist-authority, thames Tower Black s Road Hammersmith London w6 9el, or scottish tourist Board . Box 705, Edinburgh eh4 3eu, Scotland. = 12 stripes Magazine june 20, 1991